Americans Traveled More in 2025—but Most Skipped Flying Altogether

More trips didn’t mean more flying as travelers leaned into easier ways to get away.

Denver, CO, USA. July 27, 2019. Travelers in long lines at Denver International Airport going thru the Transportation Security Administrations (TSA) security screening areas to get to their flights. — Jim Lambert / Shutterstock

A new survey of 2,000 frequent travelers found that road trips dominated U.S. travel this year, with 55% of respondents saying driving was their primary mode of transportation.

Flying, once the default for vacations, trailed far behind. Just 30% of travelers mainly flew domestically, while even fewer traveled overseas by plane (13%) or took cruises (2%).

That preference for driving reflects more than just distance. Many travelers cited the appeal of control, flexibility, and avoiding airport stress. In a separate analysis of holiday travel habits, Americans say they’re willing to spend up to 30 hours driving rather than flying, even during peak travel seasons, a trade-off many say is worth it.

Close shot of father driving a car while the whole family of four is going on a weekend trip away from the city. Parents making a road trip with their daughters in their new car. Transport and safety. — Zamrznuti tonovi / Shutterstock

Despite visiting an average of three new places over the year, many travelers expanded their map without leaving the country. On average, respondents visited two new U.S. states and just one new country, underscoring a broader shift toward domestic exploration.

Americans felt relaxed, not burned out

Even with more trips on the calendar, travel didn’t leave most Americans feeling drained. Respondents most often described their 2025 travel experiences as relaxed, grateful, refreshed, or adventurous, with only a small share reporting burnout or exhaustion.

“2025 was a year of genuine exploration,” said Dana Studebaker, Vice President of Marketing for Consumer Brands at CheapCaribbean Vacations. “Travelers sought out joy and connection, and new technology made it easier to discover destinations that fit their vibe and budget.”

Looking ahead, travel confidence is rising

The appetite for travel doesn’t appear to be fading. More than three-quarters of respondents said they’re very confident they’ll travel even more in 2026, with road trips and beach vacations topping their wish lists.

At the same time, AI-driven forecasts suggest a small group of cities are poised to become major travel hotspots in 2026, hinting that interest in bigger, more ambitious trips may rise alongside simpler getaways.

Even so, the survey indicates many travelers are aiming for balance, mixing easy, familiar trips with one or two experiences that feel bigger and more aspirational.