Financial Stress and Summer Travel: Why Travel Costs Are Keeping People Home
Are you one of the many Americans who are putting off summer travel plans due to financial stress? You’re not alone. According to Bankrate’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey, only 46% of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer, and many of those not planning to do so cite affordability as the factor keeping them at home.
High Travel Costs: The Major Reason for Non-Travelers
- Cost and lack of interest cause people to forgo travel.
- 65% percent of non-travelers say they can’t afford to travel and 23% cite a lack of interest in traveling currently.
- Not being able to take time off work and travel being too much of a hassle both came in at 16 percent.
But what’s driving these high travel costs? It’s not just the price of airfare and hotels. Everyday expenses, such as dining out and entertainment, have also increased significantly.
The Role of Everyday Expenses in Travel Costs
According to Bankrate’s survey, nearly 7 in 10 people (68%) who can’t afford to travel say everyday life is too expensive, while 64% say travel is too expensive.
| Reason | Percentage |
| Everyday life is too expensive | 68% |
| Travel is too expensive | 64% |
This highlights the interconnectedness of travel costs and everyday expenses. When one becomes unaffordable, the other often follows suit.
Staycations and Alternative Travel Options
- Almost a quarter of U.S. adults (24 percent) are planning on skipping summer vacation altogether — with not even a staycation planned.
- Domestic trips may be more wallet-friendly, but many Americans still cite cost as the top reason they’re not traveling this summer.
- Sticking close to home with a staycation for at least some of their summer vacation plans is a more cost-efficient option, but nearly 3 in 10 American travelers (29 percent) plan to go into debt to book trips.
So, what are some alternative travel options to consider? Here are a few suggestions:
- Putting existing rewards points and miles to use.
- Signing up for a new credit card to earn a welcome bonus that can fund a free or discounted trip.
- Visiting a destination during its shoulder season or offseason.
- Booking a flight during the off-season or using a travel rewards credit card.
Expert Advice
“When planning summer travel, it’s generally advised to book sooner rather than later,” advises Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst.
“It also pays to zig when others zag. For example, think about visiting a destination during its shoulder season or offseason. Take an early flight or a late flight or a connecting flight. Or fly midweek.”
Generation and Income: A Factor in Summer Travel Plans
- Higher-income households are traveling more, but affordability remains a major concern.
- Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to take on debt to travel.
- Gen Z is more likely to use Buy Now Pay Later services to fund their travel plans.
But what about the impact of generation and income on summer travel plans? According to Bankrate’s survey, higher-income households are traveling more, but affordability remains a major concern. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to take on debt to travel, and Gen Z is more likely to use Buy Now Pay Later services to fund their travel plans.
Alternatives to High-Interest Travel Debt
“If you know you can comfortably pay off your vacation costs over the next 12 to 21 months, one of the best intro 0% APR credit cards could be a solid way to have your cake and eat it too,” advises El-Amin.
“If you’ve been using your credit card responsibly on autopilot, you might be overlooking some rewards that could help you cover the cost of your vacation. Check in on your points or miles balance and see how much they’re worth with different airlines to maximize your redemptions.”
“If you still want to borrow money to travel, at least go with a less expensive option like a personal loan. It’s not zero interest, and you’ll have higher monthly payments compared to your credit card’s minimum payment. But with good credit, you could qualify for a much lower interest rate than a credit card.”
Conclusion
Financial stress and high travel costs are keeping many Americans at home this summer. But with some careful planning and creativity, it’s possible to find affordable travel options that fit your budget. Whether you choose to staycation, explore alternative destinations, or use rewards points to fund your trip, there are many ways to make your summer travel dreams a reality.
So, take a deep breath and start planning your summer getaway today!
