Key Details
A new survey shows that more than 8 in 10 U.S. travelers still plan to take a vacation in the next 12 months—even after recent tariff news and recession talk.
Travel marketing firm MMGY surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults between April 3–5 to understand how recent headlines might affect travel plans. Here’s what they found:
- 83% of respondents still plan to travel in the next year, down just 4% from a similar survey in mid-February.
- 74% feel “somewhat to extremely confident” about their household’s finances over the next six months.
That said, many Americans are adjusting how they’ll travel:
- 33% will travel closer to home
- 29% will choose U.S. destinations instead of international ones
- 24% will use cheaper transportation
- 22% will shorten their trips
Perception may also be playing a role: 53% of Americans believe they’ll be less welcome abroad due to recent tariff decisions.
“Even in the face of economic uncertainty and polarizing headlines, the American traveler continues to show remarkable resilience,” said MMGY Global CEO Katie Briscoe. “While many are adjusting their plans—opting for shorter trips, nearby destinations, or lower-cost options—their intent to travel remains strong.”
Our Take
The data reinforces why short-term rentals tend to outperform other parts of the travel industry during tough times.
When people scale back, they don’t cancel vacation—they just adjust. Instead of pricey resorts or overseas trips, many turn to more affordable options and local getaways.
That’s where STRs shine: they offer comfort, flexibility, and better value so people can keep the experiences that matter most.
So yes, travel habits are shifting. But the key takeaway is this: Americans are still going to travel—just differently.
