Looking ahead to 2026, RVshare’s annual Travel Trend Report reveals a year shaped by shifting priorities and a growing desire for flexibility, comfort, and affordability. For the seventh year in a row, we surveyed travelers to understand the trips, destinations, and experiences Americans are most excited about, and the results point to meaningful change.

TRAVEL TREND REPORT

2026

What’s Shaping the Road Ahead

Travelers are returning to familiar, trusted destinations, choosing simpler and more intentional getaways, and prioritizing cost-effective ways to explore, including off-season travel and RV adventures. Pet travel is becoming a priority, influencing where people stay and how they plan their trips.  AI tools are gaining traction among travelers seeking hidden gems and streamlined itineraries. More travelers are showing interest in one-way RV road trips and seeking smaller, less crowded destinations, focusing on the experience of traveling rather than ticking off major bucket list attractions.

Travel in 2026 will be all about flexibility, comfort, and thoughtful experiences.
At RVshare, we’re proud to support these evolving trends by offering the largest online community for RV renters and owners, helping travelers explore the country on their own terms. Ready to see where Americans are heading, how they’re planning their trips, and what’s trending for 2026?

RV Appeal Is Growing Across the Board

RV Travel Trends • One-Way RVing • Roadtrip of the Year

One-Way RV Trips Hit the Road

A standout shift is the growing interest in one-way RV travel. Flexibility and freedom are becoming non-negotiables, and travelers are embracing the open-ended nature of point-to-point adventures.

71% of travelers would take more RV vacations if they had the option to schedule one-way trips.

Although interest in maximizing a road trip through a one-way RV rental is strong across the board, the majority of Millennials (89%) said they would take more RV vacations if the option to schedule point-to-point trips was available. This trend mirrors a broader movement: travelers want to design trips that fit their lifestyle, not the other way around.  

One-Way Made Easy

As more travelers seek flexibility on the road, we’re thrilled to introduce One-Way RV Rentals, designed to make this emerging style of travel easier than ever. We’ve partnered with trusted providers like Roadsurfer and El Monte to offer easy-to-book one-way options. Travelers can simply choose a starting city or route and explore available vehicles. One-way itineraries reduce backtracking, allow travelers to maximize time at destinations, and make long-distance routes more accessible. 

National Parks: Travelers Are Looking Beyond the Big Names

From rugged desert landscapes to alpine peaks, America’s national parks offer a wide range of outdoor experiences that continue to inspire travelers. Major national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite have been at the top of travel destination lists for many years. While iconic parks aren’t disappearing from bucket lists, travelers are becoming increasingly drawn to remote, unique, and less crowded options. Internal booking data show shifting interest across America’s beloved national parks. 

Demand for popular, high-traffic parks is declining

This trend signals a desire for quieter, meaningful experiences in nature. Travelers want to feel connected to their surroundings, not crowded. Remote parks like Glacier, Death Valley, and Canyonlands National Park are growing in popularity as RV travel makes it possible for travelers to reach these destinations with comfort and convenience.

Interest in off-the-beaten-path parks like Black Canyon of the Gunnison and CraterLake is increasing

Where You Stay Matters

Park-adjacent accommodations, like campgrounds and dispersed wilderness areas, provide visitors with close-to-nature stays and experiences that hotels can’t match. RVing takes it even further, offering travelers the versatility to adapt and move with their surroundings. 

Nearly nine in ten travelers (87%) are likely to choose an RV over other accommodation options for a trip to a National Park. 

For travelers who want the benefits of nearby accommodations to National Parks without the extra planning, RVshare Getaways offers an easy solution. In partnership with Spot2nite, the Getaways program makes it simple to camp near the action without additional hassles. Visitors can simply arrive and explore thanks to white glove packages that include a stationary and fully equipped RV rental and campsite. 

RVshare Getaways

RV travel remains one of the most flexible, cost-effective, and customizable ways to explore the United States, and travelers know it.

