81% of North Americans miss the sense of wonder they had as kids more than the free time they had then.
Club Med The Art of Free Time Report 2026, was conducted with Wakefield Research among 2,000 adults across the United States and Canada, explores how North Americans experience free time, what holds them back from trying new things, and the opportunities to rediscover joy, curiosity, and spontaneity.
Maybe we don't need more free time. Maybe we need more possibilities for what to do with it.
We haven't lost our curiosity. We may have lost the room to follow it.
• 87% of North Americans say obligations take priority over enjoyment at least some of the time.
• 88% experienced at least one positive impact the last time they challenged themselves to try something new.
• 79% are likely to try a new activity on their next vacation.
Club Med calls the disconnect between the joy, curiosity, and discovery we want and the room we make for them the Joy Gap.
88% of North Americans experienced at least one positive impact after trying something new.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE CLOSE THE GAP?
From gaining confidence to discovering new interests and making friends, trying something new can open the door to more joy.
91% of North Americans agree that luxury when traveling means the freedom to do what they want, when they want.
WHAT WE WANT FROM OUR TIME.
74% prefer an open-ended vacation with opportunities to explore or do something spontaneous.
Time is the canvas. Choice is the luxury.
52% of North Americans discovered a new hobby or activity on vacation that they continued at home.
WHERE POSSIBILITY CAN LEAD.
80% of North Americans say the cost of trying new activities or buying gear can hold them back.
Vacation may be the perfect place to discover something new.
Explore Club Med The Art of Free Time Report 2026 and discover what its findings reveal about joy, curiosity, discovery, and how North Americans want to spend their free time.
That's the beauty of it. You decide.
Learn to ski. Try the flying trapeze. Sail. Hike. Discover something new. Spend time together. Or do absolutely nothing at all.
For more than 75 years, Club Med has made room for discovery, play and connection.
The Art of Free Time celebrates the freedom to enjoy it all on your own terms.
TIME IS THE CANVAS. WHAT YOU DO WITH IT IS YOURS.