2026 Summer Travel Trends: 42% Prefer Staying Home Over Budget Trips

Current Travel Disruptions and Planning ConsiderationsAt the time this report was published, a partial government shutdown was affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA personnel, classified as essential workers, are required to continue their duties throughout the shutdown per

Current Travel Disruptions and Planning Considerations

At the time this report was published, a partial government shutdown was affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA personnel, classified as essential workers, are required to continue their duties throughout the shutdown period without immediate compensation until it resolves. This situation has the potential to cause staffing shortages, as some agents may call in sick more frequently. Travelers might experience extended wait times at security checkpoints in airports, so it is advisable to consult your specific airport's website for anticipated delays and plan to arrive well in advance to prevent missing flights.

With spring in full bloom, a significant number of Americans are gearing up for summer getaways to escape their daily routines. However, mounting debt is casting a shadow over these aspirations, potentially hindering the creation of cherished vacation memories under the sun.

According to NerdWallet’s yearly summer travel survey, almost half of Americans, precisely 45%, intend to embark on a summer 2026 vacation that involves air travel and/or accommodations such as hotels or rental properties. These individuals anticipate average expenditures of $3,940 for flights and lodging alone. This projection translates to more than 120 million people collectively investing over $475 billion in these essential travel components.

The survey was carried out online by The Harris Poll, polling more than 2,000 U.S. residents about their summer travel intentions, including detailed spending on airfare and places to stay. It specifically targeted 2026 summer travelers—those planning trips necessitating flights or paid lodging from June through August—and inquired about their payment methods, cost-saving measures, and strategies to manage expenses. Additionally, the poll gathered insights from last summer's travelers regarding any outstanding credit card balances from those trips.

Key Findings

• Among 2025 summer travelers who used credit cards for their expenses, 74% did not clear the balance immediately. Notably, over one-third (35%) of those who charged their vacations last year continue to carry unpaid balances.
• An overwhelming 89% of prospective 2026 summer travelers plan to implement savings tactics for their vacations. Nevertheless, a substantial portion of Americans (67% for refundable flights and 62% for travel insurance) believe the added cost for such flexible options is justified.
• More than two-fifths of Americans (42%) indicate they would forego a vacation entirely rather than settle for low-cost flights and accommodations.
• Approximately one-third of 2026 summer travelers (32%) intend to leverage credit card points or miles to offset costs, yet nearly half of all Americans (48%) view these rewards programs as overly complex.

Sally French, a travel authority at NerdWallet and co-host of the Smart Travel Podcast, observes, “Vacation budgeting often feels different in practice for many people. That extra $200 for a room with an ocean view or $40 for a preferred seat might seem minor at the time, but when these small splurges accumulate across meals, activities, tours, and transportation over one or two weeks, the total can quickly exceed your planned budget. The real challenge lies in crafting a trip that delivers profound experiences without leaving you burdened by debt.”

Persistent Debt from 2025 Summer Vacations

For some, the memories from last summer's trips are tinged with financial regret rather than joy. The survey reveals that only 26% of 2025 summer travelers who financed their trips via credit cards managed to pay off the full amount by the first billing cycle. The remaining 74% likely faced or are still facing interest accruals on those charges.

Strikingly, 35% of these credit card users from last summer have yet to eliminate their travel-related balances, and a portion may be compounding their debt with new summer plans. Looking ahead, 84% of 2026 summer travelers plan to rely on credit cards for at least part of their expenses, establishing cards as the predominant payment choice by a wide margin. Meanwhile, 59% will draw from cash in checking accounts, and 43% from savings accounts.

Not every credit card user risks interest accumulation; 61% of 2026 summer travelers affirm they will charge expenses but settle the balance fully upon the first statement. Conversely, 23% admit to planning charges without prompt repayment.

Beyond credit cards, other debt-creating options are in play: 17% of 2026 summer travelers expect to use buy now, pay later services, 13% anticipate cash advances, and 7% might resort to payday loans for travel funding.

Incurring debt for what should be a rejuvenating summer break can transform relaxation into a stressor. For discretionary travel, sidestepping debt often involves rigorously minimizing outlays wherever feasible.

