Marketing
The State of the American Traveler in October 2026 — Financial Confidence Slips a Third Month While Travel Holds, and AI Finds Its Place in the Later Side of the Planning Process
Household financial confidence has fallen for three consecutive months and recession expectations are climbing again, yet trip-taking remains well ahead of last year and holiday calendars are filling. For travel marketers, the most useful material this month is new: a…
The State of the American Traveler in September 2026 — Recession Concerns Creep Back Up as Spontaneous Travel Surges and AI Planning Hits New Highs
Recession expectations turned back up after two calmer months and financial optimism softened, yet trip-taking rose again and the forward calendar refilled. The more consequential shifts for travel marketers sit in how travelers decide: impulse trips have climbed to a…
Mapping Your Place in Travelers’ Minds
A question worth thinking about: do travelers actually see your destination as different from the places you compete against? You likely know how travelers rate you on food, or outdoors, or family appeal. That tells you about level, not position — and position…
The State of the American Traveler in May 2026 — Recession Fears Ease Somewhat, FIFA Fever Builds, and Gas Prices Become the New Drag
Travel demand holds steady as economic anxiety recedes, but rising fuel and airfare costs may temper summer spending
Too Pricey to Visit but Still on Everyone’s List?
In the current economic climate—marked by sustained feelings of uncertainty and price sensitivity—affordability has become a central theme in both discourse about travel destinations and actual consumer decision-making.
The State of the American Traveler in April 2026—Summer is Committed, AI is Planning, and Value is Critical
Recession Fears Spike and Geopolitical Headwinds Emerge—But Travelers Are Already Booked and Shopping Smart
Travel Planning in 2026: AI-Assisted, Not AI-Driven
Artificial intelligence is now a highly visible and important part of the travel planning experience, but new research shows travelers are integrating it carefully rather than treating it as a replacement for established behaviors.
The State of the American Traveler in February 2026—Deliberate but not Retreating; Encroaching Politics; Slow Travel Trends
American Travelers Continue to Display Financial Caution, But Demand and Budgets for Travel are Strong
U.S. Brand Performance Is Softening & Global Competition Is Getting Fiercer
The pool of travelers considering long-haul international trips to the United States is narrowing.