U.S. Travel Hits Post-2020 High: New Skift Research

U.S. travelers were on the move in the third quarter: 65% of people traveled, the highest share in our U.S. Travel Tracker since 2020. It was also a big gain over previous months.

Skift Research’s latest report reveals changing travel motivations, with a rise in vacations and a slight decrease in trips for visiting family and friends. Business travel continued to decline.

Travel to small towns and the countryside has consistently decreased, while travel to urban centers has rebounded. Our report notes a growing interest in wellness retreat travel. 

Online trip planning remains dominant, underlining the enduring preference for digital resources. Hotels continue to be the top choice for travelers, while vacation rentals have gained popularity.

There was an uptick in direct bookings at hotels and airlines. Key websites for hotel and rental bookings are identified, offering valuable insights for consumers and service providers.

Our report delves into travelers’ choices for trip booking windows, revealing variations between personal and business travel. Furthermore, it explores the essential factors travelers consider when selecting flights and provides insights into the priorities shaping accommodation choices.

Regarding consumer experiences, the report highlights trends in flight travel, indicating an uptick in demand for both personal and business purposes. Survey data reflects the growing interest in partially remote work arrangements and a declining preference for blended trips among business travelers.

Despite economic concerns, the travel industry proves its resilience with increased spending and a shift towards experiential investments, as consumers anticipate personal financial improvement while remaining cautious about inflation.

What You’ll Learn From This Report

U.S. Travel Tracker: Q3 2023 Highlights

• U.S. Travel Highlights
• Booking Trends
• Customer Experience
• In-Destination Trends
• Consumer attitudes to prices, and the impact on travel plans
• Use of sustainable options provided by travel suppliers
• Consumer Sentiment and economic outlook