(PADUCAH, Ky.)-More than three-quarters of American travelers plan to build their 2026 trips around major life events, with younger generations leading a shift toward celebration-focused travel, according to a new survey from AAA and Bread Financial.
The study found 61% of Americans plan to travel in 2026, and 76% of those travelers will schedule trips around milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and family reunions.
Birthday celebrations will be the top reason for milestone travel at 32%, followed by family reunions (30%), friends’ milestones (29%), anniversaries (22%), and weddings (19%).
The trend is especially pronounced among younger travelers. Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z and Millennials planning to travel in 2026 will prioritize milestone events, compared to 71% of Gen X and 57% of Baby Boomers.
“When families are spread across the country, traveling to celebrate milestones becomes a priority,” said Jim Garrity, director of legislative affairs at AAA East Central.
Survey respondents said reconnecting with people (40%) and strengthening relationships (33%) were key motivations for milestone travel. However, 22% would only attend weddings close to home, and just 9% were willing to travel internationally outside North America.
To manage costs, travelers are using multiple strategies. Nearly half have consulted travel advisors, while younger travelers increasingly mix payment methods including Buy Now Pay Later options, loyalty programs, and travel credits. One-third of Gen Z respondents said loyalty rewards heavily influence their travel plans, compared to just 10% of Baby Boomers.
The survey of 1,714 U.S. adults was conducted December 15-17, 2025.
