Despite continued financial pressures, Americans are not giving up on their summer getaways. Instead, they’re redefining what travel looks like in 2025—opting for more trips, shorter stays, and increased use of tools like generative AI to plan and save, according to Deloitte’s new survey.
This year, 53% of Americans say they plan to travel and stay in paid lodging, up from 48% in 2024. The average number of planned trips has also increased, from 2.3 last year to 3.1 in 2025—a signal that Americans are prioritising frequent, shorter escapes over fewer, longer vacations.
“Travellers appear eager to embark on their summer trips, but pricing pressures and economic influences are expected to chart the course for how they get there. By swapping flights for road trips or planning shorter, budget-friendly adventures, travellers are likely seeking value while making memories. By remaining nimble in their offerings, providers have an opportunity to meet travellers halfway, offering flexibility and options, and, most importantly, reminding travellers what their summer trips are all about,” said Kate Ferrara, vice chair and U.S. transportation, hospitality and services sector leader, Deloitte
Shorter stays are trending, with 41% of travellers indicating their trips will last three nights or fewer, though 45% still say their longest summer trip will last a week or more. Yet even as trip frequency rises, budgets are tightening. The average spending plan for the longest summer trip dropped from $3,987 in March to $3,471 in April, showing only a marginal year-over-year increase, likely a reflection of cautious consumer behaviour amid inflation and rising interest rates.
Strategic trade-offs
To manage costs, travellers are making strategic trade-offs. More are choosing to drive (22%) instead of flying, and 24% plan to stay with friends or family to avoid high lodging and airfare costs. Even high-income travellers are scaling back, choosing budget airlines and less expensive accommodations than in previous years.
Hotels remain the most popular lodging option (80%), followed by private rentals (25%), though cost-conscious behaviours persist across income groups. The continued flexibility of remote work is also reshaping travel timelines, with 23% of respondents planning to work during their longest trip. These “workcations” are often associated with longer stays, international destinations, and preferences for private or quieter accommodations.
Generative AI play a key role
One in six travellers now use GenAI tools to plan trips—most commonly for discovering local activities, restaurant recommendations, and researching destinations. Over 40% say they’ve acted on AI-generated suggestions, a sign that travel platforms and service providers may need to adapt quickly to changing decision-making behaviours driven by emerging tech.
Sustainability continues to gain traction as a travel priority, especially among younger generations. Nearly 40% of Gen Z respondents say they consider environmental impact when selecting travel options such as hotels, rentals, or airlines, more than double the rate of Boomers, pointing to generational shifts in travel values.