Americans Increase Domestic Travel as International Trip Costs Rise

Travel operators and booking platforms report that Americans are choosing domestic destinations over international trips this summer. Rising airfares, economic uncertainty, and concerns about being stranded abroad are cited as factors. Graham Carter, CEO of luxury private tour operator Unforgettable Travel, said demand for Europe has weakened compared with last year.

Clients are taking longer to confirm trips or postponing them to later in 2026 or 2027, he stated.

Several national parks, including Yosemite, Arches, and Glacier, have removed reservation requirements for 2026. Properties near Yosemite and Zion National Park are offering guided excursions, wellness programs, and adventure activities to meet expected visitor increases.

Resorts styled after adult summer camps are expanding. Kenoza Hall in New York, Wylder Windham in the Catskills, Greenhorn Ranch in California, Nightsky Camps near San Luis Obispo, Dawn Ranch, and Under Canvas White Mountains are among the properties adding bungalows, lake activities, horseback riding, and live music.

2026 Trends Report found that 71 percent of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation. Allianz Partners reported rising interest in Route 66 and California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Myrtle Beach ranked as the top trending domestic destination on Tripadvisor, while Hilton Head Island and San Diego are also drawing visitors.

Virgin Islands are seeing increased bookings for closed-loop cruises that do not require passports, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. Viking Expeditions is offering Great Lakes cruises, and the Rocky Mountaineer has added routes through the American West.