U.S. travellers spending 25% more per trip in 2023 than in 2019: A Research

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Arival’s 2024 Experiences Traveler Outlook report highlights a significant shift in U.S. travellers’ behavior, revealing a 25% increase in spending per trip in 2023 compared to 2019. With an average expenditure of nearly $4,000 per trip, this data suggests a willingness among U.S. travelers to invest more in travel experiences.

Despite a reduction in the frequency of trips, with only 28% of travelers taking four or more leisure trips in 2023 (compared to 40% in 2019), the report indicates a focus on quality over quantity. Douglas Quinby, Arival’s co-founder and CEO, notes that travelers are making the most of their trips by spending more time with family and friends and actively engaging in various tours, activities, attractions, and other travel experiences.

An interesting trend emerges as U.S. travelers are now prioritizing international long-haul trips. The report reveals a substantial growth in trips to Europe, with 14% of U.S. travelers visiting the continent in 2023, up from 10% in 2021. In contrast, domestic travel within the U.S., which experienced a surge during the pandemic, has seen a decline, with only 59% opting for a domestic vacation in 2023, down from 70% in 2021.

The report, based on online research surveying 1,000 qualifying U.S. active travelers in the fall of 2023, sheds light on evolving preferences, behaviors, and attitudes in travel experiences. Notably, travelers are increasingly placing a premium on experiences, as evidenced by a nearly twofold increase in the number of tours taken per trip in 2023 compared to 2019.

As the interest in international travel, particularly to Europe, is expected to rise further in 2024, the upcoming Arival 360 event in Berlin is poised to be a crucial platform for discussing these evolving travel trends. The event, scheduled for March, is anticipated to attract hundreds of delegates eager to delve into the pressing themes, topics, and trends shaping the global experiences industry in the coming year. The report suggests that demand for tours and attractions is on the rise, indicating a broader shift in how travelers prioritize and plan their journeys.

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