Nextdoor neighbors are planning to spend an average of $7,400 on summer travel this year. That's nearly double the $3,940 average spending that NerdWallet and The Harris Poll project for the typical American summer traveler. For advertisers evaluating where to reach high-intent travel audiences, this gap matters.
Here's what our survey of 1,000 U.S. adults reveals about how Nextdoor neighbors plan, spend, and travel this summer.
Neighbors are 14% more likely than the general population to take at least one leisure trip this summer — and 58% more likely to take three or more. According to MMGY's 2026 Portrait of American Travelers, the average U.S. household plans 3.87 vacations over the next 12 months. Neighbors are already trending well above that baseline, making this a high-frequency audience that cycles through the booking window multiple times per season.
While average American summer travelers plan to spend roughly $3,940 on flights and lodging alone, Nextdoor neighbors plan to spend $7,400 in total — 87% more than the general population. 45% plan to spend more on travel this year than last, a rate 10% higher than the general population. This is an audience with both the budget and the intent to book the premium experiences that drive revenue.
77% of neighbors will serve as the primary travel planner for their household — 17% more likely than the average consumer. When a travel brand reaches a neighbor on Nextdoor, it reaches the person who books the flight, selects the hotel, and builds the family itinerary. Because most neighbors travel with partners, children, and extended family, each impression often represents a multi-person booking.
Beach vacations are the most popular destination type at 54%, but the stronger story is in what neighbors are disproportionately likely to choose. Compared to the general population, neighbors are 41% more likely to book all-inclusive resorts, 33% more likely to cruise, and 34% more likely to fly internationally. For travel brands in higher-margin categories, this data is a clear signal.
51% of neighbors plan their summer trips one to three months in advance, and nearly a third plan four or more months out. For higher-consideration categories like cruises and international travel, the planning window is especially front-loaded — which means brands that activate in spring are competing for attention while budgets are still being allocated. Brands that wait until summer to engage will find most decisions already made.
90% of neighbors rely on their local community when preparing for or taking a summer trip. They trust recommendations from fellow neighbors 43% more than advice from social media influencers. This trust dynamic is Nextdoor's most meaningful competitive advantage in the travel category. Ads that feel locally grounded, specific, and community-rooted consistently outperform generic travel creative on this platform.
94% of neighbors will spend money in adjacent categories before their trips begin — vehicle maintenance, clothing, luggage, pet care, and home security. At the destination, food and dining (38%) and experiences and activities (31%) capture more discretionary spend than accommodations or flights. For brands outside the traditional travel vertical, summer on Nextdoor is a primary acquisition window.
The Nextdoor neighbor audience is already planning, already spending, and already turning to their community for guidance. The data points to four practical implications for travel marketers: activate early in the spring planning window; design creative for household decision-makers rather than individual travelers; lead with trust signals and locally relevant messaging rather than broad lifestyle aspirations; and consider the full arc of travel spending, from pre-trip preparation through on-trip experiences.
Want to explore the complete findings? This summary highlights key insights from our research, but there's much more to discover. For the full report with detailed data, additional audience segments, and strategic recommendations for your campaigns, reach out to Jacob Chavis, Customer Analytics & Insights Manager, at jchavis@nextdoor.com. Our team can help you apply these insights to reach high-intent neighbors at the moments that matter most.