BOISE – (January 28, 2026) – 2026 will be a year of milestones, and new research by AAA and Bread Financial finds that many Americans will take a trip to mark the occasion.

Of the 61% of survey respondents who plan to go on vacation this year, three-quarters say that life events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations will play an important role in the festivities.

“When people invest their hard-earned money on a vacation, they want to make it count.  It’s all about meaningful moments and lifelong memories,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “In the aftermath of the pandemic, no one takes opportunities to connect for granted.”

The most popular milestone trips include:

  • Birthdays (32%)
  • Family reunions (30%)
  • Friends’ milestones (29%)
  • Anniversaries (22%)
  • Weddings (19%)
  • Graduations (12%)

While plans to travel are consistent across generations, about 9 in 10 Gen Z and Millennial survey respondents will plan a trip around a milestone event this year, compared to just 57% of Baby Boomers and 71% of Gen X.

AAA Idaho top travel trends

  • Micro-cruising – smaller ships and more intimate experiences
  • Astro-cruising – Booking cruises to see the northern lights
  • “Whycations” – taking a trip that aligns with personal values, learning opportunities, or meaningful experiences
  • Ancestry travel – a trip to reconnect with your heritage or for family history research
  • Event travel – America’s 250th anniversary, World Cup, concerts, the Las Vegas Sphere, etc.
  • Rail vacations – scenic journeys at a slower pace
  • Cultural connections – authentic and immersive experiences

“Visit with a travel agent to get personalized advice for your next adventure, and to protect it with the appropriate type of travel insurance,” Conde suggested.

Additional survey results

  • 40% say that traveling to milestone events helps them reconnect with people they haven’t seen in some time
  • 33% will take these trips to strengthen friendships and family ties
  • Nearly half of respondents sought the help of a travel agent to plan their trips, with the following motivation:
    • Finding the best deals (51%)
    • Saving time (43%)
    • Having support if something goes wrong (35%)
    • Help with complex logistics or to find hidden gems (30%)

52% of travelers will use a debit card to pay for their getaway, while 48% will use credit cards.

“Travel companies are eager to fill up the calendar right now,” Conde said.  “This is a great time to get with an agent and find the perfect itinerary before booking options start to tighten up.”