Half of Americans Plan Overnight Holiday Travel, AHLA Reports
A new report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) reveals that half of U.S. adults plan to take an overnight leisure trip before the end of 2026, while one-third expect to travel overnight for business. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult in September 2025, highlights strong demand for travel despite ongoing economic pressures.
Hotels remain the preferred choice for most travelers, with 44 percent of leisure travelers and 63 percent of business travelers saying they plan to stay in hotels. Nearly 80 percent of hotel guests are opting for midscale or higher-end properties, showing continued interest in comfort and quality over budget accommodations.
The survey found that family travel remains a major driver of overnight stays, with 46 percent of respondents planning an overnight family trip. Holiday travel is also a top priority, as 34 percent plan to travel for Thanksgiving and 37 percent for Christmas. Travelers embarking on romantic getaways (53 percent) or solo adventures (48 percent) are most likely to choose hotels, while those visiting relatives during the holidays tend to stay with family members.
However, the report notes a slight dip in travel intentions compared to last fall and winter. Rising costs continue to impact consumer decisions, with 45 percent of respondents citing inflation as the main reason for cutting back on travel plans. Roughly half of those surveyed said economic pressures could make them less likely to take an overnight trip in the coming months.
Still, the desire to travel remains strong. Nearly half of Americans (46 percent) say they plan to take at least one overnight family trip within the next four months, signaling optimism heading into the holiday season.
“These findings reinforce what we know: Americans want to travel, and they overwhelmingly trust and depend on hotels when they do,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA. “Despite this positive sentiment, it’s clear that rising costs and economic uncertainty are having a lingering effect on travel plans. That’s why AHLA continues to advocate for policies that strengthen the hotel industry, support its workforce, and bolster consumer confidence.”
The survey results underscore that while inflation remains a concern, hotels continue to play a vital role in shaping Americans’ travel experiences and holiday traditions.
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