Hertz’s recent survey and booking data reveal how Americans travel this Labor Day and throughout the fall season. The company found nearly half of U.S. adults plan to travel this autumn, with road trips greatly outpacing air travel.
Leading the road-tripping trend are millennials, with Gen Z travelers also outpacing Baby Boomers in car travel, which, according to Hertz, is “a sign that these generations are choosing the flexibility of a rental over rigid flight itineraries.”
In addition to road tripping on the rise, Hertz also revealed Gen Z is rewriting the rules of travel planning. While older travelers are more likely to welcome loose plans and figure things out as they go, Gen Z takes a more structured approach, with 26 percent of Gen Z travelers preferring a fully planned itinerary.
Millennials and Gen Z also drive the experience economy. Millennials are the generation most likely to say they’re willing to spend more on memorable experiences, followed closely by Gen Z, prioritizing meaningful moments over simply finding the lowest price.
For fall travel, the Southeast emerges as fall’s most popular region, with 28 percent of travelers planning to visit the region this fall thanks to its mix of beaches, vibrant cities, college football and warm weather. Early demand for fall foliage travel is also growing in Boston, Portland and Hartford.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Sep 21, 2026One Family-Friendly Hotel in Mallorca, Spain, You Won’t Want to Skip
While Mallorca, Spain, might not be the top option for family travelers, its relaxing and calm beaches, rich culture, and easy access to major European hubs sees the destination slowly growing as one of Europe’s top destinations for family travel.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2026East Broad Top Railroad’s Take the Train to School Day Returns Sept. 25
For most students, going to school usually involves a car or school bus. But, this Friday, Sept. 25, students in Pennsylvania’s Southern Huntingdon County can travel via another option: steam train. East Broad Top Railroad once again partners with Southern Huntingdon County School District for Take the Train to School Day, giving local students the opportunity to travel to school aboard a railroad that has been part of their community for more than 150 years.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / Europe
Sep 18, 2026Save with Family English Heritage Membership When Traveling in United Kingdom
Whatever region of England your family travels include, you’re almost sure to visit at least one of these landmark sites: Stonehenge, Dover Castle, the ruins of King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle, Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall an,d beyond. But even with special family rates, visiting these can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars.
ShareThis