Americans planning summer trips are facing steep price hikes, with average domestic airfare rising $89 to $383 and gas prices up $1.42 per gallon from last year.
Despite the increased costs, travelers are still booking trips, with destinations like Nashville, Tennessee, expecting 18 million visitors this year, slightly above last year’s total. Steve Hoskins, a Rochester, New York, resident, is one of them, and he’s feeling the pinch of “vacation inflation” on everything from flights to activities.
Vacation Inflation Hits Travelers
Flights to popular destinations like Nashville are costing $121 more than a year ago, according to travel site Kayak. Meanwhile, gas prices are making road trips more expensive, with prices rising $1.42 per gallon from last year, according to AAA.
Travel rewards expert Sally French expects Americans to opt for shorter, more local trips to try to control their costs. “People aren’t necessarily looking at going abroad or going cross-country,” she said. Vacation-related costs, including activities, lodging, and dining out, are up 5.5%, 4.3%, and 3.6%, respectively, from last year.
Nationwide, the trend is clear: summer travel is getting more expensive. As a result, travelers are having to get creative with their plans, whether that means staying closer to home or finding ways to cut costs on the road.
What’s Next for Summer Travel
As the summer travel season heats up, experts expect prices to continue rising. Travelers will need to be savvy and flexible to make the most of their trips. With a little planning and research, however, it’s still possible to have a great summer vacation without breaking the bank.
For now, travelers like Hoskins are taking the higher costs in stride, recognizing that the memories and experiences they’re creating are worth the extra expense. As the summer travel season gets underway, one thing is clear: Americans are willing to pay a premium for their vacations, even in the face of rising costs.
