A survey from Deloitte reveals that American travellers are planning shorter vacations in summer 2025, and favouring road trips over flying. Jenny Southan reports

Despite economic headwinds and rising costs, Americans are refusing to give up their summer getaways – but they’re recalibrating how they travel. In its new report, “Right-sized American Summer: 2025 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey,” Deloitte highlights how more people are planning to take trips this year than in 2024, but they’re opting for shorter, more frequent breaks and making cost-conscious choices about where they stay and how they get there.

From Big Spenders to Budget Strategists

While 53% of Americans say they plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer – up from 48% last year – the average spend on their longest summer trip has barely increased, rising less than 1% year-on-year to US$3,471. Just one month earlier, that figure was expected to hit nearly US$4,000, suggesting a widespread rethink of summer spending plans.

Instead of splurging on one big vacation, more travellers are "trip-splitting": taking more frequent, shorter trips, a trend that rose from 18% in March to 28% in April. Nearly half (45%) still plan to take at least one week-long trip, but quick getaways of three nights or less are also up, now representing 41% of summer travel plans.

Among air travellers, 42% plan to fly internationally on their longest trip. Trips to Asia are on par with last year (14% of international travellers plan to go, up 2 percentage points year-over-year) while trips to Europe are down (44%, down 5 percentage points year-over-year), though Europe remains the primary international destination.

Even high-income travellers are looking to cut costs, particularly on flights. More plan to book lower-fare tickets with their preferred airlines (36% vs. 28% in 2024) instead of purchasing upgrades or first-class tickets.

Road Trips, Remote Work and the Rise of the Laptop Lugger

Cost pressures are pushing travellers to get creative. 71% now say they’ll take a road trip this summer – up from 64% in March – with 22% explicitly choosing to drive instead of fly due to airfare prices. Others plan to stay with friends and family (24%) or downgrade their accommodations or flight class to make the numbers work.

Still, travel habits continue to evolve. Deloitte found that 23% of Americans now plan to work remotely while on their summer holiday – a figure that’s steadily rising year over year. These "laptop luggers" are more likely to take longer trips, head to international destinations, and stay in private rentals over hotels.

Gen AI and the Age of Algorithmic Travel

One of the most notable shifts this year is the growing use of generative AI to plan trips. 15% of travellers surveyed in March said they’re now using tools like ChatGPT or AI travel apps – up from 10% last year. Among Gen Z and millennials, that number jumps to 23%.

AI is shaping not just how people plan, but what they do:

• 61% use GenAI to research in-destination activities

• 47% look up dining options

• 44% have booked a restaurant based on an AI recommendation

Values-Driven Decisions

Sustainability continues to factor into travel choices, especially among younger demographics. 38% of Gen Z travellers say they prioritise eco-conscious hotels and airlines, compared to just 16% of Boomers.

Meanwhile, those still choosing to spend big are doing so with meaning: 49% of high-spending travellers say their major trip is a “bucket list” experience – up from 41% in March.

Key Insights

“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 remaining nimble, providers have an opportunity to meet travellers halfway – offering flexibility and options, and, most importantly, reminding travellers what their summer trips are all about.”

— Kate Ferrara, Vice Chair, Deloitte U.S. Transportation, Hospitality & Services

“Financial factors aren’t the only thing impacting summer travel plans. Younger travellers are increasingly leveraging GenAI to plan their trips, while older generations are checking off their bucket lists, and many others continue to bring their laptops along for the ride. Each demographic wants something a little bit different — and offers the travel industry ways to tap into their collective loyalty this summer and beyond.”

— Eileen Crowley, US transportation, hospitality and services leader, Audit & Assurance partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Globetrender Take

Deloitte’s findings align with a broader trend we’re tracking at Globetrender: the rise of strategic travel. In 2025, Americans aren’t forgoing leisure – they’re just getting savvier about it. From flexible working to AI-generated itineraries, the future traveller is resourceful, purpose-driven and experience-led – and this summer is set to reflect exactly that.

The Deloitte “2025 Summer Travel Survey” is based on two surveys of Americans. The first surveyed 1,794 travellers between March 23 and April 1. The second surveyed 1,064 travellers between April 7 and April 9.