Tour operators are expanding their North America portfolios, highlighting a growing trend among travelers who prefer to explore destinations closer to home while still seeking adventurous guided tour experiences. Recent statistics show a remarkable increase in interest in U.S.-based tours, as more clients prioritize both convenience and enhanced experiences.
Increasing Demand for U.S. Tours
EF World Journeys reports a significant 20% rise in bookings for domestic tours this year, with over 50% growth noted in the last quarter alone. Lael Kassis, the vice president of market development, states that this trend has prompted the launch of four new itineraries for 2026 in destinations such as Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and the Canadian Rockies, focusing on hiking, northern lights, and island hopping. This marks the company’s largest initiative in North America since 2016.
Similarly, Tauck has seen its U.S. tour sales for 2025 surpass those of both 2024 and 2023. Julia O’Brien, the vice president of marketing, noted strong year-to-date advanced bookings, particularly for national park itineraries, indicating a rising consumer interest in these natural wonders.
Why Travelers Are Choosing Guided Tours
Travelers are increasingly recognizing that many domestic destinations—especially national parks—are complex to navigate independently. Joanne Gardner, Tauck’s vice president of global operations, elaborates that while independent travel has been on the rise, the exclusive access and experiences offered by guided tours are very appealing. "For the past few years, as a global organization, we’ve noticed a shift towards more exotic destinations that travelers can’t explore easily on their own. But the uptick in U.S. bookings suggests it’s becoming more challenging to visit places like national parks without assistance," she explains.
EF World Journeys corroborates this by pointing out that the ease of planning intricate vacations often leads travelers to seek the help of tour operators. Kassis notes, "Though many people can plan their road trips, orchestrating a complex itinerary may prove too demanding, especially for those with limited time."
Convenience and Control Drive Domestic Travel Growth
In another example, Kensington Tours experienced a staggering 60% increase in U.S.-based trips year over year. Their senior vice president of marketing, Matt Cammaert, attributes this surge to travelers’ desire for convenience, flexibility, and control amid current economic and political uncertainties. Factors such as shorter flight durations and ease of last-minute planning are becoming increasingly attractive to vacationers. "It’s not just about proximity. Today’s traveler desires high-end, high-touch experiences but also values reduced friction in planning," Cammaert states.
To address this demand, Kensington is introducing elevated U.S. experiences focused on national parks, Alaska, and Hawaii. Their new Kensington Concierge service allows clients to receive personalized support for both domestic and international trip planning, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Affordability and Accessibility in National Parks
For many, the cost of travel influences destination choices. EF World Journeys plans to introduce a more budget-friendly Hawaii itinerary in the upcoming year, focusing on the islands of Oahu and Kauai to provide affordability without compromising on adventure.
AdventureWomen, which specializes in women-only tours, has launched new itineraries in Moab, Arches, and Canyonlands national parks, responding to strong demand for trips to iconic locations like Zion and Yellowstone. President Paige Davis reports that the initial departure dates for the new tours sold out quickly, showcasing a burgeoning interest. "National parks present an affordable and logistic-friendly option for adventure seekers," she asserts.
Political issues concerning park funding and staffing have also led to a heightened awareness around protecting public land, motivating travelers to experience these stunning locations while they remain wild and unspoiled.
Through these revelations, it’s clear that the rising interest in U.S. tours reflects a broader trend towards convenience, accessibility, and remarkable experiences at the traveler’s fingertips. Whether it’s a guided tour through majestic national parks or an escapade to the shores of Hawaii, the options for exploration are plentiful. For those considering a domestic getaway, now may be the ideal time to investigate the numerous offerings from tour operators specializing in North America.
