In a fast-paced world where stress and burnout are common, the pursuit of the “perfect” vacation has become more than just a dream—it’s a necessity. According to a recent survey conducted by Go City, the world’s leading sightseeing and attraction pass provider, Americans have a clear idea of what makes a vacation perfect. They’re also surprisingly willing to sacrifice certain comforts to achieve it. This comprehensive study of 2,000 U.S. travelers reveals eye-opening insights into the ideal vacation length, destinations, must-have experiences, and the common dealbreakers that can ruin a trip.
The Hallmarks of a Perfect Vacation
Duration and Distance Matter
The ideal vacation, according to survey respondents, lasts 11 days and is located at least three hours from home. This timeframe offers the perfect balance between relaxation, adventure, and escape from daily life without being too short or too long.
Top Priorities for Vacationers
When asked what makes a vacation perfect, respondents consistently highlighted these top features:
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Food: 52% prioritize trying new and exciting cuisine
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Relaxation: 47% want ample downtime to recharge
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Comfortable accommodations: 38% say hotel quality matters
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Good weather: 34% find it essential for the ideal getaway
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Outdoor attractions and landmarks: 31% want iconic sights and activities
Popular Vacation Settings
According to the Go City survey, 6 in 10 Americans believe the perfect vacation can be found within the U.S., with the majority preferring these destinations:
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Sunny beaches: 63%
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The great outdoors (national parks, nature trails): 53%
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Major cities: 43%
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Historic sites: 42%
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Amusement parks: 30%
Bucket list items, such as visiting world-renowned landmarks and local must-see attractions, are important to 41% of travelers.
Essential Elements for a Fulfilling Trip
To achieve vacation bliss, most travelers believe a perfect trip must include:
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Time to relax and recuperate (67%)
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Opportunities to create meaningful memories (63%)
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Enjoying good company and social connections (62%)
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Trying new experiences (61%)
What Can Ruin the “Perfect” Vacation?
Even the best-laid travel plans can fall apart. 92% of respondents said that a single disruption could negatively impact the entire vacation. The most common trip spoilers include:
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Unexpected fees or hidden costs: 45%
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Travel issues like flight delays or lost luggage: 44%
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Poor weather: 41%
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Inconvenient hotel locations: 40%
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Uncomfortable sleeping conditions: 31%
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Disappointing food or poor service: 34%
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Inadequate hotel climate control (e.g., room temperature): 35%
What Are Americans Willing to Sacrifice?
Despite the desire for perfection, most travelers understand that a little compromise goes a long way. A whopping 88% are open to giving up certain comforts to enhance their overall travel experience.
Common Travel Trade-Offs
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Staying at a more expensive hotel for better amenities: 33%
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Cutting down expenses for three months before a trip: 32%
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Paying extra for more legroom or flight upgrades: 28%
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Skipping carry-ons or flying economy: 21–19%
What They Expect in Return
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More time to relax and unwind: 29%
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Extra spending money for food and drinks: 28%
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Upgraded hotel room with views or perks like free breakfast: 27%
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Access to premium experiences like skip-the-line, VIP tours: 23%
Go City: Helping Travelers Create the Perfect Vacation
Go City is revolutionizing the way Americans travel by offering all-in-one digital attraction passes. These passes eliminate the hassle of booking individual tickets and make it easier to explore iconic landmarks, quirky museums, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures.
Features That Make a Difference
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Flexible booking: Easily reschedule attractions
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Walk-up access: No need to stick to a rigid itinerary
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Savings guarantees: Best value versus individual ticket purchases
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Refund policy: 30-day refund for unused passes
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Year-long activation window: Passes stay valid for 12 months after purchase
Whether you’re interested in jet-skiing in Miami, exploring the streets of New York City, or checking out cultural exhibits in Chicago, Go City helps you travel smarter with maximum flexibility and enjoyment.
Expert Advice from Go City
Judy Gauthier, Chief Commercial Officer at Go City, summed it up perfectly:
“Every vacation deserves to be ‘perfect.’ What really makes the difference is knowing how to travel smarter… Little indulgences like skip-the-line passes or an upgraded view can turn a good trip into a great one.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the perfect vacation length according to Americans?
According to the Go City survey, most Americans believe that the perfect vacation should last 11 days—long enough to relax, explore, and enjoy new experiences.
What are Americans most willing to sacrifice for a better vacation?
Travelers are willing to give up things like extra legroom, carry-on bags, or budget-friendly accommodations in exchange for upgraded experiences, more spending money, or stress-free travel.
What is the most common vacation spoiler?
The survey found that unexpected costs, such as hidden fees, were the most likely to ruin a vacation, followed closely by flight delays and bad weather.
How does Go City improve vacation experiences?
Go City simplifies travel planning by offering multi-attraction passes that include flexible scheduling, walk-up access, and significant savings—helping travelers get more out of every trip.
Can Go City passes be refunded?
Yes, Go City offers a 30-day refund policy for unused passes, plus a one-year activation window, making it easier to plan travel with flexibility.
