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TravelBoom 2026 Leisure-Travel Study Reveals Major Shifts in Travel Behavior of American Consumers

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ts-in-travel-behavior-of-american-consumers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 11:30 GMT by Reuters
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Key Findings

1. Rising Domestic Travel Demand
   The study confirms that domestic travel will continue to outpace international journeys through 2026. Americans are spending an average of $1,300 per trip on domestic stays, a 12 % increase from 2023 levels. Popular regions include the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and the Midwest—areas that have benefited from new infrastructure investments and a growing focus on “staycation” experiences.

2. Experiential and Wellness Travel Takes Center Stage
   More than 65 % of respondents say they are prioritizing experiences over material goods. “We’re looking for authentic, immersive stays that offer unique local interactions,” says study author Maya Chen, Travelboom’s senior analyst. The wellness segment is a clear outlier, with travelers allocating 18 % of their travel budget to spa retreats, yoga retreats, and holistic health programs—up 4 % from 2024.

3. Sustainability as a Decision Driver
   Environmental stewardship is now a decisive factor for 47 % of travelers. The study reports that eco-friendly accommodations, carbon offset programs, and local sourcing of food and products have become the default choices for a majority of leisure travelers. Travelboom recommends that hospitality operators intensify sustainability messaging and certifications to capture this growing segment.

4. Technology and Personalization
   79 % of respondents used an app or online platform to plan their trip, and 54 % said they would pay for a personalized travel concierge service. The study identifies AI‑powered recommendation engines as the most favored tool, particularly for itineraries that blend local culture, dining, and wellness. Travelboom’s data suggests that integrating machine learning into booking platforms can boost conversion rates by up to 15 %.

5. Demographic Shifts
   Millennials and Gen Z now comprise 38 % of leisure travelers, up from 30 % in 2022. Their spending is heavily skewed toward “experience‑first” activities, including culinary tours, adventure sports, and cultural festivals. Baby boomers, meanwhile, maintain a stronger preference for guided tours and luxury accommodations, underscoring the need for differentiated product portfolios.

Methodology

Travelboom’s survey methodology aligns with U.S. Travel Association standards and incorporates a mixed‑method approach: quantitative online polling paired with qualitative in‑depth interviews. Respondents were selected from a stratified sample that mirrors U.S. demographic data on age, income, geographic region, and travel frequency. The study also cross‑checked data against the American National Travel Survey to ensure validity and reliability.

Industry Implications

• Destination Marketing
  The rise in domestic demand and the popularity of “staycations” encourage destination marketers to emphasize local attractions and community‑based tourism. Travelboom highlights the success of recent campaigns in Colorado and the Carolinas that leveraged local artisans and heritage sites to attract out‑of‑state visitors.

• Accommodation Strategy
  Hoteliers and short‑term rental operators are urged to adopt sustainability certifications (such as LEED or Green Key) and to showcase eco‑friendly amenities in their marketing materials. Bundling wellness services—hot springs, meditation classes, and farm‑to‑table dining—could also differentiate properties in a competitive market.

• Technology Investment
  Travel agencies and OTA platforms that integrate AI‑powered personalization tools will likely see higher booking conversion and customer satisfaction rates. Travelboom recommends partnering with tech firms that specialize in data‑driven recommendation engines and integrating customer feedback loops to refine predictive models.

• Product Development
  The study underscores an opportunity for niche experiences such as “heritage trails,” “cultural immersion packages,” and “wellness retreats.” Tour operators and travel agencies can capitalize by creating curated itineraries that align with the identified preference trends.

Quotes from Industry Leaders

Travelboom CEO Andrew Hall notes, “The Travelboom 2026 study provides a data‑driven roadmap for stakeholders to adapt to evolving consumer demands. The emphasis on sustainability and personalization is not just a trend; it’s a long‑term shift that will shape the travel industry’s future.”

The U.S. Travel Association, which provided advisory support for the study, states, “Travelboom’s findings reinforce the importance of robust domestic tourism strategies and sustainable practices. These insights will be invaluable for policymakers, destination managers, and the broader travel ecosystem.”

Accessing the Study

The full report, along with executive summaries, charts, and a dashboard of key metrics, is available on Travelboom’s website. Interested parties can download the PDF, participate in webinars that delve deeper into methodology, or request a custom briefing tailored to specific market segments.

In a landscape where consumer priorities are evolving at a rapid pace, Travelboom’s 2026 leisure travel study offers a timely, data‑rich guide for industry players looking to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing sustainability, leveraging technology, and catering to the diverse desires of Gen Z, Millennials, and Baby Boomers, destinations and businesses can capitalize on the projected growth and continued vitality of American leisure travel.