The Summer Season is Already Taking Shape

Thursday, April 09, 2026 Research

Travel Remains a Priority for the Summer

According to the March edition of the State of the American Traveler from Future Partners, U.S. travelers are entering the peak planning season with a strong commitment already in place. Nearly eight in ten American travelers (approximately 79%) report having at least one overnight leisure trip planned for this summer, signaling solid baseline demand well ahead of Memorial Day. 47% of summer travelers have already fully booked at least one summer trip, indicating a healthy level of commitment and extended the typical summer booking window.

When examining why travelers are heading out this summer, motivations are overwhelmingly rooted in restoration and connection. Relaxation ranks as the leading driver (58%), followed by visiting friends and relatives (48%) and escaping the stress of daily life (41%). These motivations underscore a continued emphasis on emotional well‑being and social reconnection, particularly amid persistent everyday pressures. Experiential drivers connected to place also feature prominently, including experiencing local culture, enjoying time outdoors, and exploring new destinations, indicating travelers want trips that feel meaningful, not rushed.

Taken together, the March findings point to a summer travel season defined by intentionality and balance. Travelers are planning earlier, committing selectively, and prioritizing experiences that deliver rest, reconnection, and a sense of escape. Travel momentum is strong with excitement up to 83%; 62% rank leisure travel as a high near-term priority; 4.1 trips expected this summer.

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Higher Spending Drives More Differentiated Experiences

The study also highlights shifts in travel spending, with maximum expected leisure travel budgets over the next 12 months reaching a new historical peak, as U.S. travelers now anticipate spending more than $6,500 on travel, specifically $3,400 for summer travel. This momentum signals that higher travel budgets are now the norm, supported by stabilizing household finances and strong intent to travel through peak and shoulder seasons alike.

For our industry partners, this presents a timely opportunity to lean into value‑driven growth rather than solely on volume. Travelers are increasingly willing to invest in experiences, positioning, and differentiated offerings, underscoring the importance of quality, storytelling, and product development. Aligned with many of the Islands’ offerings, U.S. travelers are looking to visit beaches (53%) large city urban areas (38.5%), national parks (29%), and rural areas (25%) or mountains (23%). Data collected for the 2025 Discover Puerto Rico visitor profile suggests that visitors spend an average of $2,600 to $3,100 per trip, depending on the type of accommodation and length of stay.

While travel budgets have increased, recent rises in gas prices will have an indirect impact on air‑only U.S. travelers by increasing airline fuel costs, which can translate into higher airfares or fewer discounted seats during the peak summer season (Forbes, March 31, 2026). While most travelers planning to fly are unlikely to cancel trips, higher transportation costs often result in tighter overall travel budgets, leading to shorter stays or reduced on‑destination spending rather than fewer trips, especially for lower - to middle-class travelers and those who have not yet booked trips.

Bookings on the Rise Across the Island

Looking ahead to the next four months, hotel and rental reservation activity remains strong. As of March 22nd, 2026, Amadeus Hospitality reports March hotel occupancy at 92%, which is 11% higher than the same time last year. April is showing even stronger performance, pacing 17% ahead year-over-year. All segments, groups, transient leisure, and business are pacing ahead of last year every month through the second quarter.

Short‑term rental activity continues to build momentum. According to AirDNA, as of March 23, 2026, bookings are pacing ahead for every upcoming month. March is currently running 4% ahead in nights booked, while April is performing even more strongly at +15%. Demand for the core summer season is particularly robust, with 20–34% more nights booked at this point compared to the same time last year.

Growth is also broad‑based across the Island. For reservations arriving between April and June, every region is posting double‑digit increases in nights booked. San Juan rentals are pacing +27%, while traditionally relaxation‑driven regions are seeing even stronger growth, led by the Central region at +31%, followed by the South at +28% and the West at +16% more nights currently on the books.

Airlift Faces Challenges in Peak Travel Season

According to Airline Data Inc., currently posted seat capacity from the Lower 48 states and international (non-Caribbean) markets to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) for Q2 (Apr-Jun) will increase by 1% compared to the same time last year. The top two capacity markets remain Orlando and New York, with capacity changing 2% and -21% YOY, respectively.

East coast markets, including Miami (+15%), Philadelphia (+28%), and Washington DC (+26%) show healthy growth, while capacity increases from Dallas are considerable (+28%). Meanwhile, capacity from Atlanta (-5%), Newark (-11%) and Boston (-8%) has been reduced.

By carrier, American (+17%), United Airlines (+11%), and low-cost carrier Avelo (+62%) are adding capacity into San Juan, while Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines shifts 17% and 4% of last year’s capacity elsewhere. JetBlue leads the industry, offering 20 routes with nearly 545,000 seats this quarter, up +8.6%. From an International perspective, growing markets include Madrid (+3%), Medellin (+5), and Panamá (+11%).

The U.S. Travel Association warns that this summer will be a major stress test for airlines as record‑high passenger demand collides with persistent air traffic control and aviation workforce shortages, airport congestion, and aging infrastructure. At the same time, rising fuel and operating costs further strain airline operations, increasing the risk of delays, cancellations, and pressure on fares during the peak travel season.

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