People Are Traveling with More Intention This Summer
Across the U.S., France and Ireland, one theme is clear: people are traveling with more intention. New research from Enterprise Mobility™ shows strong intent to get away this summer, but with a growing emphasis on flexibility, affordability and making the most of destinations closer to home.
In the U.S., nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans1 surveyed plan to take a summer vacation, up 7 percentage points from last year (66%)1, signaling sustained travel demand. Similarly, in France, 78% of people2 plan to travel this summer, including 92% among 18-34-year-olds2, highlighting a strong appetite for travel, particularly among younger generations.
From shorter weekend trips in the U.S. to staycations in Ireland and domestic discovery in France, people are adapting their plans to fit changing economic conditions and schedules.
Staying Closer to Home
While demand is strong, the way people travel is evolving with a clear shift toward shorter trips and destinations closer to home.
Of Americans surveyed who are planning to travel this summer, (69%)1 are opting for weekend getaways and nearly half (46%)1 say it is because they’re more affordable, signaling a shift toward smarter, cost-conscious planning. Additionally, a significant majority (89%)1 plan to stay domestic for their next trip, with Florida (15%)1 and California (14%)1 leading as top destinations.
This domestic focus is echoed internationally as well. In Ireland, more than half (56%)3 of holidaymakers are planning a domestic trip this year with Kerry (17%)3, Galway (13%)3 and Dublin (12%)3 ranking as the top choices. Munster was also named the top staycation region by more than a third (37%)3.
“The research shows that the Irish staycation is very much part of people’s summer plans. What stands out is the desire for flexibility,” said Brendan Grieve, Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Mobility, Ireland. “People want to explore at their own pace, often visit more than one place and make the most of the destinations on their doorstep.”
In France, more than half (53%)2 of people surveyed believe it is unnecessary to travel abroad to experience diverse landscapes and 37%2 cite cost savings as a key factor in choosing to stay local, reinforcing the growing appeal of exploring closer to home for both convenience and value.
Flexibility and Freedom Impact the Journey
Flexibility is also shaping how people plan and travel, and access to a car plays a crucial role.
Specifically, 42%3 of respondents in Ireland say having access to a car provides the freedom and flexibility to travel at their own pace, while 26%3 believe a vehicle makes it easier to explore nearby towns and villages, and 19%3 say it helps them access more coastal or rural destinations.
This is also evident in France as 41%2 of respondents say they’ve given up visiting a region and its surrounding villages while on vacation because they didn’t have access to a car. Among those under 35, this jumps to 68%2, underscoring the importance of mobility within the travel experience.
“The car remains a genuine enabler of freedom and discovery, opening the door to a wider range of experiences,” said Guirec Grand-Clément, Vice-President and General Manager, Enterprise Mobility, France. “It also speaks to the strong bond the French share with their own country, at a time when staying close to home and exploring varied landscapes sit firmly at the heart of summer expectations.”
For 58%1 of U.S. summer travelers surveyed who are planning to take a road trip for their next trip, the journey is becoming a central part of the experience, especially as people seek flexibility and control. This mindset extends to those renting a vehicle at their destination as renters cite flexibility (54%)1, freedom (48%)1, and the ability to visit multiple locations (45%)1 as key drivers.
“For many travelers, summer is about spending time together – whether that means visiting family, planning road trips or celebrating special moments,” said Bridget Long, Senior Vice President, North American Operations, Enterprise Mobility. “We’re ready to support customers with the service and reliability they need to make the most of their summer plans.”
Overall, the findings highlight a global shift in how people approach travel. Rather than one long vacation, consumers are opting for multiple shorter trips, closer destinations and experiences that offer both flexibility and value.
No matter where they’re traveling or how they’re getting there, message is clear: travel remains an important part of how people connect, recharge and make the most of summer.
Survey Methodologies
United States
1 This custom survey was designed and deployed by Enterprise Mobility. It includes responses from 1,520 U.S. residents ages 18+. Among them, 1,110 respondents plan to travel for a leisure trip 50+ miles away from home for one night or longer between June and August 2026. Data was collected April 6-13, 2026.
France
2 A study conducted by OpinionWay for Enterprise Mobility among a sample of 1,028 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and older, selected using the quota method (gender, age, socio-professional category urban area category, and region of residence). The interviews were conducted via a self-administered online questionnaire (CAWI system) on May 27 and 28, 2026.
Ireland
3 Research commissioned by Enterprise Mobility / Enterprise Rent-A-Car and conducted by Coyne Research among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults in Ireland. Fieldwork took place in May 2026. Percentages are weighted.
