Nature is the brand new thrill journey: Why wildlife is the journey second Americans are chasing

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The sight of a whale breaching or the Northern Lights stretching throughout the Alaskan sky has change into a imaginative and prescient many Americans hope to expertise. These moments, as soon as thought-about bucket checklist extras, now stand out because the experiences vacationers say matter most.

According to a new survey from Holland America Line, which has been exploring Alaska for practically 80 years, wildlife encounters and out of doors experiences are rating forward of conventional theme park thrills. The survey discovered 43% of Americans say seeing wildlife in nature could be probably the most memorable household trip expertise, in contrast with about 12% who say assembly a personality at a theme park would stand out most.

Interest in these experiences is shaping vacation spot selections, as greater than two-thirds (67%) of Americans say Alaska is a prime journey precedence.

Holland America Line

The Destination Effect: Why Nature-Based Travel Resonates

Nature-focused locations stand out for providing uncommon, immersive experiences. When requested concerning the moments that left the strongest impression, greater than 41% of Americans say a nature or adventure destination produced their most lasting household reminiscences. For many vacationers, these reminiscences are tied to being immersed in nature, the place wildlife sightings, open landscapes and time open air form the expertise in methods conventional holidays typically don’t.

For households particularly, these journeys supply one thing totally different than a standard getaway, creating shared experiences that span generations and stand out as moments folks bear in mind most.

Cruising with Curiosity

Travel just isn’t solely about seeing new locations. For many Americans, it is usually a time to study, discover and decelerate. Cruises particularly seem to encourage that mindset.

According to the survey, 62% of Americans say they’re extra more likely to strive new foods whereas touring on a cruise. Nearly half (48%) say they found a brand new curiosity or interest, together with wildlife, meals, historical past or tradition.

Not each second is structured. Some Americans say downtime is a part of the enchantment, with 28% saying they learn extra throughout their journey.

Holland America Line

Memories Over Souvenirs: Why Experiences Last Longer

For many Americans, what stays with them after a visit just isn’t what they purchased however what they skilled. Nearly 67% say they worth a core reminiscence greater than a bodily memento after a trip.

Those reminiscences typically proceed to resonate lengthy after the journey ends. Eighty-six % say they’ve revisited images or movies from a previous journey to elevate their temper, and greater than 90% say constructive journey reminiscences can enhance their temper throughout troublesome occasions.

Holland America Line

Family Time Reimagined: Shared Experiences Matter Most

For families, journey typically creates time for bonding that each day routines don’t enable. More than half (55%) of respondents say their greatest household reminiscences occurred whereas touring collectively, and greater than 4 out of 5 (82%) say a few of their strongest household bonding moments occurred throughout a trip or household journey.

In addition to shared reminiscences, greater than 91% say travel has a constructive impression on their psychological and emotional well-being.

There is No Time Like the Present

As Americans search for reduction from routine and overstimulation, journey experiences rooted in nature, studying and shared moments are gaining enchantment. The findings replicate a rising pull towards journeys constructed round lasting reminiscences and emotional connection.

Methodology

Holland America Line commissioned a web-based survey of adults within the United States, performed in September, 2025. The pattern included 1,539 adults ages 18 and older.

This story was produced by Holland America Line and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.