Nearly 90% of Summer Travelers Pursue Cost-Saving Measures

Air travel and accommodations command high prices, yet numerous strategies exist to temper these costs. The data shows 89% of 2026 summer travelers are actively pursuing savings. Popular tactics encompass driving rather than flying (35%) and selecting lodging primarily for affordability over luxury features (33%).

Conversely, flexibility often warrants premium pricing. Around 67% of Americans deem the surcharge for refundable tickets worthwhile for the added leeway, with 62% echoing this for travel insurance.

French elaborates, “Prioritizing flexibility is crucial in travel, especially for beach destinations during hurricane season, family outings with children, or intricate itineraries vulnerable to disruptions like missed connections. In such scenarios, investing in refundable tickets or insurance serves as a prudent safeguard, essentially purchasing peace of mind and alternative options. However, for straightforward, affordable domestic jaunts that could be rebooked with personal funds if needed, forgoing these extras might allow more budget for mementos.”

42% Opt Out of Vacations to Avoid Budget Options

Budget travel does not appeal to everyone. Over 40% of Americans (42%) state they would cancel vacation plans outright rather than endure cut-rate flights and stays. This preference is more pronounced among younger demographics: 50% of Gen Z (ages 18-29) and 47% of millennials (ages 30-45) share this view, surpassing Gen X (46-61, 38%) and baby boomers (62-80, 36%).

Although inexpensive flights and lodging preserve funds, alternative savings avenues abound. Opting for mid-range hotels over high-end ones, scheduling flights for off-peak hours like early mornings or late evenings, or embracing road trips—all enable cost control by deprioritizing non-essentials.

Half of Americans Find Rewards Programs Overly Complex

About 32% of 2026 summer travelers aim to redeem credit card points or miles for expense reductions. Travel rewards initiatives offer potent avenues for complimentary or discounted flights and stays. Yet complexity deters participation for many.

Fully 48% of Americans label points and miles systems as excessively intricate, with Gen Z leading at 56%, followed by millennials (47%), Gen X (46%), and boomers (45%).

While these programs present hurdles, their difficulty scales with user engagement. Maximizing value demands mastering advanced travel hacking techniques, but simpler approaches—like direct airline bookings or portal redemptions via card issuers—yield free or economical travel without deep dives. To advance, resources on utilizing points and miles effectively can simplify the landscape, unlocking savings for upcoming adventures.

Practical Advice for Summer Travelers

Clear Prior Debt and Sidestep New Borrowing

Interest on lingering credit card balances can dramatically inflate vacation costs, especially if last year's debt persists into new planning. As of November 2025, average credit card interest hovered at 22.3%, per Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data. Prior to new bookings, strategize to eliminate prior debts and impose strict caps on forthcoming expenditures.

Prioritize Key Travel Expenditures

Budgets necessitate compromises during travel. Identify splurge-worthy elements—such as family-friendly flight schedules to minimize fatigue—and offset with economies elsewhere, like value-oriented hotels sans extras. Indulge selectively where impact is greatest.

Leverage Accumulated Points and Miles

If hoarding points or miles, reassess promptly. Rewards depreciate over time, potentially diminishing future value. Absent a imminent redemption target, deploy them now for optimal gain.

French advises, “Impactful travel need not equate to extravagance, nor should any getaway haunt you with post-trip debt. Before finalizing bookings, clarify personal priorities. A luxury hotel or gourmet dining might elevate the experience, but self-guided urban exploration and street food could prove equally memorable. Ultimately, travel aims for enduring memories—not the recurring reminders of minimum payments lingering for months or years.”

Survey Methodology

Conducted online by The Harris Poll for NerdWallet from February 3-5, 2026, this survey reached 2,082 U.S. adults aged 18+, including 907 planning summer vacations with flights or paid lodging. Precision is gauged via Bayesian credible intervals, yielding +/- 2.7 percentage points at 95% confidence for the full sample, expanding for subgroups. Summer travel here denotes June, July, and August 2026. Full details on weighting and subgroups available upon request.