More than two-thirds of millennials are likely to consider renting an RV, the highest of any generation. These numbers reinforce the growing appeal of RVs for travelers seeking affordability and comfort, especially as interest in road travel and domestic destinations continues to grow.

are likely to choose RV accommodations over other lodging for a National Park trip

are considering renting an RV for a trip in the future

are already planning their RV trip for the year ahead

Road Trip of the Year

Repeat-Loved Destinations are Hot

Travel Frequency & Style • Travel Destinations

Travel Expectations Are Shifting

What will travel look like in 2026? In the next 12 months, 21% of travelers are planning to take fewer trips than they did last year, up from previous years (10% in 2024, 14% in 2023, 12% in 2022, and 9% in 2021).

Travel in 2026 is looking different for many Americans. According to survey data, 77% of travelers say their plans will change compared to last year, signaling a major shift in how people approach trips.

The data reflects a broader shift away from long-haul, bucket-list travel. Instead, travelers are focusing on easy-to-plan adventures that leave them recharged rather than exhausted. The last year proved that air travel is becoming more complicated, and Americans are tired of needing a vacation from their vacation.  Overall interest in international trips has dipped from 28% to 25% year over year.  Yet Gen Z stands out: more than one-third (38%) plan to take more international trips this year than last, significantly more than any other generation, including Millennials (23%), Gen X (20%), and Boomers (11%)

As the next major travel demographic, Gen Z is redefining the travel landscape by influencing not only where to go and for how long, but also why. They’re not only traveling more, both internationally and domestically, but they’re also prioritizing more meaningful experiences.

One of the strongest signals is a decline in trip frequency: 21% of travelers now plan to take fewer trips in the next 12 months, up from just 10% in 2024. This reflects a growing trend toward fewer, more intentional trips rather than chasing quantity or the “must-see” list.

Repeat-Loved Destinations are Hot

Back for More: Travelers Choose Known-and-Loved Spots Over Bucket Lists

want to visit friends or family

As travelers turn the page from international trips and big bucket-list adventures, they’re headed back to destinations they already know, trust, and love. This return-to-familiar trend reflects a desire for comfort, predictability, and meaningful experiences over novelty.

enjoy returning to a favorite attraction or event

feel that knowing the area makes travel logistics easier and less stressful

want to relive the experience for nostalgia

With affordability also shaping behavior, travelers are choosing destinations where the experience feels guaranteed; places where they already understand the location, dining options, activities, and vibe. These repeat trips offer emotional connection and value, making them a strong driver for 2026 travel. 

Trip Length Is Changing

This shift aligns with the broader trend toward more intentional travel. Rather than packing itineraries with every “must-see” destination, travelers are prioritizing trips that allow for rest, connection, and rich experiences. Shorter, well-planned getaways are emerging as the new standard for a growing segment of Americans in 2026, changing travel expectations towards easier-to-manage budgets and agendas that favor quality over quantity. 

Shorter trips are on the rise: 15% → 23%

Longer trips are trending down: 20%

Travelers are increasingly favoring shorter, simpler getaways over extended vacations. Interest in brief trips has grown noticeably (from 15% to 23% year over year), reflecting a desire for experiences that are easier to plan, less stressful, and more flexible. At the same time, enthusiasm for longer vacations has declined sharply, with significantly fewer travelers planning extended trips this year compared to last (dropping from 41% in 2024 to 21% in 2025).

 Budget Conscious Travel Influences Timing and Destinations

Off-Season Travel • Value Driven Trips

Affordability is one of the most significant factors influencing travel decisions in 2026. Nearly 87% of travelers are actively seeking ways to reduce costs next year, while 43% plan to travel during the off-season to make their trip funds stretch further.  This focus on budget-conscious travel is true across all generations, influencing not only where people go but also when they go.

 
Travelers are looking for opportunities to maximize value without sacrificing experience.

Other ways travelers are looking to save on travel:

book travel packages to get a discount

will use rewards programs like airline miles and travel-club discounts

will take shorter trips

find cheap options using AI tools

A growing trend in budget travel is the rise of “Destination Dupes” or alternative destinations; places that offer a similar experience to iconic spots but at a lower cost and with fewer crowds. These hidden gems allow travelers to enjoy the same type of adventure, whether it’s scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, or national park experiences, without the premium price or the tourist traffic. This approach shows that travelers are becoming increasingly strategic about how they spend their time and money, prioritizing memorable experiences that are also affordable.

