U.S. Travelers Prioritize Leisure Trips, Adjust Budgets Amid Rising Costs, MMGY Survey Reveals
A recent survey by MMGY's 2026 Portrait of American Travelers Fall Edition indicates that U.S. leisure travelers are increasingly committed to their travel plans despite growing cost concerns. The survey, based on interviews with 4,500 U.S. adults, found that Americans expect to spend an average of $5,655 on leisure travel over the next 12 months, a figure higher than reported in the previous summer survey. Additionally, respondents anticipate taking an average of 3.9 leisure trips in the coming year, an increase from 3.5 trips. Rather than canceling vacations, a significant portion of travelers are adapting their strategies: 35% are opting for off-peak travel periods, and 32% are cutting expenses in other areas of their lives to maintain their travel budgets. Domestic travel is also gaining traction as a cost-saving measure, with 64% of travelers citing lower costs as a reason for choosing U.S. destinations. The survey also highlighted varying travel preferences and budgets across different demographics, ...
