Travelers today are seeking closer destinations that provide flexibility and peace of mind in order to avoid challenging issues that can arise with international travel. And travel advisors and suppliers are following their lead to create memorable trips.
“We are firm believers of always exploring the world, but we understand there are times when people would rather be a little closer to home,” says Jonathan Alder, owner of Jonathan's Travel in Winter Park. Fla. “America has some amazing destinations that are worth exploring, especially some world-class resorts out there that frequently are missed.”
Chelsea Gambino, co-founder of LFTD TRVL in Delray Beach, Fla., agrees. “Clients are feeling a general apprehension about travel,” she says. “Clients are working with advisors to make things simpler. Traveling domestic removes a lot of the apprehension of travel and still can feel like a worthwhile adventure.”
A client of Kim-Marie Galloway, a luxury travel advisor with Embark Beyond in New York, N.Y., is someone she has planned a multi-week European trip for every summer for the last four years, but this year the request recently changed. “[She] wanted to go to the Greek Islands this summer and is now pivoting,” says Galloway. “She said to me, and I quote ‘there are so many beautiful places in the U.S.’”
Classic Vacations, which sells North American, Caribbean, and international luxury packages, is seeing a clear increase in domestic and close-to-home travel, according to Erin Fernandes, product manager for Classic Vacations. “Right now, clients are focused on ease of travel and minimizing potential disruptions,” she says. “There’s a strong preference for trips that feel straightforward and flexible, with fewer unknowns. Clients are looking for destinations where they can settle in and enjoy a high-end experience without needing to travel far.”
San Diego
Go Domestic
Florida continues to be a strong performer for Classic Vacations, says Fernandes, especially the Florida Keys, Naples, and Fort Lauderdale. Other destinations the company is seeing increased demand for are Arizona, California, and several of its mountain destinations across the U.S.
“For today’s domestic luxury traveler, world-class exclusivity doesn’t require crossing an ocean — it can be found in Florida,” says VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin. “It’s that blend of culture, nature, and accessibility that makes Florida a top choice for those staying closer to home.”
Griffin adds that “today’s high-end domestic travelers are seeking ‘micro-boutique’ environments — restricted-access floors, private islands, and standalone villas — that deliver the same level of seclusion as a Mediterranean escape.”
Jim Augerinos, owner of Perfect Honeymoons in Mount Pleasant, S.C., notes that in terms of domestic and closer-to-home sales, certain parts of Florida “are seeing huge demand right now.” He continues by stating that “when clients want a luxury experience without going far, the key is matching ease with atmosphere.”
As a third-generation native Californian “who is fiercely proud of [her] state and a Visit California specialist, (but selling primarily Europe),” Catherine Addé, CTC, a travel advisor for A TravelStore Affiliate in Pasadena, Calif., sees “this time period as an opportunity to suggest and promote vacations in my own home state.” She adds: “Where else can you snow ski and surf in the ocean on the same day? This is the current trend and I'm booking road trips, rail trips, as well as local hotel stays in the National Park of Yosemite and winery visits in the Sonoma area.”
Caroline Beteta, Visit California president and CEO, adds that “a world’s worth of wonders can be found right here in California.” She continues: “Californians are incredibly lucky to have a wealth of experiences in our own backyard, whether it’s visiting one of our gateway cities to enjoy world-class arts and culture and Michelin-rated dining, or taking a road trip to experience nine National Parks or 280 distinct state parks. California’s geographical diversity means surfing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and more are all just a short drive away, not to mention premier wine and luxury resorts.”
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Caribbean Convenience
U.S. travelers can even experience a Caribbean vacation without a passport with trips to Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). “Puerto Rico is always a go-to,” says Augerinos. “There’s a comfort factor with it being a U.S. territory, and it delivers a strong mix of culture, beaches, and solid hotel options. The U.S. Virgin Islands are similar: easy to reach, familiar, and still feels like a true Caribbean escape.”
