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 shows 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. For some, traveling is nonnegotiable. For others, it is a difficult tradeoff that requires budgeting, planning, and mental preparation.

About two thirds of Americans plan to travel for the holidays this year. 43% say they will definitely travel and 23% say they might. Roughly one third plan to stay home.

Virtually no one says they never travel for the holidays, which suggests holiday travel remains a recurring behavior for almost everyone, even if some people sit out certain years due to finances, health, stress, or timing.

Do you plan to travel for the holidays this year?

Why People Travel The Pull of Family, Tradition, and a Reset

The strongest driver is family connection. Six in ten Americans cite visiting family or friends as their top motivator for holiday travel. This confirms that holiday movement in America is still primarily social and relationship driven.

But holiday travel is not only about reunion. 28% travel during the holidays for a change of scenery or personal recharge. For many Americans, the holidays represent one of the only moments of the year where time off can be extended enough to justify a real break.

Tradition continues to influence decisions. 27% cite tradition as a factor, signaling that many holiday trips are part of a repeating annual ritual. At the same time, practical constraints shape the final yes or no. Travel costs influence 39%, and work or school schedules influence 19%.

Americans are also split on external disruption. 52% say they are not worried about global events impacting their holiday travel plans, while 48% say they are concerned. That near even split reflects how much uncertainty has become part of modern travel planning.

What factors most influence your decision to travel for the holidays this year? Select all that apply

Are you concerned about global events impacting your holiday travel plans?

Why People Stay Home Cost Is the Dominant Barrier

For Americans who stay home, the biggest barrier is financial. Among non travelers, 52% cite money as the main reason they are not traveling for the holidays. Safety is the next most cited barrier at 21%, followed by health at 18% and lack of interest at 14%.

This highlights a key inequality in holiday mobility. Many Americans want to travel, but affordability decides who can actually do it. When budgets tighten, holiday travel quickly becomes a luxury.

What factors are preventing you from traveling for the holidays this year?

How Far Americans Travel Most Trips Stay Domestic and Close

Most holiday travelers stay close. 53% remain within their state or region and about one third travel elsewhere in the U.S. Minimal segments will go abroad or visit multiple destinations. Only 6% plan to travel internationally, and 6% plan to visit multiple destinations.

This supports a clear pattern: holiday travel tends to be a familiar routine, not a bucket list adventure. People optimize for ease, predictability, and cost control, especially during peak travel periods.

How far from home will you travel?

Holiday Travel Companions Family First But Solo Travel Is Real

Holiday travel is largely family centered. 48% travel with a spouse or partner, and 45% travel with children or family. However, solo travel is more common than expected. 26% often travel alone, while smaller groups travel with friends at 14% or join tour groups at 3%.

The presence of a large solo segment suggests some Americans are traveling between households, navigating shared custody schedules, or choosing to show up independently even when traveling with others is not possible.

Who do you typically travel with during the holidays?

Destination Priorities Cost, Proximity, Weather, and Ease

Practical considerations dominate destination choice. The top driver is cost and affordability at 46%, followed by proximity to family or friends at 41%.

Weather or climate matters to 38%, suggesting many Americans are at least somewhat motivated by comfort and seasonal preference. Ease of travel matters to 30%, and relaxation opportunities matter to 27%.

More sentimental or novelty based factors like annual traditions or special local events tend to rank among the least influential criteria. Holiday travel is designed to feel manageable and emotionally safe, not unpredictable.

When choosing a holiday destination, what matters most to you? Select up to 3

Planning Patterns Most Travelers Plan Well Ahead

Most holiday travelers plan in advance. 43% start 1 to 3 months ahead, and 31% plan more than 3 months out. Only 5% identify as last minute or spontaneous holiday travelers.

This shows that holiday travel is a high effort decision requiring logistics and coordination. It also suggests that many travel related purchases and bookings are made weeks or months before the season actually arrives.

How far in advance do you typically start planning your holiday travel?

Emotional Outlook Excitement, Obligation, Dread, and Mixed Feelings

Holiday travel emotions vary widely. About half look forward to it, but there is also a meaningful segment experiencing the season as emotional work.

10% participate mainly out of obligation, and 8% actively dread it. One third report mixed feelings depending on the year or circumstances.

When imagining an ideal holiday, Americans are split between togetherness and quiet. 42% picture a big traditional family gathering, 26% would prefer a quiet and peaceful holiday at home, and 22% want a hybrid that includes quiet, family, and a getaway.

Which statement best reflects your current attitude toward holiday travel?

When you picture your ideal holiday season, it looks more like

On the Road Routines Bend More Than They Break

Holiday travel disrupts daily habits, but many Americans try to maintain some stability. 33% stick to their usual routines, while 35% relax their habits a little to enjoy the holiday.

22% completely let routines go, embracing the break. 9% say they do not have strong routines to begin with.

