13 Signs Travel Spending in the U.S. Is Changing and What It Means for Your Trips

ByRachna Chandira

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A car drives along a dusty, open road with rugged hills and mountains in the background. Road signs and desert vegetation line the way.
Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

As travel spending slows, national parks are becoming top picks for pet-friendly getaways. Fewer crowds, tighter budgets, and a love for the outdoors make these spots ideal for dog owners. Whether you’re seeking peace, nature, or just an easy escape with your pup, national parks offer wide-open trails and warm welcomes. Here are 13 signs from across the U.S. that show why these dog-friendly parks are the right choice for your next trip.

1. Softening Domestic Travel Demand

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Aldo Bidini, GFDL 1.2/Wikimedia Commons

With fewer Americans flying or booking faraway trips, local travel is on the rise. National parks offer the perfect mix of affordability, beauty, and space. For dog owners, they’re ideal. You can load up the car, avoid the airport, and enjoy peaceful hikes with your pup. Parks like Shenandoah and Smoky Mountains are easy to access and welcome leashed pets, making them a great escape without the extra costs.

2. Drop in International Arrivals

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A. Savin, FAL/Wikimedia Commons

A decline in international visitors has made many parks quieter than usual. For travelers with dogs, this means fewer crowds, shorter lines, and more space on trails. Parks like Yosemite and Zion now offer a calmer setting for those exploring with pets. It’s the perfect time to visit these well-known spots with your dog, enjoy the scenery, and relax without the usual tourist rush.

3. Weakened Hotel Bookings

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Amin, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

Hotel stays are down, and many travelers are turning to cabins, campgrounds, or RVs—especially ones that allow pets. In parks like Acadia or Cuyahoga Valley, it’s easy to find cozy, affordable places to stay with your dog. This shift in lodging choices means more pet-friendly options and a better travel experience for owners who prefer fresh air, simple nights, and trails close by.

4. Decline in Business and Government Travel

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Phil, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

As work trips decrease, more people are using that time for personal travel. National parks are an ideal option for pet owners seeking peace and nature. Places like Lassen or Voyageurs offer quiet settings and dog-friendly trails. You can unplug, stretch your legs, and spend quality time with your pup in the fresh air—no flight schedules or suitcases required.

5. Substitution Away from Travel Toward Goods

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Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

More people are spending on cars or electronics, so they’re cutting back on big vacations. Still, they want to enjoy life. National parks offer budget-friendly adventures that dogs can join too. A drive to Hot Springs or a hike in Petrified Forest is affordable, simple, and memorable. These trips don’t require much, but they deliver lasting joy—for both humans and pups.

6. Flatlined Outbound Travel Growth

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© Mosbatho, CC BY 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

As international trips slow, Americans are exploring at home. That’s good news for dog lovers, because the U.S. is full of beautiful, pet-friendly parks. Parks like Badlands or Olympic offer wide trails, fresh air, and fewer tourists. You don’t need a passport—just a leash and a love for nature. It’s the perfect time to explore what’s right in your own backyard.

7. Drop in Car Travel Across U.S. Borders

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CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Cross-border road trips have dipped, but travel within the U.S. is holding strong. Parks near the border—like Glacier or Isle Royale—are now popular with regional travelers. These parks offer quiet trails, pet-friendly spots, and beautiful views that are perfect for a weekend getaway with your dog. No passport needed, just your pup and a packed car.

8. Stronger Recovery in Travel Imports

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Derrick Brutel – Istanbul, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

While some travelers are going abroad, many are staying local and heading to parks. Dog lovers are visiting places like Olympic National Park, where leashed pets are allowed on select trails and beaches. These low-key trips give pet owners a relaxing, affordable break without international hassles. Nature is close, welcoming, and always ready for you and your dog.

9. Narrowing U.S. Travel Trade Surplus

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Aldo Bidini, GFDL 1.2/Wikimedia Commons

With fewer international visitors, local trips are more important. Parks like Rocky Mountain or Great Sand Dunes are now top picks for nearby travelers, especially those with pets. These destinations are affordable and easy to reach, with plenty of pet-friendly space. They also support local communities that rely on park tourism, making your trip meaningful in more ways than one.

10. Tourism Sector’s Diminished Role in Job Creation

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Travel job growth is slowing, but national parks still draw steady visitors. When dog owners visit, they help local businesses stay afloat—whether it’s a dog-friendly café, campground, or store. Parks like Shenandoah benefit from steady, pet-friendly travel. Your trip supports the local economy and gives your dog a great adventure all at once.

11. Tariff-Driven Price Shifts

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The White House, Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

As goods like cars and tech get pricier, travelers are choosing simpler vacations. National parks like Capitol Reef or Great Basin are easy on the wallet and full of beauty. They welcome leashed pets and offer views that rival any faraway destination. You don’t need a big budget to make memories—just time, a map, and your best four-legged friend.

12. Softening Consumer Confidence

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BluFin Advisors, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

People are more cautious with spending, but they still crave nature and quiet. National parks offer both. Parks like Bryce Canyon or Big Bend are low-cost and pet-friendly. A simple walk under the stars or along a forest trail can ease stress. These trips offer calm moments that reconnect you with nature and your dog.

13. Shift in Travel Intentions

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Hokachung, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

More travelers are choosing short, peaceful breaks over big vacations. That’s why national parks are becoming favorites for dog owners. Redwood, Crater Lake, and similar parks let you unwind without overspending. You can drive in, camp out, and enjoy fresh air with your pup. It’s simple travel, full of joy, and made for sharing with your best friend.

Rachna Chandira is a travel writer and communications professional known for her culturally rich and emotionally resonant storytelling.
With a background in development journalism, she brings a nuanced perspective to her writing, focusing on people, place, and purpose. Her work spans India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, often exploring slow travel, solo adventures, and underrepresented local narratives.
From crafting immersive city guides to curating thoughtful itineraries, Rachna combines journalistic depth with a storyteller’s heart. She views travel as a way to connect cultures, inspire empathy, and leave a meaningful impression on readers seeking more than just destinations.