Men’s Group Travel on the Rise: Key Findings from the 2026 Guys Trip Report
St. Joseph, MI, Oct. 6, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the first annual ManTripping Guys Trip Report, men’s group travel is experiencing significant growth, yet the travel industry is largely unaware. The report was conducted by ManTripping, a leading men’s travel publication, surveying over 1,000 tourism and travel industry leaders, with 167 participants from North America.
Key Findings:
- 96% of respondents report steady or increasing demand for men’s group travel, with growth outpacing decline by nine to one.
- Adventure (63%) and fishing (53%) have surpassed golf (50%) as preferred activities among men on trips.
- Surprisingly, casino and nightlife activities ranked lowest at just 6%, challenging traditional views of men’s travel.
- Only 6% of destinations have a dedicated strategy for guys trips, although 20% are considering developing one.
James Hills, publisher of ManTripping.com, noted, “For nearly two decades, the conversation about guys trips has been driven by movies instead of data… This is less The Hangover and more a weekend of fishing, hiking, and real connection.”
Why This Shift is Happening:
Several factors contribute to this trend:
- The percentage of U.S. adults consuming alcohol has been declining.
- Outdoor recreation hit a record 183.2 million Americans in 2025.
- Multigenerational travel rose by 17% year over year.
- Popular activities like fishing and camping do not require expensive airfare, making regional destinations like the Great Lakes and Midwest particularly appealing.
Insights from Industry Leaders:
- Jill Bauer, Shores & Islands Ohio: Observed a rise in interest in adventure and fishing, particularly in the Lake Erie region, with tailored getaway itineraries emphasizing camaraderie and adventure.
- Kelli Bloomquist, US Ghost Adventures: Noted a shift from deciding where to go to determining what experiences groups will share.
- Naresh Dahal, Everest Luxury Holidays: Highlighted meaningful conversations evolving from father-son trips.
- Laura Argenbright, Laurel Highlands Tourism: Reported an increase in male website users post-COVID, due to the outdoor focus of the region.
- Caitlin Corbin, Visit Newport Beach: Explained that golf trips have transformed into comprehensive cultural experiences.
About the Survey:
The survey comprised insights from destination marketing organizations and travel PR professionals across 15 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. ManTripping plans to continue tracking these trends through follow-up reports focusing on various themes such as fishing, hunting, and father-son trips.
For a complete overview, including charts and regional findings, visit the full report at ManTripping.com.
About ManTripping:
Founded in 2008, ManTripping.com caters to a male audience interested in lifestyle and travel. With over a million readers monthly, it covers a variety of topics from adventure travel to culinary experiences. James Hills, the founder, is a recognized authority in men’s travel discussions.
Press Inquiries:
James Hills
jameshills2@gmail.com
https://www.mantripping.com
For images and additional materials from the report, please refer to the gallery on the report page.
