Research: Nearly 60% of Americans Plan to Travel More This Summer

Why It Matters

The findings signal strong consumer demand for road travel and experience‑driven spending, creating growth opportunities for hospitality, automotive, and retail brands that can tap into the summer‑and‑World‑Cup travel surge.

Key Takeaways

• 57% plan to travel more this summer than last year
• 72% intend to travel by car, with 37% driving 500+ miles
• World Cup excitement drives 41% interest; 25% will try new snacks
• 45% choose closer-to-home destinations, favoring familiar routes
• 38% say gas prices haven’t altered their travel plans

Pulse Analysis

Summer 2026 is shaping up as a pivotal period for U.S. travel, even as households grapple with lingering inflation and higher fuel costs. GSTV’s survey of its viewers reveals that more than half of Americans plan to increase their travel mileage, with a pronounced preference for personal vehicles. This trend reflects a broader shift toward flexible, self‑driven vacations that allow travelers to control routes, stops, and timing, a pattern that has accelerated since the pandemic and now appears entrenched in post‑COVID behavior.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is injecting an additional layer of excitement into the travel landscape. Over 40% of respondents expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, and many are converting that enthusiasm into road trips, with a sizable share willing to drive five hours or more to attend matches. Even those who stay home are altering consumption habits, with roughly a quarter planning to sample new snack or beverage flavors tied to the event. This convergence of sport and travel creates a fertile ground for brands to launch limited‑edition products and experiential marketing campaigns that resonate with a captive, experience‑seeking audience.

For the hospitality and automotive sectors, the data underscores a lucrative opportunity. Hotels near stadiums and popular road‑trip corridors can anticipate higher occupancy, while rental car firms and fuel retailers stand to benefit from longer‑distance journeys. Marketers should prioritize messaging that emphasizes convenience, safety, and the novelty of “game‑tripping,” leveraging the World Cup’s global appeal to attract both die‑hard fans and casual travelers seeking memorable summer experiences.