Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The tourism industry is experiencing a significant shift as we approach the peak of the summer travel season. While travel intent remains strong, there is an underlying uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions and international travel warnings. Many travelers are opting for domestic travel and regional destinations instead of international trips. This trend is evident with leading tour operators such as G Adventures, Intrepid Travel, and EF World Journeys unveiling new domestic itineraries in response to growing demand.
Travel Intent Remains Strong Despite Global Tensions
Research indicates that travel intent is at an all-time high, with higher-income households (earning over $100,000 annually) and younger travelers (18-35 years old) leading the charge. However, the U.S. State Department’s Worldwide Caution advisory issued on June 21, 2025, cautioning Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling internationally, has led to heightened anxiety around international travel. Notably, tourism to the Middle East has drastically declined, primarily due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
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This geopolitical instability, combined with high-profile border crossing incidents and flight disruptions, has prompted many to reconsider traveling abroad. Despite this, the desire to travel remains unshaken. According to Allianz Partners USA, a record number of Americans plan to travel during the summer months, signaling domestic travel as an appealing alternative.
Shift Toward Closer Destinations: Shorter Flights and Less Hassle
As part of this shift towards domestic travel, many travelers are prioritizing closer destinations with shorter flights to mitigate potential disruptions. A Squaremouth survey highlighted that Gen Z and Millennials are especially sensitive to the risk of flight delays and cancellations, prompting them to choose destinations that are more accessible and require less travel time.
“Travelers are packing their patience this summer as they take to the skies. While they’re still taking their vacations, they’re doing so differently than in years past, as they opt for closer destinations and prioritize travel insurance to protect against potential issues like delays and cancellations,” said Ned Tadic, manager of public relations at Squaremouth.
U.S. and Canada Tour Operators Respond to Domestic Travel Demand
In response to these shifting preferences, tour operators in both the U.S. and Canada have embraced domestic travel by offering new itineraries in North America. EF World Journeys reports that 78% of North American travelers are now more interested in exploring domestic and regional destinations. This has led to the introduction of several new domestic tours under EF Go Ahead Tours and EF Adventures.
The new itineraries include destinations in the U.S. and Canada, catering to the growing demand for domestic exploration. These include a seven-day winter escape in Alaska to witness the Northern Lights, an eight-day Hawaii vacation, a seven-day active journey through Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park, and a six-day Canadian Rockies experience covering nearly 1,000 miles.
New Domestic Journeys with EF World Journeys
According to Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys USA, “From Denali National Park to Kauai’s Waimea Canyon to the majestic mountain views from Sedona to Banff, there is a lot to see when you choose to travel closer to home right here in North America.”
These EF Adventures and Go Ahead Tours itineraries focus on the beauty of North American landscapes and offer a personalized travel experience. This includes active tours such as hiking through Zion and the Grand Canyon, or scenic relaxation in Hawaii. This move aligns with the growing trend of domestic exploration, offering travelers the chance to reconnect with the wonders of their own backyard.
Small Group Tour Operators Expand in North America
Small group tour specialists like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are also seeing the value in expanding their North American offerings. G Adventures, known for its immersive travel experiences, has introduced nine new tours across Canada—its largest-ever expansion in the country. These new itineraries cater to domestic travelers looking to discover Canada’s natural beauty, from Nova Scotia’s Peggy’s Cove to the Canadian Rockies.
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, stated, “We’ve had countless requests from our travelers and agents in recent years for more Canada trips, and when they ask, we listen. Our domestic travelers will have the opportunity to explore some of the wonders of their own backyard, while our international community will get an insider’s peek into the natural and cultural gems that Canada has to offer.”
Intrepid Travel’s “Active-ism” Tours: A Response to U.S. National Parks Budget Cuts
Intrepid Travel has responded to the budget cuts to the U.S. National Park Service by introducing two new Active-ism trips to the U.S. national parks. These limited-edition trips are designed to blend adventure with advocacy, encouraging travelers to take action and raise awareness about the challenges facing these iconic parks.
The two new tours focus on Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone—three of the U.S.’s most iconic parks. These trips will be led by local guides and activist hosts, such as Alex Haraus (a public lands advocate) and Wawa Gatheru (founder of Black Girl Environmentalist), with the aim of creating a more engaged and socially conscious travel experience.
Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas for Intrepid Travel, said, “With these Active-ism trips, we hope to raise awareness and foster discussion around the challenges facing U.S. national parks, while empowering travelers to advocate on their behalf and have the trip of a lifetime.”
New U.S. Tours for 2026: Expanding Domestic Travel Options
In addition to the active-focused trips, other major operators are also investing heavily in the domestic travel market for 2026. TTC Tour Brands has announced 16 new tours for 2026, marking the largest expansion in seven years for the company. Two of these new itineraries are focused on the U.S., with one exploring the Great Lakes and another offering a deep dive into the Deep South.
The Trafalgar Scenic Great Lakes with Mackinac Island tour is a nine-day guided vacation that takes guests through the American Midwest, offering immersive experiences such as a tasting at Farmhaus Cider and a horse-drawn carriage ride. On the premium end, Insight Vacations is debuting its Soul of the Deep South tour, a nine-day journey through America’s musical heartland, including stops in Nashville, Memphis, Jackson, and New Orleans.
Toni Ambler, managing director of TTC Tour Brands, emphasized, “As travelers seek deeper meaning in their journeys and look beyond traditional routes, we’re delivering curated experiences that reflect these emerging interests.”
Conclusion: Embracing Domestic Travel in a Changing Landscape
The rise of domestic travel is reshaping the tourism industry as it adapts to changing political, economic, and social conditions. With geopolitical uncertainties and flight disruptions, many travelers are opting for closer destinations and exploring the beauty and history that their own countries have to offer.
From hiking trips in the Canadian Rockies to cultural tours in the U.S. South, tour operators are increasingly embracing domestic offerings, responding to the growing demand for personalized travel experiences that remain close to home. As we look toward the summer of 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the trend of exploring domestic destinations will continue to grow, providing travelers with a chance to experience untapped natural wonders, rich cultures, and memorable adventures right in their own backyard.
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