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65% of Americans Cut Summer Trips as Costs Surge

5/22/2026

45 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Americans Trim Trips

United States travelers are cutting or reshaping summer trips because rising fuel and airfare costs.
A US News and World Report survey found 65% of Americans have already altered summer travel plans, with 31% changing destinations or cancelling vacations.
NerdWallet analysis shows U.S. travel costs are up 9% from last year and that United Airlines may raise ticket prices by up to 20% to offset fuel costs.

Summary

Travelers Spend

Deloitte’s April survey of 4,003 adults finds the longest summer trip will cost $4,069, a 17% rise, and shows higher-income travelers prefer hotels (59%) and destination resorts (23%), up from 54% and 14%.
Generative AI planning use rose to 25% in 2026, with millennials at 36% adoption and 34% planning to work while traveling.
AAA expects 45 million Americans to travel >=50 miles for Memorial Day, with 39.1 million driving and 3.66 million flying.

Summary

Americans Scale Back

Talker Research survey found 60% of Gen Z and 52% of millennials feel pressure to travel, with 24% of Gen Z traveling mainly to brag.
31% say they’ll be more budget-conscious this summer, while 25% plan to seek cheaper destinations.
40% of Americans won’t travel, with 52% citing cost, 25% saving, and 22% paying debt.
Massachusetts ranks fourth among states where residents plan a vacation, with 72% intending to travel.

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Americans Trim Trips

United States travelers are cutting or reshaping summer trips because rising fuel and airfare costs.
A US News and World Report survey found 65% of Americans have already altered summer travel plans, with 31% changing destinations or cancelling vacations.
NerdWallet analysis shows U.S. travel costs are up 9% from last year and that United Airlines may raise ticket prices by up to 20% to offset fuel costs.

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