Americans Boost Travel Spending 24% in Summer 2026, Prioritize International Trips and Flexible Insurance
Event summary
- International travel dominates among insured Americans, with the top destinations being the U.S., Italy, Canada, France, Spain, Mexico, Greece, Bahamas, U.K., and Japan.
- Average trip cost rose 24% year-over-year to $9,668, with 53% of travelers cutting other expenses to fund travel.
- Travelers are purchasing insurance earlier (62 days vs. 71 in 2025) and CFAR coverage has nearly doubled to 13.5%.
- Greece and Norway saw steep price increases, with average trip costs rising to $12,730 and $14,950 respectively.
The big picture
The data reflects a broader trend of Americans prioritizing travel experiences over other discretionary spending, even as costs rise. The increase in CFAR coverage and earlier insurance purchases suggests a heightened awareness of potential disruptions, possibly influenced by recent global events. The shift towards closer-to-home international destinations may indicate a preference for reduced travel time and lower logistical complexity.
What we're watching
- Spending Priorities
- How sustained high travel spending will affect other consumer sectors, particularly retail and dining.
- Insurance Trends
- Whether the shift to earlier insurance purchases and increased CFAR coverage will become a permanent behavior.
- Destination Shifts
- The pace at which closer-to-home international destinations like Canada and the Bahamas continue to gain popularity.
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