Empire State Review Contributor 
As of July 31, 2025, travel trends across the United States reveal a decisive shift in how Americans choose to vacation during the summer season. Data from Bank of America’s 2025 Summer Travel and Entertainment Outlook confirms that road trips have become the dominant form of summer travel, with 63 percent of respondents planning to reach their destinations by car. In contrast, only 45 percent intend to fly—a reflection of the 3 percent year-over-year decline in airfare spending reported nationwide.
This change in behavior represents more than a temporary preference. It highlights a broader cultural and economic transition where the personal vehicle is reasserting its role as a gateway to exploration. For many, driving offers a sense of control, convenience, and customization that air travel increasingly lacks. Nearly 70 percent of travelers are choosing to remain within U.S. borders, with 52 percent of those exploring destinations outside their home state—often in search of hidden gems, scenic routes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
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The road trip’s renewed popularity is closely tied to Americans’ evolving travel priorities. Bank of America reports that 41 percent of summer travelers are drawn to the journey itself—the freedom to stop spontaneously, to take scenic detours, and to fully experience the geography between departure and arrival. Another 40 percent cite affordability as a primary motivator. With inflation continuing to impact household budgets, road travel is emerging as a pragmatic and enjoyable alternative to costly airfare, especially when traveling with families or groups.
Economic factors are playing a significant role. Although travel demand remains high, consumers are demonstrating more financial caution than in past years. In response to higher gas and food prices, many are adapting their vacation habits—cutting back on luxury spending, opting for budget-friendly accommodations, and shortening the length of their trips while maintaining frequency. These adjustments have made domestic travel not only more attractive but more feasible, particularly for lower- and middle-income households.
Compared to other travel options, road travel remains the most resilient. While 60 percent of travelers will use their personal or a rental vehicle, only a small share plan to take trains, buses, or cruises. This indicates that, in addition to flexibility and cost, Americans value the self-paced nature of driving—a sentiment that has only grown stronger post-pandemic.
California continues to be the most popular road trip destination in the country. With its wide range of attractions—spanning national parks, beaches, wine country, and cultural hubs—it appeals to a broad demographic of travelers. Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois also rank highly, offering similarly diverse landscapes and experiences that make them ideal for extended drives and spontaneous stops.
The decline in airfare and hotel spending suggests that many are prioritizing location flexibility over fixed itineraries. Travelers are increasingly embracing quick weekend getaways, day trips, and staycations that don’t require significant upfront planning. This aligns with a larger trend toward experiential travel, where the journey itself is as important as the destination.
To meet this demand, the travel and hospitality industries are adapting their offerings. Vehicle rental services are rolling out new perks for long-distance drivers, hotels are promoting short-term stay deals, and travel apps are optimizing routes based on scenic interest, rest stops, and gas price efficiency. Some banks and travel rewards programs are also offering incentives tailored specifically for road travelers, including fuel discounts and lodging bonuses.
This resurgence of the American road trip carries echoes of earlier eras when the open road symbolized freedom and exploration. Yet today’s iteration is distinctly modern, shaped by digital navigation tools, personalized playlists, and social media check-ins. It reflects both nostalgia and innovation—drawing from the past while adapting to current economic and cultural landscapes.
As the 2025 summer season reaches its peak, the enduring appeal of road travel signals a shift in how Americans value their time, money, and mobility. Whether heading to national landmarks, quiet retreats, or quirky roadside attractions, millions are rediscovering the joys of the journey—and reshaping the landscape of domestic tourism along the way.
