Fewer Americans are planning to travel this summer, in line with a survey by the patron finance company Bankrate.
Some 46% of respondents said they’re planning a summer vacation this yr — down from 53% in 2024. Of those that don’t intend to travel, nearly two-thirds (65%) said money was the fundamental reason.
Nonetheless, it is not just travel costs which might be keeping people from planning trips — more respondents said the fee of on a regular basis life (68%) was a much bigger issue than vacation expenses (64%).
Moreover, the variety of those that said they were “undecided” about their summer vacation plans increased — from 18% in 2024 to 23% in 2025.
Recent tariffs and fears of a possible recession are causing more travelers to take a wait-and-see approach to summer holidays, said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate.
“We’re seeing more layoffs and the potential for higher prices, which has many individuals on edge,” he told CNBC Travel, citing a drop in consumer sentiment in recent weeks.
Nonetheless, the number of people that said they weren’t planning a summer trip also fell — from 29% in 2024 to 24% in 2025. The survey showed that those planning to make use of debt to finance their summer holidays decreased from 36% to 29% too.
The survey of two,238 adults was conducted in mid-March.
Other reasons persons are staying home
Slow begin to the yr
Domestic spending for lodging, flights and tourism activities is off to a slower start in the USA this yr, in line with a March report from Bank of America.
“It may very well be that the recent drop in consumer confidence is translating into people hesitating to book trips, or considering paring them back,” the report states.
It also noted that bad weather spells in parts of the country could have curtailed travel spending, while a later Easter holiday could have pushed some spending — which usually occurs in March — to April.
People in Elmo costumes walk through Times Square during a snow storm on Feb. 8, 2025, in Recent York City.
Craig T Fruchtman | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
Lower-income households are cutting their travel spending essentially the most, while wealthier travelers could also be selecting to spend more cash abroad, the report states.
The travel and tourism sector makes up around 3% of U.S. gross domestic product and employed around 6.5 million people in 2023, it states, citing the Bureau of Economic Evaluation’ Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts.
Spending still higher than 2019
Still, domestic spending on hotels, flights and tourism-related activities is higher than 2019 levels, in line with the Bank of America report.
Rossman added that despite lower consumer sentiment, many persons are still planning to travel this summer.
“Airlines are warning about lower demand and lower profits, and we’re hearing some concerns from potential international visitors to the U.S. due to political reasons,” said Rossman. “Despite the gloomy mood, we’re still seeing numerous travel.”
