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Americans Embrace Road Trips This Summer, Domestic Beaches Top Choice

Americans are hitting the road this summer, with domestic beaches and resorts leading the way. Despite rising costs, travellers are undeterred, planning to drive more than last year.

Here we can see water, swimming pools, people, and grass. There are vehicles on the road. Here we...
Here we can see water, swimming pools, people, and grass. There are vehicles on the road. Here we can see plants, trees, playground, and houses.

Americans Embrace Road Trips This Summer, Domestic Beaches Top Choice

This summer, a significant shift in travel plans is expected, with a majority of Americans opting for domestic road trips. According to a GSTV survey, 84% of responders plan to use their own vehicles for these journeys, with 60% intending to drive over 300 miles. Domestic beaches and resorts remain the top destinations, chosen by 58% of travellers.

The decision to hit the road is influenced by various factors. The average cost of domestic flights for 2024 was $384 per person, potentially making road trips a more affordable option. Additionally, gasoline and lodging are identified as the biggest expenses on these trips, with average gas prices in America currently at $3.18 per gallon. However, insurance premium costs, at 15%, are also a consideration for road trippers.

Despite these expenses, 56% of people plan to travel by car more than they did last summer. Food is another significant expense, with 47% of respondents acknowledging its impact on their budgets. The average cost of full coverage car insurance reached $2,638 in 2025, a 12% increase from 2024. However, cheaper options are available, with Expedia Classic Select offering the cheapest tariff at approximately €250 per year, and Sparkassenversicherung S-Direct appearing as the lowest on comparison portals at around €275 per year.

This summer, Americans are embracing road trips, with domestic beaches and resorts being the most popular destinations. While gasoline and lodging are expected to be the major expenses, travellers are undeterred, with 56% planning to drive more than last summer. Despite rising insurance costs, road trips remain an attractive option, with affordable insurance tariffs available from Expedia.

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