Key Factors for Rising Domestic Travel in USA

The key factors driving increases in U.S. domestic travel include:

1. Affordability: A combination of increased wages, cooling overall inflation, and declining travel prices have recently made domestic travel more affordable for Americans.

2. Safety and Flexibility: 4 out of 5 travelers base their accommodation decisions on pandemic measures for health and hygiene, with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing policies and contactless check-in being top priorities. Financial security (the ability to receive a full refund) and flexibility (the option to change booking dates) are also major considerations.

3. Unique Experiences: Travelers are searching for new destinations, diverse cultures, unique experiences, and bucket-list vacations. 75% of travelers are likely to select a new vacation destination, 51% desire to learn about new cultures through their travels, and 22% are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on their next vacation.

4. Personal Values: Many travelers are seeking a deeper sense of meaning in travel, reconnecting with loved ones, and supporting sustainable practices, eco-friendly activities, and travel providers that represent diversity. 59% of travelers are prepared to pay more for sustainable, green, and eco-friendly travel.

5. Experiential Travel: Travel preferences are changing as domestic tourists look to go beyond typical beach holidays and tourist hotspots. Sustainable and eco-friendly travel has seen a rise, and AI-powered apps are simplifying the travel planning process

These factors, combined with the increasing popularity of remote work allowing for more flexibility in travel, have contributed to the strong growth in U.S. domestic tourism in recent years.