If you are curious to see what sort of U.S. Domestic Travel Trends In 2024 will be impacting travel this year, OnlyInYourState has you covered. Analyzing the results of a November 2023 survey that polled thousands of OnlyInYourState readers, we have identified five travel trends that we believe will dominate domestic travel over the next 12 months, inspiring Americans to explore more of the diverse, beautiful country we call home.
There’s no denying that OnlyInYourState’s team of local travel writers and editors who live and work across the United States love travel and showcasing the beauty of America to millions of readers each month. And our readers love it, too: in our recent survey of OnlyInYourState readers, 63 percent want to learn about hidden travel gems across the United States.
1. Wanderers are planning more travel for the New Year.
guvendemir/E+ via Getty ImagesOur first U.S. Domestic travel trend in 2024 is an increase in travel among readers. Approximately seven in ten OnlyInYourState readers will plan or research a trip in the next six months, and half of readers plan to take two to three trips in the calendar year, with 36 percent planning to take four or more trips.
Travel Tip: Quality luggage makes traveling a breeze. I myself am planning a decent amount of travel for 2024 and have recently invested in two luggage purchases that make travel easier: the carry-on from Monos and the Beis weekender.
OnlyInYourState readers are also spending more – or the same amount – on travel than before the pandemic, though we believe this is impacted heavily by inflation and increased travel expenses.
Approximately 81 percent of OnlyInYourState readers prefer hotels to any other type of accommodation, but vacation rentals from sites like Airbnb (34% preference) and Vrbo (26% preference) are popular for budget travelers – or those traveling with a larger group.
2. Travelers want to explore destinations both near and far.
Pola Damonte/Moment via Getty ImagesHomestate pride runs deep for OnlyInYourState readers, 70 percent of whom enjoy learning about state pride and history and 70 percent looking for information about seasonal events.
And while more than half of OnlyInYourState readers want to explore travel within their home states, they are also planning travel outside of their state borders: approximately 42 percent of readers have visited more than five states in the last two years, with 82 percent of those trips for vacation. They also have big travel plans for the year ahead, including trips to the Most Popular States To Visit In 2024, of which Florida (pictured) has come in at No. 1.
3. Tourists are traveling with the entire family in mind – even Fido.
Thomas Barwick/Stone via Getty ImagesWhen planning a trip, OnlyInYourState readers make a variety of considerations, but the primary focus is on family: 82 percent are planning family-friendly trips, while 71 percent of readers are interested in pet-friendly travel.
The next most common consideration is the planet, with 66 percent of readers interested in planning sustainable and environmentally friendly vacations.
4. Adventurers are obsessed with the great American road trip.
Carmen Martínez Torrón/Moment via Getty ImagesThere’s little we love more than a classic American road trip, and our readers agree: 84 percent of OnlyInYourState readers are interested in learning about road trips and weekend getaways. Within the last six months or in the next six months, 86 percent of OnlyInYourState readers have enjoyed or plan to enjoy a scenic drive, with 82 percent interested in road trips.
Interested in an RV road trip? RVShare allows customers to rent RVs across the United States, making exploring the country easier than ever before.
5. Nature lovers are embracing the great outdoors.
Yobro10/iStock via Getty Images PlusOur final U.S. domestic travel trend in 2024, OnlyInYourState readers are also interested in getting outdoors and enjoying the stunning natural beauty found across the United States: 63 percent of OnlyInYourState readers are interested in learning more about nature, including parks, hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and more.
Approximately 82 percent of OnlyInYourState readers have either enjoyed a nature hike or scenic stroll in the last six months or plan to do so in the next six months, compared to 72 percent who have visited or plan to visit a local, state, or national park.