Experts are predicting a record-breaking Memorial Day for American travel and new research from Allianz Partners sheds light on the sentiment that's poised to drive a monumental summer for travel.
Based on the responses of more than 2,000 Americans, Allianz Partners' 2026 Global Travel Confidence Index found that 70 percent of Americans plan to travel this summer, with domestic travel leading the way as more than half of travelers (51 percent) are planning trips within the U.S.
What's more, one in five Americans (19 percent) intend to travel internationally.
The study also shows that the vast majority of American travelers (86 percent) believe getting away for an annual vacation is important, and roughly the same amount (85 percent) indicated that they are in desperate need of a vacation in 2026. Women (90 percent) and Gen Xers (91 percent) lead the way when it comes to travel desperation.
Economic stressors play a large part in that sentiment, with nearly eight in ten survey respondents (79 percent) expressing concern about rising travel costs. At least half (49 percent) are scaling back their travel plans, while about six in 10 (59 percent) say they're cutting back on non-essential expenses in their daily lives to afford these very important trips.
Ultimately, travel remains a priority. But the index reveals some emerging trends shaping the way it will play out this summer.
Travel With a Purpose
One of the biggest trends the research uncovered is that more and more travelers are prioritizing experience-driven trips, planning their getaways around cruises, live sporting events, concerts and more.
Travelers Are Adapting
Extreme weather and geopolitical instability are reshaping travel decisions, according to the 2026 Global Travel Confidence Index.
Many Americans are factoring climate risks into their destinations and adjusting plans due to border restrictions, geopolitical tensions and growing safety and security concerns, Allianz points out.
A young female traveler exploring old town Piran, Slovenia. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/rh2010)
Anxiety Is Impacting Next-Gen Travelers
Unsurprisingly, today's travelers are staring down a plethora of concerns, from flight delays to what can feel like fluid entry requirements, and Americans under the age of 35 are feeling the most anxiety across nearly every category, the 2026 Global Travel Confidence Index shows.
The Rise of Digital Tools
Technology is reshaping travel, the survey shows. Americans are choosing to blend work and leisure more frequently and are more willing to use AI tools to plan their trips. However, the benefit of new tools is offset by growing concerns about cybersecurity.
"Even in the face of economic challenges, Americans are showing a clear commitment to travel. While many are making trade-offs in other areas of their budgets, they continue to prioritize meaningful travel experiences," Allianz Partners General Manager Emily Hartman said in a statement.
"That makes it more important than ever to plan ahead and protect those trips with travel insurance, providing peace of mind and protection when the unexpected disrupts even the most carefully planned trips."
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