In recent years, 'revenge travel' dominated headlines, signaling a global rush to reclaim missed moments post-pandemic, but for many Americans, that wasn't the reality.

New research commissioned by Scenic Group reveals that seven in 10 Americans (69%) say they feel behind on their travel goals – especially when comparing themselves to others.

This emotional tension now has a name: travel dysmorphia. It reflects the disconnect between the trips people once envisioned and those still unrealized. In response, Scenic Group is offering a new way forward for those ready to stop waiting and start exploring.

According to the national consumer survey conducted by Talker Research, only 10% of U.S. adults report they have achieved the travel milestones they envisioned for themselves at this stage of life. One in three (28%) American adults is dissatisfied with how much they've traveled, and one in five (19%) admits to feeling embarrassed by it. 

Despite a desire to travel, most respondents feel stuck – overwhelmed by decision fatigue, time constraints, and financial pressure. 

Many are still holding out for "someday," but nearly a third of Americans (31%) don't even know when they'll travel next.

Amid that hesitation, Americans are still dreaming boldly.

The survey revealed top aspirational destinations include

• Japan and Paris (24% each), 
• Greece (19%), 
• Australia (17%), 
• Puerto Rico (16%), 
• Germany (14%), 
• Iceland (12%), and 
• Antarctica and Vietnam (5% each)

A mix that spans the globe and reflects a deep desire for transformative experiences. And motivation runs deep: 72% of respondents say travel has a positive impact on their emotional well-being.

The Travel Gap, Further Revealed

Additional highlights from the study uncovered deeper layers of comparison and hesitation:

• More than half (54%) of Americans say they've traveled less than the influencers they follow, and 69% agree they haven't seen enough of the world compared to others.
• 41% of Americans doubt they'll ever complete even half of their travel goals.
• 35% say friends' and family's travel posts heighten their sense of falling behind, while 32% say peer conversations about travel make them feel inadequate.
• 8% say they're waiting for a life milestone like a birthday, retirement, or graduation before they allow themselves to take a meaningful trip.

While many are reflecting on where they haven't been, they're equally certain about where they'd like to go next:

• Beach vacations top the list, with 37% of Americans hoping to plan one in the next five years
• Cruising continues to grow in popularity, 28% of respondents want to take an ocean cruise, 18% are drawn to river cruises, and 6% dream of polar expeditions
• One in four (24%) hope to book an all-inclusive escape
• Experiential travel is trending, with 22% seeking wildlife-focused tours, 13% prioritizing wellness retreats, and 12% craving culinary travel

Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers); the survey was commissioned by Scenic Group and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 6 and June 13, 2025.