Record-Breaking U.S. Leisure Travel Spending Predicted for 2026
American households are projected to spend a record-breaking $5,704 on leisure travel in 2026. Travelers are planning an average of 3.87 vacations over the next 12 months, according to new research from MMGY’s Spring Edition of the Portrait of American Travelers report.
The research, based on a survey of more than 4,500 U.S. adults, reveals that 67% of respondents expect to take a trip in the next six months, while 56% plan to spend more on travel than in the previous two years. This represents a historic high in leisure travel spending, demonstrating the resilience of travel demand despite economic uncertainties.
The report indicates that U.S. leisure travelers are planning more trips with higher spending budgets in 2026, with increased use of AI tools for travel planning. Despite concerns about inflation and general economic conditions, Americans continue to prioritize travel as a key household expenditure.
This strong leisure travel demand is reshaping the hospitality industry’s business models, with hotels and travel companies adjusting their pricing, operations, and positioning strategies to meet the needs of value-conscious yet travel-committed consumers. The data suggests that while travelers are showing greater price sensitivity in destination choices, the overall commitment to travel experiences remains robust.
Source: Hotel News Resource