Thursday, May 29, 2025
As summer 2025 approaches, many travelers in the United States are reconsidering how, where, and when they vacation due to ongoing economic uncertainty. While the desire to get away remains strong, factors such as rising costs, fluctuating airfare prices, and general inflation are leading travelers to make more cost-conscious decisions.
Recent surveys and industry reports reveal that budget-conscious planning is reshaping travel trends this summer — from destination choices and trip duration to modes of transportation and accommodation preferences.
Economic Climate Influencing Travel Decisions
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflationary pressures and changes in disposable income continue to impact consumer spending, including travel budgets. This macroeconomic backdrop informs travelers’ behaviors, pushing many to seek savings without compromising their travel experiences.
A survey commissioned by the members-only home-swapping community Kindred, conducted between April 28 and May 1, 2025, revealed that 90% of 2,000 U.S. adults are actively looking for ways to save money on their summer vacations. This indicates a strong collective intent to adapt travel habits in response to the economic environment.
Popular Destinations: Balancing Cost and Appeal
Despite economic concerns, the top summer travel destinations for 2025 remain largely consistent with previous years, reflecting enduring appeal among American travelers.
Skyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report lists Tokyo, London, New York, Rome, and Los Angeles among the top five sought-after cities. Similarly, Kayak’s Summer Travel Check-In report highlights Tokyo, London, and Rome, but substitutes Paris and Orlando for New York and Los Angeles.
Importantly, Kayak notes that international flight prices this summer are more affordable compared to last year — flights to Asia are down 11%, Europe 8%, and Africa 5%. However, these savings have not fully translated into increased outbound international travel, as many Americans opt for more economical domestic vacations.
According to Airbnb’s summer travel trends, nearly 40% of Americans plan to travel domestically to save money. Furthermore, 30% of Americans with children under 18 at home are considering staycations — vacations spent at home or locally — as a cost-saving alternative.
Domestic Travel on the Rise: National Parks and Regional Destinations
National parks and domestic destinations continue to draw significant attention. Notably, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited in the United States, remains a popular choice for budget travelers.
The National Park Service reported sustained visitor interest, underscoring the ongoing preference for outdoor and nature-based activities, which typically offer greater value compared to international travel.
Cheapest Times and Days to Travel
Timing can significantly affect travel costs. Skyscanner’s research identifies Wednesdays as the cheapest day of the week to fly. Additionally, the week of August 25 through 31 stands out as the least expensive week for travel this summer.
Kayak adds that travelers flying in August may find more favorable deals than those in June or July. For those planning trips around key U.S. holidays, Tuesday, July 1 (just before Independence Day) and Saturday, August 30 (before Labor Day) offer some of the lowest outbound fares.
These trends align with data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, which tracks seasonal and weekday airfare variations, providing travelers with actionable insights for cost savings.
Choosing to Drive Over Fly: A Cost-Saving Strategy
In response to high airfares and fluctuating flight availability, many Americans are opting to travel by car instead of flying.
Deloitte’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey found that 22% of surveyed U.S. travelers plan to drive rather than fly this summer. Airbnb’s data reflects even higher numbers, with 43% of Americans intending to use road travel for their vacations.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration highlights that road trips remain a resilient travel mode, favored for their flexibility, lower cost per mile, and the ability to explore multiple destinations along the way.
Accommodation Preferences: Hotels, Rentals, and Staying with Family
When it comes to lodging, hotels and private rentals dominate summer 2025 plans. Deloitte reports that 80% of travelers intend to stay in hotels, while 25% will use private rentals at least once during their trips. Both figures represent increases compared to the previous year.
However, cost-saving lodging choices remain popular. Nearly 25% of respondents plan to stay with friends or family to reduce expenses. Kindred’s survey supports this trend, with over 40% of respondents choosing to stay with friends or family, and 12% opting for home swaps — an approach more common internationally but gaining traction domestically.
These trends align with recommendations from the U.S. Travel Association, which encourages travelers to consider all lodging options to maximize budget efficiency.
What to Consider When Planning Your Trip
In light of these trends, travelers planning summer vacations in 2025 should consider:
- Destination Flexibility: Domestic and regional destinations can offer comparable experiences to international trips, often with substantial cost savings.
- Travel Timing: Mid-week flights and late summer travel windows tend to be more affordable.
- Transportation Mode: Driving can provide significant cost reductions and greater control over travel itineraries.
- Accommodation Options: Staying with friends/family or opting for home swaps can dramatically reduce lodging expenses.
- Early Planning and Pre-Booking: Booking flights and accommodations well in advance increases the likelihood of securing better rates.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office and the Department of Transportation offer additional resources to help consumers make informed travel decisions.
Summary
- Economic uncertainty drives 90% of U.S. travelers to seek savings on summer 2025 vacations.
- Popular destinations include Tokyo, London, Rome, New York, and Los Angeles, but domestic travel is increasingly favored.
- International flights are cheaper this year, yet nearly 40% of Americans plan domestic trips to reduce costs.
- Cheapest travel days are Wednesdays, with August 25-31 as the least expensive week.
- Road trips gain popularity due to lower costs compared to flying.
- Hotels remain the preferred lodging choice, but staying with friends/family and home swaps offer budget-friendly alternatives.
- Government travel resources support informed planning and cost-effective vacationing.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- National Park Service
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- U.S. Federal Highway Administration
- U.S. Travel Association
- National Travel and Tourism Office