Storm Tussey, chief marketing officer of Discover Puerto Rico, says “we continue to see strong interest in Puerto Rico as travelers look for destinations that feel both exciting and easy to reach.” She continues: “Amid ongoing uncertainty around international travel, many travelers are prioritizing places that offer cultural richness and a true sense of escape without the added complexity of long-haul trips.”
Lodging demand in Puerto Rico “is already pacing nine percent ahead of last year for the first months of the year, with bookings for both hotels and short-term rentals trending ahead of prior-year levels through the summer,” says Tussey.
Puerto Rico meets travelers’ needs in a unique way, adds Tussey. “As a U.S. territory, it allows visitors to experience the vibrancy of the Caribbean without needing a passport, currency exchange, or extensive travel planning,” she says. “Today’s travelers are placing greater value on peace of mind, convenience, and flexibility, while still seeking meaningful, immersive experiences that feel elevated and memorable.”
For travelers to the USVI, Jennifer Mataragas-King, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, says “as a U.S. territory, the Virgin Islands offers Americans the opportunity to experience the Caribbean without leaving the United States.” She adds: “No passport is required, and travelers can reach the territory easily from major U.S. gateways. That accessibility continues to resonate with visitors looking for a seamless island getaway.”
Varied Travel Trends
When it comes to the types of travel clients are booking now, “luxury hotel and resort stays are leading the way, especially properties that offer a more immersive, on-site experience,” say Fernandes. “We’re also seeing increased demand for villa-style accommodations within the U.S., particularly those connected to luxury resorts.”
She adds that “these private residences and multi-bedroom homes offer the space and privacy clients typically look for in Caribbean villa travel, while still providing access to full-service amenities like dining, concierge support, and curated experiences. This is especially appealing for families and small groups traveling together. This creates a really strong option that delivers both space and service, without needing to travel internationally.”
Travel Types
At Classic Vacations, Fernandes says “we’re seeing a mix of travel types, including last-minute long weekends — especially to warmer destinations — as well as strong demand for family travel around spring and summer school breaks. Milestone celebrations and small group trips are also trending.”
In terms of timing for bookings, “last-minute travel is more popular than ever,” says Gambino, who is also seeing that “multigenerational trips are favoring domestic destinations that offer direct flights from multiple home airports, making travel convenient for everyone.”
Augerinos is “also seeing more last-minute bookings, especially long weekends and shorter escapes that still feel elevated. It’s less about how far you go and more about making the time count.” He adds: “Where clients used to plan eight to 12 months out, now it’s often three to four months, sometimes even within 30 days. There’s a real ‘wait and see’ mindset.”
Griffin agrees: “We’re seeing a clear shift toward shorter, more spontaneous trips, with travelers increasingly opting for last-minute long weekends and milestone-driven getaways.” She continues: “In Florida, a growing share of visitors are planning their trips just a week or less before departure.”
How to Sell
Advisors should “lean into the ease and convenience of domestic travel” when positioning closer-to-home trips, says Fernandes. Besides not needing a passport, she suggests “shorter travel times and fewer logistical hurdles are all strong selling points. Flexibility is also key, especially when paired with partners that offer favorable policies.”
She does add that “at the same time, it’s important to position domestic travel as a strong option in its own right — not as a backup. By focusing on high-quality properties, added value, and personalized experiences, advisors can show clients that they can still have a luxury, memorable trip without going far.”
Fernandes’ advice to travel advisors is “to prioritize destinations that offer simplicity and strong infrastructure, and to book with trusted partners that provide flexible policies and added support.” She adds: “Setting clear expectations and building in a level of flexibility helps clients feel more confident in moving forward with their plans.”
Augerinos agrees that “advisors need to reframe the conversation. Domestic travel isn’t a backup plan; it’s a strategic choice.” He adds: “The way I frame it is simple: you’re not compromising by staying closer to home. You’re just trading long-haul complexity for immediate immersion. Whether it’s a beach, mountain, or city experience, the goal is the same: incredible cuisine, strong sense of place, elevated hospitality, and easy access from start to finish.”