When you travel during the holidays, how do you usually approach your normal routines (e.g., exercise, diet, sleep)

Travel Stress Is Real And Predictable

Holiday travel is stressful for most Americans. 60% report at least moderate stress, including 16% who find it extremely stressful. About four in ten feel little to no stress.

Top stressors include money and expenses at 47%, crowds and delays at 42%, packing and logistics at 32%, and family dynamics or expectations at 29%.

In general, how stressful do you find holiday travel?

What causes you the most stress when traveling during the holidays? Select all that apply.

Coping Mechanisms Comfort Rituals and Movement

Travelers lean on a mix of comfort and movement to manage stress. Listening to music or podcasts is the top strategy at 42%.

Walking or exercising follows at 34%, and catching up on sleep follows at 33%. Mindfulness or prayer helps 26%. Treats or drinks help 21%, and quiet activities like journaling or reading also help 21%.

17% do nothing and simply power through the stress.

What do you do to manage or prevent stress while traveling during the holidays? Select all that apply

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

Americans’ outlook for 2026 travel is cautiously optimistic. 43% feel more comfortable traveling than in recent years, while 23% feel less comfortable.

More than two thirds say they are likely to travel for leisure in 2026, including 37% who are very likely.

Affordability is the defining factor. 52% feel travel has become less affordable, and 55% say cost will most influence their 2026 plans.

Only 44% feel confident they can afford the trips they want. About one third are not confident.

Other influential factors include health or safety concerns at 34%, family commitments at 33%, and work flexibility at 26%.

How likely are you to travel for leisure in 2026?

Do you feel travel has become more affordable, less affordable or about the same when compared to recent years?

What will most influence whether (or how much) you travel next year? Select up to 3.

2026 Destinations Mostly Domestic With Select International Interest

Most travelers will stay domestic. 53% plan to travel somewhere in the U.S. outside their region, and 39% will travel within their state or nearby.

International travel appeals to smaller groups, focused mainly on North America and the Caribbean at 21% and Europe at 15%.

Fewer Americans are planning trips to Asia and Pacific at 11% or Africa and Middle East at 5%.

Cost is the top destination selection factor at 54%, followed by weather or climate at 36%, safety and stability at 33%, recommendations from family or friends at 27%, travel convenience at 27%, and local culture or food at 21%.

Only 11% say social media or influencer content meaningfully shapes where they choose to travel.

Where do you plan to travel in 2026? If you haven't made travel plans yet, where would you like to travel in 2026.

Planning Habits and Brand Loyalties Tools, People, and Flexible Loyalty

Trip planning blends digital ease with social influence. 52% book through online travel sites or apps, and four in ten rely heavily on friends or family to make arrangements for them.

Loyalty programs still matter to 29%, while only 17% use travel agents.

How do you typically plan your travel? Select all that apply.

Airline Preferences Are Diffuse

U.S. airline preferences are spread out. Delta, United, and American each draw about 30% of preference, while Southwest is slightly lower at 25%.

International airline preferences are highly diffuse. 23% say they have no preferred carrier at all.

Among those who do express a preference, British Airways leads at 13% and Emirates follows at 12%, with all other international airlines drawing single digit loyalty.

There is a segment that avoids flying when possible and therefore does not have an airline preference at 13%. 31% say they do not fly internationally.

Which domestic airlines, if any, do you prefer to book with?

Hotel Loyalty Mirrors the Airline Spread

Hotel loyalty is similarly split. Hilton draws 29% and Marriott draws 26%, while 27% say they have no preferred hotel brand.

Travelers also mix in short term rentals at 19% and boutique stays at 6%, depending on the trip.

Whether domestic or international, which lodging brand, if any, do you prefer to book with?

Paying for Travel Most Americans Prefer to Pay Upfront

Most Americans pay in full at booking. 61% use debit, credit, or cash to pay upfront.

Only 12% use Buy Now Pay Later options, and 6% rely mainly on points or rewards.

No single credit card issuer dominates. Usage is spread across all major banks, though Bank of America and Capital One branded cards have a slight edge at 20% reported travel related usage each.

17% avoid credit cards entirely for travel related purchases, opting for debit or other payment methods.

When it comes to paying for trips, what best describes your approach?

Which credit card do you use most often for travel purchases?

Key insight: Holiday travel is on the agenda for most Americans, driven overwhelmingly by the pull of family reunions. About two in three Americans are traveling for the holidays, predominantly on domestic trips. Those staying put mostly cite financial barriers. Even among travelers, cost concerns and logistics loom in the background, but the emotional draw of seeing loved ones and the personal need for a getaway outweighs the hassles.

Looking ahead to 2026, Americans are eager to travel but they are practical and budget mindful. Domestic destinations will see the most action as travelers play it safe geographically and financially. Overall, the data points to a traveler who is optimistic but pragmatic, leveraging online tools and deals, loosely loyal to brands, and predominantly paying upfront to avoid debt.

In an era of rising costs, the motto for 2026 seems to be yes, let’s travel, but let’s be smart about it.

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.