Even with gas prices over $5 in parts of the country and hotel and airfare costs soaring, Americans are unwilling to give up their vacations. But they’re willing to cut corners.
Overall, one-in-five Americans (21%) have a trip booked for this summer, while more than one-third (35%) have travel plans but still haven’t booked, according to a new survey from Bestmoney. Only 4% said they “usually travel but may skip” this year.
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Who’s Skipping Vacation?
Only 4% of Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X are skipping travel if they usually take a summer vacation. For Boomers, that number drops to 1%. However, the percentage of Boomers who said they “don’t expect to travel,” without indicating that they usually do is the highest of any demographic at 35%.
Only 13% of Gen Z, 20% of millennials and 29% of Gen X said they don’t expect to travel. It could be that Gen X has too many responsibilities at home, financial and otherwise, to plan a vacation. Many Gen X, and some millennials, are members of the sandwich generation, caring for kids or teens along with aging parents.
Similarly, Boomers may not be planning summer trips because of mobility issues, financial constraints, or even because retirement gives them the flexibility to travel during off-peak seasons to enjoy smaller crowds and lower prices.
How Much Americans Plan to Spend on Their Summer Vacation in 2026
Of the 56% of Americans planning a summer vacation, the majority (65%) expect to spend between $500 and $2,999, with 26% saying their budget is $1,000 to $1,999. Eleven percent expect to spend less than $500, and only 8% expect vacation costs to exceed $5,000.
Fifty percent of travelers said their budget is higher this year than last year, indicating a willingness to earn, save or borrow the money they need to take a trip In 2026.
How Travelers Are Saving Money
With airfare, fuel at the pump, and hotel accommodations all up since last year, according to data from the US Travel Association, people are finding ways to cut costs to enjoy their vacation. Let’s explore the key areas people are making changes.
Accommodations
More than one-third (35%) are booking cheaper accommodations to stay within their budget. But the older travelers get, the less willing they are to compromise their hotel comfort. While 44% of Gen Z are booking cheaper accommodations, that number drops to 14% for Baby Boomers.
Boomers are slightly more willing than Millennials or Gen X to stay with friends or family, though. More than one-quarter (26%) of Boomers said they will stay with friends or family, compared to 20% of Gen X and 23% of Millennials. Again, Gen Z proves the most adaptable, with 32% willing to stay with friends or family.
Length of Trip
One easy way to save money on vacation is to shorten the duration. Taking a shorter trip reduces the costs of food, attractions and accommodations. Roughly one-third (32%) of Americans are taking a shorter trip in 2026.
More Gen Z travelers (36%) are taking a shorter trip, compared to 29% across the other generations.
Opting for a Road Trip
Even with high gas prices, a road trip remains an affordable option for many travelers, especially if you have multiple adults who can share the driving and split fuel costs. Overall, 30% of travelers are opting to drive instead of fly.
Millennials and Boomers are least likely to drive, at 27% and 29%, respectively. Millennials are the generation most likely to have younger children, which can make driving a hassle, while Boomers may no longer have the stamina for long road trips. One-third of Gen Z and 32% of Gen X said they’ll be taking a road trip this summer.
Change of Destination
If the point of travel is not so much the destination, but the journey – a chance to relax and spend time with family or friends – then changing the vacation spot can help cut costs dramatically.
More than one-quarter of travelers (27%) opted for a cheaper destination this summer. Again, Gen Z was most willing to adapt, with 37% changing their destination. Boomers were the least flexible, with only 12% choosing a cheaper destination.
As for the proverbial sandwich generations, 27% of millennials and 23% of Gen X were willing to book a cheaper destination to save money.
Flexibility is Key to Summer Fun
Even though more than half (53%) of those surveyed said planning a trip feels financially stressful, most Americans aren’t letting high costs put a damper on their summer fun.
Being willing to adapt plans can make travel this year feel more affordable; you might even discover a new favorite city, hotel or attraction while you’re seeking out low-cost options.
