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
Ideas for Skip-Gen Trips
Multigenerational
Oct 14, 2026#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Oct 12, 2026Fall Bicycling in Quebéc’s Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships (Cantons de l’Est) of Quebéc are a natural getaway destination for family travelers who enjoy bicycling. Terrain varies from flat to gently rolling between Granby and Magog, a popular route passing through Mount Orford National Park.
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.
North America
Oct 12, 2026TradeWinds Resort Opens Shelldon’s Discovery Cove
Family-friendly TradeWinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida, not only introduced a new mascot, but also more robust family programming than ever before. The new family program, Shelldon’s Discovery Cove, offers experiences and activities for kids, tweens and teens.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 9, 2026Fall is the Best Time for a Trip to Greece … Here’s Why
If you think you have to wait until summer to enjoy Greece at its finest, you’ll miss out on the chance to experience the country at one of its best times. To be honest, Greece is amazing any time of year, and each season has its own draws, but fall is a particularly amazing time to be there.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / Africa
Oct 9, 2026Anantara Unveils Its First Luxury Tented Camp in Zambia, Africa
Forming an off-the-grid sanctuary on the Kafue River in Zambia in Africa’s largest national park, Anantara unveils Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River — three years in the making.
ShareThis