A new trend report shows that as AI technology continues to proliferate, real-life experiences such as travel have become even more important.
The study was published by Delta Air Lines at the end of March and found that more than three-quarters of travelers are turning to in-person activities amid the continued rise of AI.
“79% of global travelers agree that when so much content can be generated or altered by AI, experiencing something in person feels more meaningful,” Delta’s report shows. That number was even higher for people based in the U.S., where 85% of travelers agreed with the statement.
The new data tracks with recent travel trends such as the desire to plan trips around in-person events and experiences, including sports games, concerts, and festivals. Huge events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup are fueling the trend, while major upcoming music events are seeing increased interest and searches from travelers, according to a recent Airbnb study, including the Harry Styles and BTS tours and music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Ultra Music Festival.
At the same time, however, digital tools remain a key mode of inspiration for travel, with 73% of travelers planning trips to experience something in person that they first found online, Delta’s study says.
Overall desire for travel also isn’t going away despite ongoing conflicts around the world. Delta’s survey was conducted just as the war in Iran began and shows that “84% of global travelers say they feel a strong desire to travel and connect with new places and people regardless of what is happening in the world, a sentiment that is especially strong among Gen Z and Millennials.”
Even more interesting, the report shows a burgeoning trend of travelers seeking connections with others from their trips. In the survey, 80% of travelers around the globe said that travel is an important way to connect with new people and combat loneliness. And an astounding 83% of travelers say they’ve stayed in touch with someone they’ve connected with when traveling.
Travel can also enhance existing relationships, according to the report. More than a third of survey participants said that travel helps them to be more present in current relationships.
For the study, Delta had Wakefield Research poll 9,000 travelers in nine countries around the world from February 24 to March 4, 2026.
The survey is the first version of Delta’s Connection Index, which will produce ongoing research about why travelers are booking flights.
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