Multi-Accommodation Trips: The New Way to Save on Stays

Multi-accommodation trips, where travelers mix different types of stays within the same itinerary, are gaining major traction among younger generations. Gen Z (73%) and Millennials (67%) are strongly embracing this approach. It allows them to blend affordable options with a touch of luxury, creating a trip that feels elevated without pushing the budget to its limit. By pairing a few nights in a high-end accommodation with more economical stays like RV rentals, cabins, or budget-friendly boutique properties, travelers can stretch their dollars while still enjoying premium experiences.

Meanwhile, nearly half of Boomers (45%) say the concept sounds like more of a logistical headache than a travel hack. But for younger travelers focused on value, flexibility, and customization, multi-accommodation trips are becoming a smart strategy. They deliver top-dollar moments: spa days, beachfront views, or amenity-rich stays, while keeping the overall cost of the trip manageable.

This trend underscores a broader shift: budget-conscious travelers aren’t sacrificing comfort. They’re simply finding creative ways to balance savings with memorable, high-quality experiences.

Pet-Friendly Travel

Off-Season Travel • Value Driven Trips

Traveling is for everyone this year, including our furry best friends.
In 2026, 71% of pet owners prefer to travel with their pets, including 16% say they won’t travel at all unless their pet can come along.

This strong preference is changing the way people travel, including where they go, stay, and the activities they participate in, making pet-inclusive options an essential part of modern travel planning.

Travelers are searching for better options for their furry companions:

want more pet-friendly accommodations

are seeking easier access to pet-friendly attractions

want on-site boarding or pet-sitting options

Pet travel is evolving away from being considered complicated to a necessity, reflecting a broader shift toward personalization and comfort, where experiences are tailored to include everyone.

Travel Planning

Travel Frequency & Style • Travel Destinations

Travelers are turning to AI not to replace the planning experience, but to enhance it with speed, personalization, and insight. The top ways people want to use AI include:

Finding the best destinations, accommodations, or attractions for their specific needs — 75%

AI is helping travelers save time, uncover unique experiences, and plan smarter, more personalized trips. From scouting off-the-beaten-path destinations to mapping multi-stop RV adventures, AI tools are increasingly a critical part of modern travel planning, complementing other trends like budget-conscious choices and alternative destinations.

Discovering hidden-gem dining or attractions they would otherwise miss — 61%

Coordinating transportation or travel itineraries — 59%

Technology continues to transform how people plan travel, and AI is quickly becoming a trusted companion on the road. Over the last two years, we’ve been tracking the growth of AI tools in travel planning, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. In 2026:

THANK YOU

Methodology

Thank you all for another year of helping travelers explore the freedom and joy of the open road. As we look ahead to 2026, the world of travel continues to evolve, shaped by a growing desire for flexibility, comfort, and value. While travel trends shift, one thing remains constant: the power of travel to disconnect from daily life, reconnect with what matters, and make memories that last a lifetime.

The RVshare survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) between November 6th and November 12th, 2025. A total of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18+ who have taken a vacation in the past 24 months were surveyed via email invitation and online survey. The data has been weighted.

Top destinations that RV renters keep returning to:

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

2. Orlando, Florida

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

4. Texas Hill Country

5. Whitefish, Montana

The Hidden Side of the West

We are excited to present travelers with an expertly curated journey that captures the spirit of discovery and highlights an off-the-beaten-path region of the country. Meet the Hidden Side of the West, RVshare’s Road Trip of the Year.

 
Kick off the Roadtrip of the Year in Flagstaff along historic Route 66. After exploring this legendary stretch of highway, head north toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, where sweeping, crowd-free vistas set the tone for the journey ahead. From there, the route opens up with optional detours towards Zion National Park and beyond. Continue northwest toward one of the country’s most underrated treasures, Great Basin National Park. Route 93 in Nevada passes through a chain of stunning state parks, including Cathedral Gorge State Park, as well as quiet desert panoramas, hot springs, and little-known landscapes that feel like true discoveries. Your final stretch leads you to the Loneliest Road in America, a corridor of rugged beauty and peaceful solitude. Unexplored, budget-friendly, and rich with natural wonder, this is the road trip that reveals the West’s hidden side.