According to Deloitte’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey, more than half of U.S. adults (53%) plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer, up from 48% in 2024.
But economic headwinds may reshape how people travel, and how much they’re willing to spend.
Shorter trips, smarter plans
Deloitte reports that the average number of planned summer trips per person has jumped to 3.1, up from 2.3 last year.
But many of those getaways will be shorter: 41% of travelers plan trips of three nights or fewer, up from 37% last year according to Deloitte.
Even though more people may be traveling, they’re pulling back on spending. In March, travelers expected to spend $3,987 on their longest trip. By April, that number had dropped to $3,471—just a 1% increase over last year.
Road trips over flights, friends over hotels
Rising prices have shifted traveler habits. Deloitte finds that 71% of respondents plan to take a road trip this summer, up from 66% in 2024. About 22% said they’ll drive instead of fly, and nearly a quarter (24%) plan to stay with friends or family to reduce lodging costs.
Even higher-income travelers feel the squeeze: 36% said they plan to book lower-fare airline tickets, compared to just 28% last year.
Budget shifts at the destination
Many travelers aren’t cutting trips, they’re cutting costs once they arrive. Among those feeling financially worse off this year, fewer plan to splurge on extras like guided day trips (30% vs. 42% of those feeling better off), ticketed events (27% vs. 31%), or small group classes (9% vs. 17%).
Despite these shifts, 45% of travelers say their most extended summer trip will last a week or more, up from 39% in 2024. And 23% of travelers plan to take that trip after Labor Day, continuing a growing trend of post-peak getaways.
Technology and flexibility reshape travel
Technology and remote work are playing bigger roles in how people travel. Deloitte’s survey shows that 23% of respondents plan to work during their longest trip, a number that’s inching upward year-over-year. These travelers are likelier to book longer trips, go international, or stay in private rentals.
Meanwhile, 15% of travelers, particularly younger travelers, said they use generative AI to plan trips. Many use it to find restaurants, book activities, or choose destinations, and a growing number are following those recommendations.
Smart travel strategies that actually work
- Time your travel around the crowds: Federal holiday weekends like July 4th and Labor Day see airfare spikes of about 34% compared to other summer weekends. Smart money waits until late August or early September, when demand drops as schools reopen and prices follow suit.
- Embrace the midweek advantage: Flying Tuesday or Wednesday can save $67 on domestic round-trips and over $100 on international flights to Europe or Asia. Airlines’ pricing algorithms charge premium rates for convenient Friday-through-Sunday travel, creating opportunities for flexible travelers.
- Consider destination swaps: Instead of battling crowds at traditional hotspots, travelers are discovering equally appealing alternatives. Think North Carolina’s Outer Banks instead of the Hamptons, or Portugal’s stunning coastline rather than the French Riviera. The experience stays high while costs plummet.
- Drive when it makes sense: With some routes’ gas prices relatively stable and airfares still elevated, driving has become the budget traveler’s secret weapon. A family of four can often reach destinations within 500 miles for less than the cost of one plane ticket.
Spending less without sacrificing enjoyment
As travel priorities shift, Americans are discovering that memorable vacations don’t require big budgets. By rethinking when, where, and how they travel, many are finding ways to cut costs without giving up what matters.
Whether it’s staying with friends, choosing road trips over flights, or opting for shorter getaways, travelers are adapting.
These shifts show that thoughtful planning, not more spending, often leads to the most rewarding experiences.
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