GSTV: 72% of Americans Plan to Road Trip This Summer

GSTV recently released its 2026 Summer Travel Insights report, which showed that “Americans plan to hit the road this summer, even against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.”

GSTV also reported that the upcoming World Cup is influencing travel and purchase decisions, making 2026 the “summer of game tripping.” Research from GSTV found that 41% of survey respondents are excited for the World Cup. Of those attending a match, 53% will drive at least one hour, including many planning to travel five hours or more.

“Furthermore, 30% of GSTV viewers not attending a World Cup game plan to take a road trip for another sporting event. Beyond sporting events, 72% of consumers plan to travel by car this summer, while 45% are choosing destinations closer to home, keeping them on familiar roads and familiar stops,” GSTV wrote.

The report also highlighted that for consumers hitting the road and stopping at convenience stores, 24% said that soda/soft drinks are their go-to purchases. Other reported go-to purchases include coffee (17%), sweet treats (10%) and salty snacks (9%).

Additional insights on consumer summer travel and spending include:

• 57% of survey respondents said they plan to travel more this summer than last year.
• 38% of respondents said that gas prices haven’t changed their summer travel plans.
• Among those driving for summer trips, 37% plan to travel 500+ miles.
• 45% said they pick up snacks and drinks along the way, and 29% reported browsing inside the c-store during refueling stops. Only 7% said they ignore the advertising they see during these stops.
• 24% of parents in the GSTV survey said they actively seek deals via coupons, apps, loyalty points and bundles, making them receptive to offers and promotions.

“Even amid economic uncertainty, consumers are still finding ways to prioritize travel and spending on the experiences that matter most to them,” said Lauren Lazarus, SVP of insights and analytics at GSTV. “Whether it’s road tripping to the World Cup, simply watching a sporting event from their living rooms, or spending quality time with family and friends on vacation, these summer moments create a heightened, experience-driven mindset that makes consumers more open to discovery.”