New research from AAA and Bread Financial finds that travel in 2026 will be planned around life’s special moments. Of the 61% of Americans who plan to travel this year, more than three-quarters (76%) will plan their trips around weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations. Millennials and Gen Z are the most likely to plan these kinds of trips.
The survey shows that these are the most popular milestone trips:
- Birthdays (32%)
- Family reunions (30%)
- Friends’ milestones (29%)
- Anniversaries (22%)
- Weddings (19%)
- Graduations (12%)
- Honeymoons (10%)
- Fitness competitions, such as marathons or fun runs (7%)
The survey finds that all generations are planning to travel in 2026 at similar rates:
- 60% of Gen Z
- 63% of millennials
- 60% of Gen X
- 61% of Baby Boomers
But the younger generations are more likely to travel for milestone events:
- 89% of Gen Z
- 88% of Millennials
- 71% of Gen X
- 57% of Baby Boomers
The survey reveals that personal connections drive travel:
- 40% say that traveling to attend milestone events helps them reconnect with people they haven’t seen in some time.
- 33% say these trips strengthen friendships and bonds.
- Gen Z (25%) prioritizes traveling with friends more than Baby Boomers (9%)
“Our survey shows that travel is now a key way for people to stay connected, especially for younger generations. When people spend their hard-earned money on vacations, they’re eager to take part in life’s most meaningful moments,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Despite the interest in attending life events, 22% of survey respondents say they are only willing to go to a wedding if it’s close to home, and an even smaller 9% are willing to undertake a long-haul international trip outside of North America.
Good planning is a must. Nearly half of respondents (46%) sought the help of a travel agent to plan their trips to:
- Find the best deals (51%)
- Save time (43%)
- Have support if something goes wrong (35%)
- Help with complex logistics or to find hidden gems (30%)
“Travel agents can provide numerous benefits. They’re experts with firsthand knowledge about destinations, lodging and events, and can provide the best value for your travel dollars. Travel agents can save you time in the planning process, and are there to help if something goes awry,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
Reach out to a trusted travel advisor at AAA Travel or (800) 529-3222.
Paying for travel:
- 52% of travelers will use a debit card to pay for their getaway
- 48% will use a credit card.
AAA Oregon/Idaho reveals additional travel trends for 2026
These are top trends and destinations for 2026 for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, according to bookings and online searches.
Micro-cruising
Rather than multi-destination cruises on large ships, travelers are increasingly opting for more personalized experiences aboard smaller ships, including expedition and river cruises.
Whycations
Travelers are increasingly seeking trips that align with personal values, learning opportunities and meaningful experiences. Travel is guided by personal significance rather than sightseeing checklists.
Ancestry travel
Trips to reconnect with your heritage or for research on family history. Travelers want to visit ancestral destinations, often on multigenerational trips.
Cultural Connections
Travelers increasingly want authentic experiences to discover destinations through local food, art and events rather than simply visiting the most popular destinations and sights.
Unplugged vacations
Travelers are seeking calm, rest and digital detachment with destinations and itineraries that emphasize peace and restoration.
Small group tours
These are surging as travelers seek personalized and immersive experiences.
Event Travel and Sportscations
Trips to sporting events, concerts, festivals and other special events are on the rise. Concerts at The Sphere in Las Vegas and other iconic locations, the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, events commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, and trips to matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are among the most popular.
Astro-travel
Travelers are booking trips and cruises that offer excellent stargazing opportunities, including seeing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which occur between autumn and early spring in northern skies, and a total solar eclipse which will occur in August and will be visible from Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.
Rail Vacations
More travelers are interested in going by train. Travel by rail provides scenic views and can be convenient and flexible.
The top trending destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are:
Methodology for AAA/Bread Financial survey:
This was an online survey of 1,714 U.S. respondents 18+ who plan to travel in 2026 for personal, non-work-related occasions. The survey was conducted from December 15 to 17, 2025.
