Holiday Travel Isn’t Just a Trip — It’s an Emotional Choice

Americans approach holiday travel with a mix of excitement, obligation, nostalgia, and practicality. This national study reveals that even when money is tight or stress runs high, the pull of family and tradition remains one of the strongest motivators in the country.

Holiday travel is less about destinations — and more about connection, routine, and emotional meaning.

Why People Travel: The Pull of Tradition, Family, and Escape

Most Americans say “yes” to holiday travel, and the reasons are deeply emotional. Visiting family and friends is the single strongest motivator — a reminder that holiday travel remains one of the most personal forms of movement.

But there’s a growing second motivator emerging: the desire for a reset. For many, travel is becoming a chance to step away from routines, breathe, and recharge after a demanding year. Americans are looking for grounding — whether that’s in a family gathering or a quiet getaway.

Even with costs rising, people still choose to travel because the emotional value outweighs the hassle.

Why People Stay Home: Travel Is Still a Luxury for Many

Americans who don’t travel aren’t opting out of the holidays — they’re opting out of the cost. Financial constraints dwarf every other reason. Safety, health, or lack of interest play roles, but money is the barrier that consistently keeps people rooted.

This shows a key tension: Americans want to travel — but affordability determines who actually does.

How Americans Choose Where to Go — Familiarity Wins

Holiday travel tends to stay close to home: within the state, region, or somewhere domestic. Cost, proximity, comfort, and ease of movement matter more than novelty or special events.

Holiday travel is not a bucket-list trip. It’s a ritual — one that people keep familiar so it feels manageable, predictable, and emotionally safe.

Most Americans plan early, signaling that holiday travel is something people prepare for far in advance, both financially and mentally.

Travel Isn’t Always Joyful — It’s Often Emotional Work

Americans hold mixed feelings about holiday travel. Many look forward to it, but others admit they go out of obligation or even dread parts of the experience. The ideal holiday varies dramatically: some want the big family gathering, others dream of a peaceful at-home season, and many want a blend of both.

This emotional split reveals a deeper truth: Holiday travel is as much about expectations and family roles as it is about logistics.

Travel Stress Is Real — And People Are Learning to Cope

The majority of travelers find holiday travel stressful, and the biggest pressures are predictable: cost, crowds, delays, and the mental load of family expectations.

Yet Americans are remarkably adaptable. Many relax their routines, give themselves permission to ease up, and lean on comfort habits — music, movement, rest, quiet time — to make the journey more manageable. People aren’t trying to eliminate stress; they're trying to make it survivable.

Looking Ahead: Americans Want to Travel in 2026 — But Cost Shapes Everything

Despite concerns about affordability, interest in 2026 leisure travel is strong. Americans show a clear desire to explore more next year — but not recklessly. Their plans are cautious, practical, and grounded in financial reality.

Domestic travel will dominate. International travel appeals to smaller groups, especially younger travelers, but costs, safety, and convenience heavily influence choices.

In short: Americans want to travel, but their wallets will decide how far they go.

This creates a powerful opportunity for brands, journalists, and researchers to understand not just where Americans travel — but why they travel, how they plan, and what the emotional stakes of travel truly are.