Jet lag > Job lag: Consumers are still prioritizing travel amid a turbulent economy

Summer travel is upon us! Our latest 2025 Leisure Travel Study on over 800 consumers reveals that Morning Brew readers aren’t just exploring, but they’re also setting trends and redefining what it means to travel. Here’s a closer look at the standout trends shaping their travel decisions this year.

The economy’s in turbulence, but travelers aren’t

Inflation? Rising costs? Cute.

61% of respondents say the economy isn’t grounding their travel plans. In fact, they’re packing an average leisure budget of $10k and influencing over $2b in domestic flight spending.

And they’re not just spending big:

• On average, they anticipate taking 4 trips by the end of this year.

• ½ (49%) plan to take a trip of 8+ nights.

• Basically, they’re treating PTO like an ETF—maximizing every ounce of return.

Luxury is out, experiences are in

Forget thread counts and champagne minibars. This crowd is trading marble bathtubs for mountaintop views.

76% say they’d rather cut costs on where they sleep so they can splurge on where they feel something. Think hidden-speakeasy tours, midnight hikes, and cooking classes taught by someone’s nona.

Tourist traps are...tragic

Tourist hot spots? Not on our audiences’ itineraries. The majority (86%) of our readers prefer booking during off-peak seasons, and 81% actively seek destinations off the beaten path. 

They’re chasing authenticity over algorithms, trading “Best of Rome in 1 Day” for “Where Do Locals Actually Eat?”

Our readers curate their own journeys

Morning Brew readers are self-reliant travel planners, with 72% preferring to book their own trips. They’re not just traveling alone, either: 93% agree that travel experiences are always better when shared with others. This is also an audience that is no stranger to providing travel tips and tricks, as over ⅓ (39%) frequently give friends/family advice.

They’re the trip MVPs, the spreadsheet shamans, the group chat Sherpas. And yet, even heroes have a kryptonite:

• 61% dread airport delays.

• 49% say the journey to paradise is often...not paradise (citing uncomfortable travel experiences).

Hotels are having a main character moment

Airbnb fatigue is real. From cleaning fees to checkout checklists, readers are returning to the warm embrace of the hotel keycard.

Bookings for hotels are now outpacing that of private rentals. In fact, 78% plan hotel stays, and we’re seeing a 16% year-over-year decline for planning private rental bookings. Reliability and consistent quality are bringing travelers back to traditional accommodations. 

Turns out, predictability and continental breakfast still slaps.

Closing thoughts

Morning Brew readers in 2025 are adventurous and experience-focused. They’re rewriting the rules and crafting travel experiences that are unique, intentional, and highly shareable. 

So, what’s your next move? Are you booking the predictable, or are you about to embark on your next adventure?