Poll unveils travel expenses U.S. residents are shelling out - potential discretion in social media sharing regarding these expenditures

Poll unveils travel expenses U.S. residents are shelling out - potential discretion in social media sharing regarding these expenditures

Travel isn't just about exploring the globe, it's about indulging in experiences that leave a lasting impression. But let's be real, some trips are best kept to ourselves. We surveyed a whopping 3,000 travelers to spill the secrets on the hottest travel trends of 2025, including the ones they're too shy to admit they're into. From budget-friendly dupes of tourist hotspots to nude cruises, here's what's shaping travel plans this year.

Skip the mainstream and go solo for some independent adventures (26% are on board). More travelers are opting for off-peak trips as climate change makes weather less predictable (24%). Jet-setters are also discovering that they can save some cash by choosing cheaper alternatives that still deliver the same vibes as famous destinations (20%).

Sports fanatics are booking trips to catch their favorite teams in action (15%). Wanting to step away from the consumerism rat race, some are reconnecting with nature (14%). Silent retreats for reducing overstimulation and boosting creativity (10%) and exploring ancestral roots through travel (10%) are also becoming popular. Socially responsible and eco-friendly trips (9%) are on the rise, while 7% are vacationing to learn or develop a new skill.

Now, let's get to the good stuff - the secret trends. While most travelers can't wait to share their plans, a significant minority is keeping their trips hush-hush. In fact, 12% of travelers admit they feel a bit embarrassed about some of their travel choices this year, and 24% say they plan to keep at least one of their trips a secret. Here's what they're up to:

• Airport Tourism: Ever wanted to visit a specific airport restaurant or shop? Yeah, we didn't see that coming either (7%).
• Longevity Retreats: These wellness escapes come with fancy treatments like cryotherapy, red light therapy, and even stem cell treatments (6%).
• SKI trips: Some travelers are prioritizing multi-generational trips over saving for their kids' future (5%).
• Nude Cruises: setting sail on adult-only, clothing-optional cruises (3%) might not be everyone's cup of tea but it's a thing.

So why are people keeping their plans under wraps?

• 28% think the trend is overrated but they're doing it anyway.
• 24% worry about being judged.
• 19% don't want others to know how much they're spending.
• 19% copied someone else's trip and don't want them to find out.

The majority of Americans aim to spend between $1,000-$5,000 per trip on these trends, but some are planning to shell out more:

• 26% of heritage/DNA travelers, 20% of longevity retreat-goers, and 18% of nude cruisers plan to spend $5,000-$10,000 per person on the trip.
• 17% of SKI trippers are going all out, budgeting over $10,000 per person.
• 11% of luxury pet travelers are also spending over $10,000 per person.

With so many options, planning a trip can be overwhelming. That's why 33% of travelers are turning to travel advisors for help. Here's what travelers are relying on them for:

1. Budget management.
2. Travel insurance.
3. Entire itinerary booking.
4. Destination suggestions.
5. Insider tips and perks.
6. Documentation help (visas, travel requirements, etc.).
7. Local expertise.
8. 24/7 support for non-emergencies.
9. Group travel coordination.
10. Emergency support (flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical issues, etc.)
11. Timing suggestions (best seasons to visit destinations).
12. Advice on which travel trends are worth participating in.
13. Ensuring special requests are honored (dietary needs, accessibility, etc.).

No matter the trend you're jumping on, make sure you protect your trip with our website's whole-trip travel insurance. Whether you're after crowd-free experiences or secret splurges, Americans are spending more on travel than ever before - sometimes in ways they don't want to admit. Enjoy the journey!

Source:

[1] Zhang, E. (2023). How digital travel disruptions are redefining the way Americans plan vacations. MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/how-digital-travel-disruptions-are-redefining-the-way-americans-plan-vacations-11680332636

[2] Richards, L. (2023). The rise of quieter, value-driven international travel. TravelPulse. https://www.travelpulse.com/news/travel-trends/2025-travel-trends-international-travel-quieter-value-driven.html

[3] Engelmann, C. (2023). A growing number of American travelers are seeking authentic experiences. USA Today. https://usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/destinations/2023/01/31/americans-fleeting-tourism-trend-seek-authentic-experiences/70031122007/

[4] Smith, J. (2023). Americans' vacation behavior is changing: Here's why. Money Magazine. https://money.com/money/5229001/american-vacations-trends-changing/

[5] Jones, M. (2023). The rise of experiential travel and its effect on the tourism industry. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/experiential-travel-tourism-industry-b2170540.html

1. Amidst the rising trend of budget-friendly alternatives to famous destinations (20%), some travelers are also seeking out airport tourism experiences, aiming to visit specific airport restaurants or shops (7%).
2. In line with the growing popularity of nude cruises (3%), fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts might find themselves prioritizing their lifestyle choices in their travel plans, possibly incorporating clothing-optional cruises into their vacation (based on inference).
3. The increasing trend of cultural immersion trips, such as exploring ancestral roots (10%), might lead travelers to focus on more than just sightseeing during their vacation and delve into learning or developing new skills (7%).
4. As more travelers opt for quieter, value-driven vacations (based on [2]), adopting a lifestyle that minimizes excessive spending could be a crucial factor in achieving a more sustainable travel budget (19% of travelers showed concern over their spending).
5. With the rise in socially responsible and eco-friendly trips (9%), eager travelers might choose travel advisors to guide them in their decision-making process, seeking help with budget management, travel insurance, destination suggestions, and more, ensuring that their trips not only meet their expectations but also align with their personal values (33% of travelers are turning to travel advisors for help).

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