If given the chance, many Americans would trade their 9-to-5 grind for a life on the road, according to a new survey from Talker Research. Conducted for CheapTickets, the poll of 2,000 U.S. adults reveals that 65% would quit their jobs to travel indefinitely if finances weren’t a barrier. The allure? Seeing the world without the anchor of bills or deadlines.
The survey, released in late 2024, paints a picture of wanderlust tinged with practicality. Top dream destinations include Italy (41%), Japan (31%), and Australia (29%), with respondents craving cultural immersion over quick getaways—68% said they’d need at least two weeks to feel satisfied. Yet, reality bites: 47% admitted they’d only leave their jobs if they could afford it, and 37% cited family obligations as a tether. Money woes loom largest, with 54% worrying about funding such a leap.
For those who’ve taken shorter trips, the taste of freedom fuels the fantasy. About 60% said a standout vacation—think a bucket-list trek to Machu Picchu or a food tour in Paris—left them itching to make travel a lifestyle. Younger adults, especially Gen Z and millennials, are most eager, with 73% of 18- to 34-year-olds willing to upend their careers for a passport-stamping adventure.
But it’s not all rosy. The survey uncovered hurdles beyond cash: 29% fear losing career momentum, and 22% dread the logistics of uprooting their lives. Still, the pull of exploration persists—71% believe travel would boost their happiness more than climbing the corporate ladder. “People are rethinking what ‘success’ means,” said Dr. Lisa Chen, a psychologist who studies work-life balance. “Post-pandemic, they’re prioritizing experiences over stability.”
For now, most remain desk-bound dreamers. Only 18% have concrete plans to turn their travel itch into action within the next year. CheapTickets, behind the survey, sees an opportunity: “Affordable travel options could bridge that gap,” a spokesperson noted. Until then, the open road remains a tantalizing “what if” for millions of Americans.