Expedia Reports 66% of Americans Planning Domestic Trips, Road Trip Searches Surge
EXPE•Expedia's report finds 66% of Americans planning domestic trips this summer while average gas prices rise to $4.24 nationwide from $3.14 a year ago. Road trip search interest on routes like Route 66 and Pacific Coast Highway has surged, driving demand for credit cards with fuel, lodging and dining rewards.
1. Rising Travel Costs and Shift to Road Trips
Jet fuel price surges tied to geopolitical tensions have driven airfare increases and flight cancellations, while nationwide gas prices climbed to $4.24 per gallon from $3.14 a year ago. As a result, American travelers are favoring shorter, lower-cost domestic trips, with many opting for regional road journeys over long-haul flights.
2. Expedia Report Highlights Domestic Travel Trends
Expedia’s latest data shows 66% of Americans plan at least one domestic trip this summer, and online mentions of road trips have spiked. Iconic routes such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 are seeing the biggest increases in search interest.
3. Credit Card Rewards to Offset Expenses
To manage higher fuel, food and lodging costs, road trippers are increasingly seeking credit cards that offer elevated cash back or points on gas station purchases, dining and hotel bookings. Cards with co-branded or category-specific rewards are especially popular for maximizing savings during summer travel.
