2026 Travel Trends Report: Why Americans Are Spending More—and Choosing the Caribbean

New year, new plans! It’s no secret that the tourism industry is rapidly evolving. In an era marked by AI, rising costs, travel disruptions, and more, American preferences and priorities are shifting more than ever before as we enter 2026.

From increased spending of up to $6,354 to skyrocketing reliance on social media across all age demographics to an overall affinity for Caribbean coastal getaways, Beach.com surveyed over 1,000 U.S. adults as a follow-up to our 2025 study to uncover this year’s anticipated budgets, top 2026 travel trends and concerns, and the state of beach travel.

If one thing’s certain, it’s that travelers are not shying away from opening their wallets in 2026. Similar to Beach.com’s 2025 study, Americans plan to spend more on travel in the new year, with 68% of respondents stating their 2026 budget is higher than in 2025.

The average U.S. adult expects to pay around $6,354 for all travel in 2026, a $667 (12%) increase from the estimated $5,687 spent in 2025. However, when asked what their maximum budget for all travel would be in 2026, respondents said they were willing to pay a total of $7,526, about $1,172 more than they anticipate spending.

When broken down across generations, Gen Z is the only age group planning to spend less on travel in 2026, anticipating a $491 (12%) decrease. Baby Boomers and Millennials plan to spend the most, with increases of $1,053 (19%) and $919 (16%), respectively.

Women are also projected to vastly outspend men in the new year, expecting to shell out $1,005 more than in 2025. Men are estimated to spend only $378 more. And the income bracket that will see the greatest increase in travel spending this year? Those making between $55,00 – $64,999 are expected to increase their travel spending by a whopping $1,480 (48%) from 2025 to 2026.

As recession fears continue to loom as we enter 2026, it’s no surprise that cost is top of mind for most Americans. In fact, 72% of respondents list it as their #1 travel concern, solidifying the category as the top fear for U.S. adults for the second year running.

With Gen Z planning to spend less on travel in 2026 than in 2025, it’s no surprise that they are the age group most concerned about travel-related costs, with 76% concerned. Millennials are a close second, with 3 in 4 listing it as their primary worry. Baby Boomers and Gen X are the generations least concerned about travel costs, tying at 68% each.

Over two-thirds of Americans list travel disruptions as their second-biggest concern for 2026, a notable finding given the historic government shutdown that suspended holiday travel plans nationwide. Time constraints (29%), logistical issues (27%), and political climate (22%) are the remaining top three anxieties the average U.S. adult holds about traveling in the new year. Around 1 in 4 Baby Boomers list political climate as one of their main concerns — the highest percentage across all age groups.

Another constant remains as we enter 2026: the persistent popularity of beach travel. While nearly half of Americans skipped a seaside trip in 2025, 70% plan to take at least one in the new year. Not only that, but around 1 in 3 adults rank beach retreats as their ideal type of vacation for the second year in a row, followed by urban getaways and national parks.

With all of the hype surrounding surf, sand, and sun, you’re probably wondering where exactly these coastal connoisseurs are heading in 2026. This year, the Caribbean replaces 2025’s #1 spot of the U.S. East Coast as the preferred beach vacation destination, with more than 1 in 3 Americans ranking the region as their top choice. The U.S. East and West coasts rank #2 and #3, respectively.

The methods by which travelers are discovering coastal destinations in 2026 are also shifting compared to 2025. Family and friend recommendations and social media nearly tie for the most popular ways to find new beach spots, at 57% and 55%. In fact, U.S. adults are now 23% more likely to use social media for this reason than last year. And the discovery methods Americans prefer to forgo? Print media and AI platforms.

With 83% of Americans having traveled in 2025 and nearly everyone (98%) planning at least one trip in 2026, it was only fitting to ask respondents their thoughts about some of the buzziest industry trends, from artificial intelligence to wellness travel.

AI in travel claimed the top spot for the most overrated travel trend for the second year in a row, with 42% of U.S. adults ranking it first. Not far behind in second place, with more than 1 in 3 Americans rating it as overhyped, is set-jetting, followed by wellness retreats.

So, what exactly are travelers wanting more of in 2026, anyway? Quality time with loved ones and a desire for the open road, it seems. Family-oriented getaways rank as the #1 most underrated travel trend for the new year, followed by road trips. As for the type of vacations Americans long for, nearly 3 in 4 (71%) say relaxation and stress relief are their primary travel motivators in 2026.

When it comes to where U.S. travelers find their travel inspiration, YouTube is the #1 preferred social media platform, with Instagram not far behind. Across the generations, Gen Z opts for TikTok, Millennials favor Instagram, and Gen X and Baby Boomers would rather go without social media.

If our survey revealed one universal truth, it’s that Americans, at their core, love to travel. Despite growing concerns surrounding costs, disruptions, timing, and more, the desire to get out there and see the world remains a top priority for many in 2026. Whether discovering new beach destinations on social media or finally booking that dream trip to the Caribbean, coastal travel is here to stay in the new year.

And if you are like one of the 70% planning to take a seaside trip in 2026, well, you’re in luck! We at Beach.com have done the legwork for you.

We surveyed 1,005 Americans on November 14, 2025, about their 2026 travel plans, including budgets, opinions on travel trends, their top trip priorities and concerns, intentions for beach-related trips, and more. Respondents ranged in age from 18-77 years old and were 49% female, 49.7% male, and 0.8% nonbinary.

When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Beach.com.