A new survey from AAA and Bread Financial® finds that Americans planning to travel in 2026 are increasingly organizing trips around major life events rather than convenience or spontaneity.
According to the study, 61% of Americans say they plan to travel in 2026. Among those travelers, more than three-quarters — 76% — said their trips will center on milestone moments such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations. The trend is being led largely by Gen Z and millennials, who are approaching travel with greater intention as they balance meaningful experiences with financial planning.
Birthdays are expected to be the most common milestone travel occasion next year, cited by 32% of respondents, followed by family reunions at 30% and celebrations tied to friends’ milestones at 29%. Anniversaries accounted for 22% of planned trips, while weddings made up 19%. Graduations, honeymoons and fitness competitions such as marathons also ranked among the reasons people are traveling.
While overall plans to travel were relatively consistent across generations, the likelihood of traveling specifically for milestone events varied sharply. Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z respondents (89%) and millennials (88%) who plan to travel in 2026 said their trips will revolve around milestone moments, compared with 71% of Gen X respondents and 57% of Baby Boomers.
“As families spread out and friends move, travel has become an essential way to stay connected especially for younger generations,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “It’s inspiring to see how travelers are thoughtfully planning their trips around life’s most meaningful celebrations. That’s why AAA is committed to delivering exceptional experiences through our trusted travel advisors and digital tools like Trip Canvas to curate memorable milestone moments.”
The survey found that connection often outweighs convenience. Forty percent of respondents said milestone travel helps them reconnect with people they have not seen in some time, while 33% said the trips strengthen friendships and personal bonds. Younger travelers were more likely to prioritize trips with friends, with 25% of Gen Z respondents citing that preference, compared with 9% of Baby Boomers.
At the same time, milestone travel can come with challenges. Nearly six in 10 travelers said they have experienced tension or arguments with travel companions. Those concerns appear to influence how far people are willing to travel for certain events. While interest in milestone travel remains high, 22% of respondents said they would attend a wedding only if it were close to home, and just 9% said they would be willing to travel internationally outside North America for such occasions.
To manage costs and logistics, many travelers are turning to professional help and flexible payment options. Nearly half of respondents said they have relied on a travel advisor, citing benefits such as finding the best deals, saving time and having support when problems arise. Others said advisors help manage complex itineraries or identify lesser-known destinations.
Paying for travel also reflects a more deliberate approach. Debit cards, personal savings and credit cards were the most common methods, but younger travelers were more likely to combine multiple payment options, including buy-now-pay-later services, loyalty points, travel credits and employer stipends. One-third of Gen Z respondents said rewards and loyalty programs heavily influence their travel decisions, compared with 10% of Baby Boomers.
Budget transparency is also common among group travelers. Nearly half of respondents said they openly discuss expenses with travel companions, while most travelers reported having purchased travel insurance in the past to protect against losses tied to lodging, flights, baggage or medical emergencies.
“Traveling for milestone moments is about more than just being there, it’s about making those moments count,” said Valerie Greer, chief commercial officer of Bread Financial. “With younger generations leading the charge, we’re seeing a shift toward intentional travel that balances celebrating life’s biggest events with smart financial planning. By embracing tools like travel advisors and innovative payment options, travelers can ensure they’re not only present for these special moments but also financially prepared to make them truly unforgettable.”
