Americans continue to hold travel close, even as economic signals flash mixed messages. The September edition of The State of the American Traveler survey reveals a public eager to take trips and ready to spend, though often with an eye on financial uncertainty.
More than 87 percent of respondents describe themselves as eager for leisure travel in the year ahead, a level that has held steady through 2025. Nearly nine in ten Americans say they have at least one trip planned, a figure that underscores how firmly travel has taken root as a household priority.
Spending expectations have reached new heights. Travelers now anticipate devoting an average of $6,184 to leisure trips over the next twelve months. This represents the highest level in the survey’s history and far exceeds the long-term average of $4,612. For some groups the spending outlook climbs even higher.
Wallets Under Pressure
The strong appetite for travel comes against a backdrop of financial unease. One third of respondents say they feel better off than a year ago while one quarter feel worse. Confidence that now is a good time for leisure spending has softened with only 35 percent describing conditions as favorable. Travel’s position in the household budget has also slipped. Fifty-six percent of respondents identify it as a top priority compared to 62 percent a year ago.
Concerns about the economy remain widespread. Nearly half of respondents expect a U.S. recession within six months and two out of three say they will adjust their travel behavior as a result. The adjustments vary but several patterns emerge:
- 29 percent plan to choose more affordable destinations
- 26 percent expect to use rewards programs
- 22 percent intend to travel less often
- 19 percent anticipate cutting spending on activities and attractions
- 15 percent expect to cancel trips outright
Yet a majority continue to say that travel is a worthwhile investment even in lean times. Nearly half also believe their household will be financially better off one year from now suggesting that optimism about the future remains in play.
Planned trip volume remains steady. Travelers expect to take an average of 3.7 leisure journeys of 50 miles or more in the next twelve months. More than one quarter anticipate five or more trips, a signal that frequent travel remains a defining habit for many households. About one quarter expect to travel more than last year while a smaller share anticipate traveling less.
Big Moments On The Horizon
Major cultural milestones are also shaping the outlook. Twenty-two percent of Americans express interest in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a segment that trends younger, more diverse and digitally engaged. More than half of respondents show interest in Route 66’s centennial celebrations, a group that tends to favor spontaneity and adventurous experiences while relying more on official tourism resources and podcasts than on social media.
The September findings capture a portrait of Americans who continue to make room for travel in their lives. Excitement stays strong, spending expectations rise to record levels and participation in upcoming cultural moments builds momentum even as the larger economy remains uncertain.
