How many Americans travel during the holidays?
According to the QuestionPro Holiday Travel Study, about two-thirds (66%) of Americans plan to travel during the holidays, with 43% stating they definitely will travel and 23% reporting they might. Approximately 34% plan to stay home.
Why do Americans travel during the holidays?
Visiting family and friends is the primary driver for holiday travel (60%), followed by seeking a change of scenery or personal recharge (28%), maintaining annual traditions (27%), and utilizing scheduled time off work or school (19%).
Why do some Americans stay home for the holidays?
Financial constraints are the main reason people stay home. Among non-travelers, 52% cite cost and lack of money as the primary barrier, followed by safety concerns (21%), health factors (18%), and lack of interest (14%).
How stressful is holiday travel for most people?
Sixty percent of Americans find holiday travel moderately to extremely stressful. The leading sources of travel anxiety include travel costs (47%), crowds and delays (42%), packing and logistics (32%), and family dynamics (29%).
How far in advance do people plan holiday trips?
Nearly three-quarters of holiday travelers plan well in advance: 43% begin planning 1 to 3 months ahead of time, and 31% start planning more than 3 months in advance. Only 5% identify as spontaneous, last-minute planners.
What factors matter most when selecting a holiday destination?
Affordability is the top consideration when picking a destination (46%), followed by proximity to family or friends (41%), favorable weather or climate (38%), and ease of travel logistics (30%).
Are Americans planning to travel for leisure in 2026?
Yes. 68% of Americans report they are likely to travel for leisure in 2026. However, 52% feel travel has become less affordable, and 55% indicate that cost will be the primary factor shaping their travel decisions next year.
How do Americans usually pay for their travel expenses?
Most travelers prefer paying upfront: 61% pay in full at booking using debit, cash, or credit cards. Only 12% utilize Buy Now Pay Later financing, and 6% rely primarily on credit card rewards points.
How far do most Americans travel for the holidays?
Most holiday trips are domestic and regional. 53% of travelers stay within their state or region, 33% travel elsewhere within the U.S., and only 6% travel internationally.
How was the Holiday Travel study conducted?
The study was conducted by the QuestionPro Market Research Services team among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18+ from November 13–17, 2025, using an online survey. The margin of error is ±3.1% at a 95% confidence level.
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