In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time to take a break can feel impossible. Americans are making a bold statement by taking longer vacations instead of quick weekend getaways, determined to get a chance at true relaxation. Find out what’s causing this shift in travel patterns, including the rise of remote work and a growing interest in foreign wellness retreats.
The desire for cultural immersion
Taking weeks off to roam around Italy instead of a few mere days allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local way of life. From making authentic ravioli in its place of origin to learning Italian and forming connections with locals, cultural immersion provides a more meaningful experience, and it’s only possible if you have the time to do so. Sure, you can say you visited the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but many Americans are starting to realize that travel should be more than just checking off famous landmarks from your to-do list.
The search for wellness solutions overseas
Wellness and beauty procedures in America can be pricey compared to what other countries charge for the same or often better treatments. Booking.com’s 2025 travel predictions indicate that 60% of American travelers are interested in a longevity retreat to improve their overall health. As more travelers focus on wellness, they stay longer to undergo treatments like cryotherapy, red light therapy and stem cell therapies. Americans are searching for rejuvenation that can be felt beyond a few days of relaxation, shifting travel itineraries away from traditional attractions and toward health-enhancing treatments.
Making the most out of your travel expenses
As airfare and travel costs rise, Americans are not sacrificing their travels; rather, they are maximizing the value of their trips by going on extended trips. According to Allianz Partners USA, Americans’ summer vacation spending in 2024 has increased 118% from the pandemic. The mindset that many have is that if they’re going to spend all this money to fly to a different country, they might as well make the most of the experience by enjoying quality time over an extended period, even if it means splurging a bit more than planned.
Slow travel as a mental reset
Instead of hopping from one city to the next in a span of a few days, slow traveling — the act of taking the time to enjoy one’s vacation — is taking over. The preference for longer vacations results from Americans recognizing the mental health benefits of extended trips, as they provide an opportunity to fully disconnect and recover from stress and burnout. It turns out that true relaxation happens after eight days of vacation, which according to the Journal of Happiness Studies, is the perfect amount of vacation time to improve your health and wellness.
The digital era makes it possible
In the past, it may have been difficult to find things to do for an extended period when traveling. However, in the digital era, you’re nothing short of access to apps and different platforms that can help plan a seamless experience. With social media and travel blogs, you can find plenty of inspiration for unique destinations to visit and lesser-known local restaurants that are must-tries. You can easily search for the best tamales in Spain, the most popular ravioli recipe in Italy or find Airbnbs offering discounted long stays. Digital tools make managing trips easier than ever and have given travelers the confidence to book longer vacations and explore all the attractions they find online.
A new way of work
Many companies have adopted remote or hybrid work arrangements since the pandemic, moving away from the traditional five-day, in-office work model. Some companies even allow employees to work from anywhere in the world. This shift is affecting travel habits, allowing more Americans to take extended trips without being limited by vacation days. This newfound freedom — a mix of work and leisure — makes longer vacations more feasible, allowing individuals to experience local life abroad. Instead of staying in hotels, travelers can book extended stays on Airbnb, giving them the flexibility to cook meals like a hamburger casserole in their own kitchens one night and eat out the next.
The travel industry adapts to changing preferences
Finding time to unplug and relax can be rare, but Americans are making the most out of their vacation by going for an extended period of time. The trend towards longer vacations is driven by a desire for slow travel and wellness retreats, while flexible work arrangements and digital tools are making it possible for Americans to live out their travel dreams. More meaningful and immersive travel experiences can be expected to emerge as travel providers cater to the growing interest in slow-paced exploration.
Mandy Applegate is the creator behind Splash of Taste and six other high-profile food and travel blogs. She’s also co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc., the unique and highly rewarding collaborative blogger project. Her articles appear frequently on major online news sites and she always has her eyes open to spot the next big trend.