About 1/3 of Americans Said They Changed or Canceled Summer Plans Due To Rising Prices, According to New Data
If you've been feeling like travel is getting more expensive lately, you're not alone, and new data confirms it. A recent summer travel survey found that roughly one-third of Americans have already changed or canceled their travel plans due to rising costs.
That's a major shift in behavior, and it says a lot about where travel is headed in 2026.
The Data Behind the Trend
According to new survey data from U.S. News, rising prices are directly affecting how Americans plan their summer travel. About one-third of travelers say they've adjusted or canceled their plans altogether, while many others are scaling back in different ways.
Even among those still planning trips, spending is under pressure. The average summer traveler is expected to spend nearly $4,000 on flights and lodging alone.
At the same time, a large majority, about 89% of travelers, say they're actively trying to save money on their trips, says Nerd Wallet. And it goes even further: more than 2 in 5 Americans say they'd rather skip a vacation entirely than book a "budget" trip.
In other words, people still want to travel, but they're becoming far more selective about how and where they do it.
Why People Are Adjusting Their Plans
So what's driving this shift? It comes down to a mix of economic pressure and rising travel costs.
One of the biggest factors is airfare. Global fuel shortages and rising oil prices are pushing up airline costs, and those increases are being passed directly to travelers. Airlines are also cutting routes and adding fees to stay profitable, which means fewer options and higher prices overall.
Beyond flights, everyday travel expenses, like hotels, food, and transportation, are also climbing, adding up quickly once you're on a trip. As a result, travelers are adapting in several ways:
- Choosing closer or domestic destinations
- Taking shorter trips
- Booking earlier (or sometimes not at all)
- Switching to cheaper accommodations or travel dates
There's also a psychological factor. With many Americans already dealing with higher costs in everyday life, travel is becoming one of the first areas where people cut back.
Related: This Summer's Biggest Travel Hack? These 8 Under-the-Radar Regional Theme Parks
How to Save Money While Traveling This Summer
If you're still planning a trip, the good news is there are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing the experience.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: Flying midweek or during off-peak times can significantly reduce airfare. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can make a difference.
- Book early but monitor prices: With prices fluctuating, booking early can lock in a deal. At the same time, keep an eye on fares in case they drop.
- Consider alternative destinations: Popular hotspots tend to be the most expensive. Choosing a less touristy location can save you money and offer a more relaxed experience.
- Use points, miles, or rewards: According to Nerd Wallet, about one-third of travelers are turning to rewards programs to offset costs.
- Travel closer to home: Domestic trips or road trips can eliminate the biggest expense of airfare while still giving you a change of scenery.
- Set a realistic budget (and stick to it): It's easy for small upgrades to add up. Planning ahead can help you avoid overspending.
With many Americans changing or canceling their summer plans, it's clear that rising prices are reshaping how people travel in 2026. The days of spontaneous, no-budget trips are being replaced by smarter planning and more strategic choices.
The good news? With the right approach, you can still take a great trip this summer without breaking the bank.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 10:29 AM.