Have money, will travel

Travel offers a tapestry of rich experiences, from bustling cityscapes to serene wildlands, from luxury resorts to low-cost campgrounds. Across the United States, just like the diversity of the United States itself, travel preferences throughout the country reveal fascinating stories about its culture, priorities, and economic behavior. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply curious about the travel trends shaping the U.S., understanding patterns in travel spending and the balance between international and domestic trips can offer valuable insights.  

According to the  U.S. Travel Association , Americans spent a staggering $1.2 trillion on travel in 2022. This figure — which represents a return to pre-pandemic levels of spending — highlights not only Americans’ love for exploring places, but also the significant economic impact of the travel industry. As we explore these trends and preferences, we’ll uncover how different regions across the nation allocate travel budgets and how varying levels of disposable income influence these decisions.  

 The chart below illustrates 2024 estimates to compare average household travel spending to median household income. Each dot represents a single United States county and is scaled to reflect the county's total population. The chart reveals a strong, predictable pattern: households that report higher amounts of disposable income (defined as after-tax income at the household level) tend to spend more on travel. 

However, the story doesn't end there. Despite a clear correlation between income and spending, a variety of other demographic, cultural, and logistical factors may influence Americans' travel spending and preferences. The maps we’ll explore offer a nuanced view of this topic — and in some cases, they reveal geographic patterns that might even surprise you. 

As the maps above illustrate, geographic patterns in travel spending and behavior reflect the overall diversity of the country. Yet, a deeper look at the data reveals intriguing variations and outliers that sometimes raise as many questions as they answer — and that might challenge the notion that income is the sole determining factor of how different Americans relate to travel. 

As we look to the future, it’s highly likely that travel behavior will continue to evolve. Rising living costs, an increased emphasis on sustainability, and economic uncertainty could affect demand for low-cost local travel. And conversely, increased exposure to foreign news and culture may broaden the appeal of international travel to Americans with an enduring preference for U.S. travel. Only time will tell. But by better understanding these trends, we can better anticipate and adapt to the future of travel — hopefully ensuring that every American is afforded the opportunity for adventure, whether across the pond or across the county line. 

The maps in this story are based on Esri's 2024 Consumer Spending and Market Potential datasets. Click on the links below to learn more about the collection and processing methods used to create these datasets, and to discover some guidance and tips for using them in your own work.