Survey: Travelers to plan more short, local road trips this summer
As consumers expect to soon see higher prices at the store due to tariffs, many are amending their summer vacation plans.
Fifty-three percent of travelers are planning more short trips or weekend getaways this summer than in previous years, according to a new survey from convenience chain Pilot Travel Centers and campground booking platform Campspot. More than 90% are gearing up for “pop-up” escapes this summer, defined as quick trips typically within driving distance of home.
Nearly six-in-10 (58%) travelers are heading to lakes or beaches this summer, followed by mountains or national parks (51%) and small towns destinations (48%), with 57% of travelers saying they’ll travel 200 miles or less to get to their vacation spot.
[READ MORE: Study: Consumers tightening their budgets, buying early to avoid price spikes]
“Travelers are rewriting the rules of summer getaways by choosing closer escapes, simpler plans and spontaneous moments that bring genuine connection,” said Jeff Bettin, general manager of marketplace at Campspot. “Pop-up escapes show that it doesn’t take a faraway destination or a long itinerary to create something unforgettable.”
Two-thirds (66%) of travelers say the best part of a road trip is discovering hidden gems, while 62% enjoy making memories with family or friends, and 61% enjoy scenic views the most.
Eighty-four percent of those surveyed said they most value the convenience of fuel, food and restrooms in one stop. The perfect playlist (56%) and meaningful conversations (54%) also top the list of road trip essentials. When it comes to road trip snacks, more than half (57%) of travelers crave a “mix of everything.”
Pilot’s data echoes a recent survey from Quantum Metric which found that consumers in both the United States and United Kingdom are planning to “stay local” for spring, summer and end-of-year vacations. When looking to cut costs, 33% said they will book with travel sites where they are loyalty members, while 32% will only book with hotels/airlines they are loyal to for perks/discounts. More than a quarter (29%) said they planned to identify travel destinations primarily based on the average price of airfare/hotel.
Pilot’s survey was distributed by Campspot through an online survey between April 3-11, 2025 targeting Campspot customers across North America. A total of 1,829 respondents participated in the survey.