Many Americans are scaling back their international travel plans as 2025 draws to a close. According to YouGov’s U.S. International Traveler Outlook 2026 report, 60 percent of Americans did not travel abroad in 2025. This restraint comes largely in response to rising travel costs, economic uncertainty, and changing travel habits.
The report shows that higher expenses for transportation, lodging, and food played a major role. Nearly half of travelers felt that flights, trains, and car rentals were more expensive than a year ago. Dining out and accommodations also saw notable price increases. A significant share of travelers—43 percent—said these rising costs affected their overseas trips last year. Another 28 percent cited economic uncertainty and reduced disposable income as reasons to hold back.
Looking ahead to 2026, travelers plan further cutbacks and careful spending. About 21 percent intend to reduce the number of international trips if prices continue to climb, and 20 percent plan to forgo overseas travel entirely, opting instead for domestic vacations. Many want to avoid peak travel seasons to save money, while others aim to book flights earlier or choose less costly destinations.
Accommodations offer one of the main areas for saving. Thirty percent expect to stay in budget hotels or rental properties, and 22 percent plan to stay with friends or family. Additionally, some travelers said they would spend less on activities and dining out during their trips. Despite these changes, most travelers (58 percent) do not plan to switch their mode of transportation when traveling abroad. Among those who will change, 15 percent said they will switch from full-service airlines to budget carriers.
Europe remains the most popular region for American travelers, although interest is cooling. Italy leads with 36.4 percent of Americans considering it for their next trip, followed by the United Kingdom at 32.5 percent and Canada at 32 percent. Spain and France round out the top five. Though these countries remain popular, many travelers feel the value for money has declined over the past year. Spain, Italy, the U.K., Germany, and France all saw more Americans rating their value as worse.
Conversely, some destinations gained ground in travelers’ eyes. China showed the largest improvement but still lags overall. Mexico and Hong Kong also improved their impressions. Mexico’s affordability and natural attractions like cenotes make it increasingly appealing.
The survey also highlights how international visitors view the U.S. as a travel destination. Travelers from Australia, Mexico, the U.K., and Canada generally perceive the U.S. as offering worse value for money than before. This perception could influence future tourism trends for the U.S.
While Americans continue to want international travel, rising costs are pushing many toward more budget-conscious plans or domestic alternatives in 2026. This shift reflects broader changes in how people manage their travel budgets and priorities amid economic pressures.
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