Nearly eight in 10 U.S. adults plan to take a vacation in the next 12 months, according to a new study from MMGY Global, which provides fully integrated marketing solutions for travel, tourism and hospitality brands.

MMGY Global recently released its fall edition of the Portrait of American Travelers study, which surveyed 4,501 U.S. adults on their travel habits, preferences and behaviors. The study found that in addition to continued demand for vacations, many respondents expressed an interest in culinary and cruise experiences, reflecting a trend toward more immersive and meaningful travel. 

The survey found that for the second year in a row the influence of a destination’s culinary scene has grown in importance from the previous year. Authentic local cuisine is the most sought-after culinary experience, but there’s also a growing interest in high-end culinary experiences such as award-winning restaurants or food and wine festivals.

Additionally, over half of what MMGY Global defined as “active leisure travelers” surveyed expressed interest in taking an ocean or river cruise over the next two years, and 40 percent are interested in an expedition cruise. Interest in cruises increased by 6 percent over last year’s survey.

Other notable findings from the report include the following:

  • Eighty-two percent of respondents indicated they would like to travel internationally within the next two years.
  • Thirty-eight percent of survey respondents said they intend to travel for the upcoming holiday season, up 4 percent year-over-year.
  • Generationally, baby boomers anticipate spending the most on leisure travel over the next 12 months, while Gen Xers expect to take the most trips. Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z respondents said they planned on traveling for leisure in the next 12 months.
  • Concerns over the extent to which COVID-19 will impact travel plans has decreased by 10 percent.
  • Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and California remain the top states of interest.