Summer 2026 was expected to be a big year for American travel, but rising costs and economic uncertainty are forcing many to scale back plans. According to a survey by US News and World Report, 65% of Americans have altered summer travel plans due to higher prices, with 31% changing destinations or cancelling trips entirely. While two-thirds still plan to travel, an Ibotta survey found a third expect to take fewer trips.
Travel advisors report a shift towards domestic destinations perceived as safe and affordable. Alison Zacher of Scott Dunn said summer 2026 is shaped by priorities of “confidence, ease and reassurance.” Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons noted clients are swapping Disney for the Smoky Mountains, cross-country flights for local baseball weekends, and ambitious road trips for shorter breaks.
Chicago resident Walter Bennett cancelled a $9,000 Disney World trip after layoffs at his company, opting instead for a $2,500 road trip to the Smoky Mountains. “I don’t feel unsafe, but I also don’t feel like dropping nine grand on a vacation right now is the smartest move,” he said. The cabin has a kitchen to save on meals, and national park access costs as little as $5 per day.
International travel faces added hurdles from disrupted flight paths and rising fuel costs. Professor Jagdish Khubchandani postponed a flight to Delhi due to the Iran war complicating routes. He is waiting for reliable flights through Europe, even if it adds hours to travel. Joanna Reeve of Intrepid Travel noted people still want to travel but are adjusting “where, when and how.”
With US gasoline prices topping $4.50 per gallon, even classic road trips are being reimagined. Oregon resident Eric Goranson saved for a Boston Red Sox trip but is now reconsidering. The overall trend points to a more cautious, budget-conscious traveller, with many pushing international plans to future years.
