Fewer than half of Americans plan to travel this summer, survey finds
Cost is a major concern, but experts say flexibility and rewards points can help travelers save
(InvestigateTV) — A recent Bankrate survey revealed that just 46% of Americans plan to travel this summer, with cost cited as the biggest barrier. That figure is slightly up, by 1%, from last year, but it still reflects a slowdown compared to the travel surge seen right after the pandemic.
“It’s not the same kind of re-invigorated travel that we saw a few years ago,” Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst with Bankrate, said. “Demand has slowed a bit, but it’s still growing—even with concerns about tariffs, the stock market, and the economy overall.”
Rossman noted that 1 in 4 Americans said they’re not planning a summer vacation, and another quarter are still undecided. About 10 percent said they’ll opt for a staycation. However, he pointed out an interesting trend.
“It’s important to watch what people do, not just what they say, Rossman said. “The sentiment might be negative, but the actual behavior is a bit more positive.”
If you are planning a trip, Rossman has a few money-saving tips:
- Use travel rewards points and miles whenever possible.
- Be flexible—consider traveling during the off-season, mid-week, or taking early or late flights. Even connecting flights can sometimes offer big savings.
- Book early—even if your trip isn’t until August, prices can rise quickly as summer approaches.
“Let the deal dictate when and where you go,” Rossman advises. “If you can zig when others zag, you’ll likely find better prices.”
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