According to a new survey commissioned by the American
Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and conducted by Morning Consult in
September 2025, half of U.S. adults plan to travel overnight for leisure and
one-third for business reasons by the end of 2026.
Hotels remain the top lodging choice for leisure (at 44
percent) and business
travelers (63 percent) with nearly four in five hotel guests planning a
stay at midscale or higher-end properties.
The study further revealed that 46 percent of Americans are
most likely to take an overnight family trip while 34 percent plan to travel
overnight for Thanksgiving and 37 percent for Christmas.
Travelers on romantic
getaways (53 percent) and solo adventures (48 percent) are more likely to
choose hotels, while those visiting family for the holidays will likely stay
with relatives.
Despite positive signs, travel intention has declined
slightly from last fall and winter, with 45 percent citing rising costs across
the economy as the top reason for scaling back plans. About half say inflation
could make them less likely to travel overnight in the months ahead.
However, despite
concerns over the potential impact an overnight family trip could have on their
wallets, 46 percent still plan to take an overnight family trip in the next
four
“These findings reinforce what we know: Americans want to
travel, and they overwhelmingly trust and depend on hotels when they do,” said
Rosanna Maietta, AHLA President & CEO in a statement.
She added, “Despite this positive sentiment, it’s clear that
rising costs and economic uncertainty are having a lingering effect on travel
plans. That’s why AHLA advocates every day across all levels of government for
policies that strengthen the hotel industry, its workforce and bolster consumer
confidence.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
