Many cant afford summer vacation due to increasing travel costs: survey

Four in 10 Americans will not be taking a single trip this summer, with cost as the biggest reason why.The survey of 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state and generation, looked at respondents’ 2026 travel plans, and it revealed 37% will not be traveling this summer.For these respondents, the majority are unable to afford the cost of a trip (52%), while others said they’re working to save money (25%) or pay off debt (22%).A fifth (21%) of those not taking a vacation this summer also highlighted concerns about the rising costs of travel.Commissioned by Current and conducted by Talker Research, the survey also looked at those who are planning to travel, and how affordability is affecting their plans.Respondents who traveled last summer and who are planning to travel this summer (52%) were asked about how their upcoming trips will differ from those in 2025.They’re planning to visit different types of destinations (32%) — and they’re trying to be smart with their finances, by being more budget-conscious this summer (31%) and traveling to more affordable destinations (25%).Summer travelers are also looking to do more day trips or adventures within their own city or state (22%) and will be traveling for shorter lengths of time (22%).This ties in well with the top “summer travel trends” predicted for 2026.Respondents believe the most popular trends will be staycations (32%), “quietcations” (30%), and “micro-breaks” (30%).“The travel trends we’re seeing for summer reflect just how practical and realistic Americans are with their finances,” said Erin Bruehl, VP of Communications, Current.

“Instead of giving up on travel, they are being smarter about it.As costs rise, staycations, micro-breaks, and quietcations are all ways people are making summer travel more affordable, and having the right financial tools to help every dollar go further and provide clear insights into their spending then become even more important.”While finances are havi...