Vacation confidence is on the rise, but travel habits vary by generation and income level. Dive into the latest 2025 summer vacation trends here.
Confidence in taking an annual vacation has reached a record high, as noted in Allianz Partners USA‘s annual Vacation Confidence Index. However, the data also reveals striking differences in travel attitudes and behaviors across demographic groups. The yearly study sheds light on how age, income, gender, and family dynamics are shaping Americans’ vacation plans in 2025.
Despite persistent concerns about inflation and mixed signals regarding the broader economy, a clearer picture is emerging in the travel space. The summer vacation trends indicate that younger and higher-income Americans remain eager to take a break. Seventy percent of Americans under the age of 35 are confident they’ll take a summer vacation this year, compared to 57% of their older counterparts (aged 55 and above) who share the same optimism. This surge in vacation confidence among younger adults is reflected in their behavior as well: nearly one in three (29%) aged 18–34 has taken a vacation in the past three months, reinforcing the generation’s commitment to prioritizing travel, even amid economic uncertainty.
Summer Vacation Trends
The summer vacation trends data also underscores how income and education continue to shape travel behavior in a post-pandemic world. Three-quarters (76%) of Americans earning $100,000 or more annually plan to travel this summer, compared to just 45% of those earning under $ 50,000. Similarly, individuals with a college degree (70%) are far more likely to take a vacation than those without one (50%). This reflects a broader consumer trend observed across industries in 2025: those with greater financial flexibility continue to spend on experiences, while cost-conscious groups are scaling back.
Family dynamics and gender also shape this year’s travel trends, with men (68%) and women (59%) both showing strong confidence in their vacation plans – a sign that enthusiasm for summer travel is widespread across households. Parents with children at home are also showing high intent to travel, with 74% planning summer getaways, compared to just 58% of non-parents.
“As travel continues to rebound, these findings underscore how income and life stage increasingly influence how, and if, Americans plan their vacations,” said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners USA. “While cost remains a concern for many, Gen Z, Millennials, and affluent families are driving the recovery, and they’re not waiting for perfect conditions to hit ‘book now.’ As more travelers take advantage of quick getaways and flexible planning, having the right travel insurance helps ensure those trips stay protected, no matter what comes their way.”
The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA. A vacation is defined as a leisure trip of at least one week to a place that is 100 miles or more from home.
For more theme park and travel-related news and information, visit MSM News.
Expertise. Ease. Value.
Ready for your bucket list trip? Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations.
Contact for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
