Summer travel plans shift as costs pressure households
Americans are not abandoning summer travel despite higher prices, but a new survey from the American Hotel Association indicates they are changing how they vacation. A majority of respondents plan a summer trip in 2026 even as more than half say travel costs have climbed compared with the previous year. Among those feeling the financial strain, many still rate a summer break as important.
Instead of cancelling, travelers are trading down or staying closer to home. The findings point to more road trips, shorter distances and a stronger focus on affordable destinations. Hotels remain central to these plans, with respondents favoring properties that bundle value through complimentary breakfast and loyalty rewards. Many say they will first reduce spending on shopping, dining out and entertainment before cutting hotel nights, suggesting lodging continues to anchor vacation budgets.
Key summer travel adjustments in the AHLA survey
- Shift toward regional, drive-to trips over air travel.
- Growing emphasis on hotel value and added amenities.
- Hotel stays prioritized above other discretionary spending.
- Strong repeat intention among last year’s hotel guests.
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Photos Source: AI
