Expedia Reveals a 77% Surge in Domestic Travel for Summer 2026
Expedia Group’s recent “Unpack ’26 Summer” travel trends report unveils a significant shift towards domestic travel. The report indicates a global increase of 77% in social media conversations about domestic vacations year-over-year. In the United States alone, the conversations have doubled, with 63% of travelers planning domestic trips this summer.
The comprehensive report sheds light on several key trends that are reshaping the travel landscape for summer 2026:
- Hotel hopping – Booking multiple hotels in a single trip is gaining popularity. Travelers are planning stays around concerts, sporting events, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.
- Bleisure travel – The blend of business and leisure travel is trending, with over 165,000 online mentions. Cities like Helsinki, London, and Oslo have seen a surge in interest by 71%, 47%, and 46% respectively.
- Set-jetting – Travel inspired by TV shows and movies continues to influence destination choices. Yorkshire, UK saw a 60% spike in search interest following the release of “Wuthering Heights.” Similarly, Muskoka, Canada experienced a 110% increase after the debut of “Heated Rivalry.”
Searches for Florida and California beaches have increased by 50% this summer. Meanwhile, interest in lakes, mountains, and national parks has spiked by 65% year-over-year.
According to Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global Public Relations at Expedia Group, “This summer, travel isn’t slowing down—it’s being reshaped. As major global events and rising costs influence decisions, travelers are either staying closer to home or seeking out destinations where they can get more for their money.”
Source: Expedia Newsroom