Learn what Americans say defines the perfect vacation, how long it should last, where to go, and what they’re willing to give up for a flawless trip.

Go City released the results of a new consumer survey, revealing the hallmarks of the “perfect” vacation and the sacrifices Americans are willing to make to guarantee perfection. Conducted by Talker Research, the survey polled 2,000 travelers—U.S. residents who have traveled within the past year—and found that the perfect vacation lasts 11 days, is at least three hours from home, and prioritizes food (52%), relaxation (47%), good weather (34%), accommodations (38%), as well as outdoor attractions and landmarks (31%).

Hallmarks of the Perfect Vacation:

According to the survey, six in ten Americans believe that the perfect vacation exists within the United States, with 86% seeking six or more days to unwind. Top destinations include a sunny beach (63%), the great outdoors (53%), a major city (43%), a historic location (42%), or an amusement park (30%). Two in five (41%) only think their vacation is perfect if they can check off items like iconic landmarks and visit local, must-see attractions.

For a vacation to qualify as “perfect,” the majority of travelers said it must include time to:

• Relax and recuperate (67%)
• Create meaningful moments (63%)
• Enjoy good company (62%)
• Try new experiences (61%)

“The idea of the ‘perfect’ vacation can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t need to travel halfway around the world to find this,” said Judy Gauthier, chief commercial officer at Go City. “Our research shows it’s often the simple things that matter most—spending time with loved ones, feeling relaxed, and making memories—even if you have to make a few concessions along the way.”

Vacation Spoilers:

Ninety-two percent of travelers said that if a single aspect of their vacation was not up to par, it would ruin the entire trip. Top vacation spoilers include:

• Unexpected costs such as hidden fees (45%)
• Travel hiccups such as flight delays, lost luggage, etc. (44%)
• Bad weather (41%)
• Inconveniently located hotels that are far from local attractions (40%)
• Poorly reregulated temperature in the hotel room or rental unit (35%)
• Disappointing food (34%)
• An uncomfortable bed (31%)

Sacrifices for the Perfect Vacation:

Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they would be willing to sacrifice certain comforts to guarantee a better vacation experience. Top travel compromises include:

• A more expensive hotel or rental unit (33%)
• Splurge spends for three months before traveling (32%)
• Extra leg room on the flight (28%)
• Any access beyond economy on a full flight (21%)
• Having a carry-on bag (19%)

In exchange for these comforts, travelers want the following in return:

• More time to relax and unwind on vacation (29%)
• More money to spend on food and drinks (28%)
• An upgraded hotel room with a nice view and free breakfast (27%)
• The ability to afford more premium vacation experiences like skip line, VIP access, private tours, etc. (23%)

“Every vacation deserves to be ‘perfect,'” continued Gauthier. “What really makes the difference is knowing how to travel smarter to make your trip as stress-free as possible. A well-planned trip that balances activities and downtime with little indulgences like skip the line passes, flexible reservations, and an upgraded view can turn a good trip into a great one.”

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