What would Americans give up for a fully paid vacation?

Two in three Americans say the anticipation of their next trip is as good as, if not better than, the trip itself (68%), according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 adults who have traveled within the past year explored the appeal of the days leading up to vacation, along with the post-vacation blues that inevitably come after.

Results found that throughout all of the stages of being on a trip, no feeling compares to actually being at the destination (54%) — although 28% said planning the trip is the most fun and 78% agree that traveling back home is the worst part.

Conducted by Talker Research in partnership with the Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard, the survey also found that one in 10 experience “post-vacation funk” before they even leave the trip, while another 22% feel it kicking in on the way home.

Those who experience “post-vacation funk” said this feeling overcomes them, leaving them missing the destination (41%), missing having something to look forward to (35%) and are thinking about the next trip (34%).

The funk puts these respondents down more than being stuck in traffic (36%) or more than their favorite TV show being removed from streaming (18%).

As a result, a quarter admit that they crave the “buzz” of having a trip planned most of the average week (26%).

The feeling is so unmatched that respondents shared some of the things they’d give up right now if they were able to go on a paid trip, like “a week’s pay,” “eating out for a month” or “listening to music for a week.”

The urge to see more is ever-present, as 31% plan their next trip while still on a trip already, and another 47% haven’t done so yet, but would in order to help ease their “post-vacation funk” (47%).

Nearly half of Americans who have traveled in the past year would book a “last-minute” trip just to satisfy the urge to travel (47%).

How soon is too soon to start planning? According to those surveyed, planning fewer than two weeks out is too late.

Many are already on top of it, though: The average person surveyed is currently thinking about four trips and has two of them planned.

Thinking about their most upcoming trip, 43% of respondents have been planning it for more than two months.

And whether or not the plans are already booked, seven in 10 said ideas for their next trip are constantly on their mind.

Americans who travel said that having a trip book benefits them because they like having something to look forward to (56%), they feel happier (43%) and are more motivated (41%).

“With 64% of people admitting to daydreaming about their last trip, it’s clear the travel bug is alive and well,” said Kelly Best, managing director of product and customer experience and marketing at Virgin Group. “We see that wanderlust as a sign: It’s time to stop dreaming and start planning.”    

For those surveyed, going on a trip is not just for fun, but a form of self-care, too — preferred above going to a spa (83%), watching their favorite show or movie (76%) or treating themselves to something nice (69%).

But Americans are being smart about their travel: 46% avoid using their PTO to save it up for vacation.

Where costs are concerned, two-thirds regularly use a credit card with the intention of building up rewards, and 41% of these respondents prefer to receive travel rewards.

“It makes perfect sense that 79% of reward card users feel using points makes trips more affordable,” said Best. “With the right travel rewards credit card, every checkout means you’re one step closer to your next check-in.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who have traveled within the past year; the survey was commissioned by Virgin and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 24 and April 30, 2025.