Americans Love Microcations, Solo Trip, Slow Travel, Affordability Driving Trends in US Tourism
5 min readTuesday, November 26, 2024
A new survey has revealed that two-thirds of Americans met or exceeded their travel goals in 2024, with trends such as road trips, multi-generational travel, and microcations shaping the year. Conducted by Talker Research for Club Wyndham, the survey of 2,000 U.S. adults highlighted the habits, preferences, and destinations that defined 2024 travel and what Americans are planning for the 2025 travel season.
2024: A Year of Reaching Travel Goals
Of the Americans surveyed, 43% traveled as much as they planned in 2024, while 23% exceeded their travel goals. On average, respondents took three trips during the year, two of which were well-planned at least a month in advance, while one was more spontaneous.
The average traveler spent $1,532 per trip when traveling solo and slightly more ($1,598) when traveling with others. This brought the total spending on vacations in 2024 to approximately $4,600 per person, highlighting the increasing investment in leisure travel.
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2025 Travel Plans: What’s Ahead
Looking ahead to 2025, 70% of Americans plan to continue traveling as much as, or even more than, they did in 2024. Many are preparing financially, with half of the respondents reporting that they have saved an average of $2,515 for travel next year, and one in seven travelers having set aside over $5,000 for their adventures.
Cost is expected to be the most important factor influencing travel decisions in 2025 (52%), overtaking the destination itself (49%), which was the top priority in 2024. This reflects travelers’ growing focus on affordability amidst rising travel costs.
2024 Travel Trends
Road trips emerged as the most popular form of travel in 2024, with 40% of respondents choosing to hit the road. The spontaneity and flexibility of road trips make them an appealing option for travelers seeking adventure closer to home.
Other notable trends included:
- Slow Travel: About 22% of travelers preferred slow travel, taking unstructured trips without rigid plans to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.
- Multi-Generational Travel: Approximately 21% of respondents took trips with extended family, emphasizing the importance of connection and shared experiences.
Microcations (short trips lasting four days or less) also gained traction, reflecting the desire for quick getaways that require minimal planning.
2025 Travel Trends: What to Expect
Building on 2024’s habits, 2025 will see continued interest in road trips, with 34% of respondents planning to embark on one. Travelers will also prioritize family vacations, with 61% of participants indicating plans for trips with loved ones.
Microcations are expected to remain popular, with 17% of travelers planning short trips. Similarly, home-away-from-home travel (18%) and off-season travel (17%) are on the rise, with Americans seeking comfort and affordability.
Solo travel, while slightly less popular than in 2024 (14% compared to 18%), remains the second-most preferred option, following travel with partners (46%).
Priorities for Travel in 2025
Respondents identified key factors influencing their 2025 travel decisions:
- Cost (52%): Rising travel expenses have made affordability the top concern.
- Destination (49%): Despite cost concerns, the allure of unique and exciting destinations remains strong.
- Activities and Experiences (30%): Travelers are keen on curated experiences that make their trips memorable
Preferred Travel Timing
When it comes to timing, 58% of travelers prefer to space out their vacations throughout the year, providing a sense of anticipation. However, 28% opt to concentrate their travel during specific periods, such as summer or holidays.
The most popular months for travel in 2025 are:
- June (28%) and July (27%): Highlighting the continued appeal of summer vacations.
- March (16%) and December (15%): Indicating interest in off-peak travel, often driven by favorable weather or celebrations.
Regional and Domestic Travel
Americans are also focusing on exploring domestic destinations, with 24% of respondents expressing greater interest in traveling near their homes. Many (60%) believe they have not fully experienced the cities and attractions within the United States.
This preference aligns with the continued popularity of road trips and off-season travel, where avoiding crowds (27%) and enjoying favorable weather (42%) are key motivators.
Rising Travel Trends
- Home-Away-from-Home Travel: Travelers are seeking accommodations that provide the comfort of home, such as spacious vacation rentals or timeshares.
- Off-Season Travel: Avoiding crowds and taking advantage of lower prices are driving more travelers to plan trips during less popular months.
- Family-Centric Travel: Multi-generational vacations and trips with partners are set to remain strong themes in 2025.
Expert Insights
“With Americans planning to travel just as much or even more in 2025 despite rising travel costs, accessibility and affordability are more important than ever,” said Annie Roberts, Senior Vice President of Club and Owner Services at Club Wyndham.
Roberts added that trends like road tripping, multi-generational travel, and home-away-from-home accommodations reflect the growing desire for comfort and connection during vacations. Timeshares, for instance, offer a unique value proposition by providing spacious, multi-bedroom accommodations for families or groups.
The Road Ahead
For many Americans, the first trip of 2025 is already on the horizon, with 30% planning to travel before spring. As they continue to prioritize comfort, affordability, and meaningful connections, 2025 promises to be another year of rich travel experiences.
The anticipated rise in road trips, family vacations, and home-away-from-home travel highlights Americans’ evolving preferences, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and personalized experiences. With saved funds and clear goals, travelers are poised to make 2025 an exciting year for exploration and adventure.
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