The latest 2025 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey reveals a growing shift in how Americans vacation: road trips are gaining popularity, with a 7-point increase in travelers opting to drive over flying since 2022. Vacation Ownership Club Members are embracing this shift with a flexible, points-based model that gives owners access to a wide range of drive-to destinations — from the mountains to the coast. road trip travel trends

The findings from Deloitte are echoed in the 2025 ARDA State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report, which highlights the rising demand for regional travel and flexible vacation solutions. The research notes that vacation owners are increasingly seeking options that fit their evolving travel habits, particularly those that allow for spontaneity, affordability, and shorter booking windows.

“Americans are choosing the flexibility of the open road, and our model is built to meet them there,” said Travis Bary, Co-President of Capital Vacations.

“With a network of resorts within driving distance of major metro areas, our owners have the freedom to travel on their terms — exploring diverse destinations without the stress, cost, or unpredictability of air travel.”

Vacation ownership clubs offer a points-based platform that provides members with access to a wide array of destinations across the country. Whether it’s a family getaway to the Smokies, a coastal retreat in the Carolinas, or a spontaneous weekend in the Ozarks, the model supports flexible planning and repeatable value.

As travelers continue to prioritize convenience and customization in their getaways, vacation ownership is evolving to meet those expectations. Capital Vacations stands at the forefront of that evolution, offering more freedom, more choices, and more reasons to hit the road.

Final thoughts about US road trip travel trends

The rise in road trip travel, as highlighted in the 2025 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey and echoed by ARDA’s industry report, signals a broader shift in American vacation behavior — one that blends economic pragmatism with a growing demand for flexibility and autonomy. Compared to the high costs and increasing unpredictability of air travel — from flight delays to fuel surcharges — driving offers travelers greater control over both budget and schedule. This shift is not merely a reaction to post-pandemic realities but a structural evolution in how leisure time is valued and planned.

Vacation ownership clubs, particularly those with points-based models like Capital Vacations, are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By offering a network of drive-to destinations and short booking windows, they align with consumer preferences for spontaneity, regional exploration, and repeatable value. Economically, this model reduces the friction of vacation planning and spreads the cost of travel over time — a compelling value proposition in an inflation-aware market where consumers seek to maximize experiences without overspending.

Looking ahead, the travel industry may continue to decentralize, with regional and secondary markets gaining traction as viable vacation hotspots. This benefits not only vacationers but also local economies that stand to gain from increased drive-in tourism. Companies that can blend tech-enabled booking systems with personalized, flexible travel products — as Capital Vacations has done — are likely to lead the next wave of growth in leisure travel.

About Capital Vacations

Capital Vacations is reimagining the travel experience by connecting independent resorts with travelers through its innovative technology platform and vacation products. The company partners with more than 200 independent resorts across the U.S. and Caribbean, delivering strategic, value-enhancing tools that help increase revenue across multiple channels. Each year, Capital Vacations serves over one million travelers, maintaining a strong focus on owner and guest satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships throughout the vacation journey.