For many Americans, summer vacation used to feel like a given. Even a small beach trip, a weekend road trip, or a few days visiting family was often part of the season. But this year, rising costs are forcing many households to rethink those plans, and for a growing number of people, travel simply isn’t happening.

A new survey found that 37% won’t be taking a single trip this summer. The biggest reason wasn’t a lack of interest or time off. It was money. More than half of the respondents who are staying home said they simply can’t afford the cost of travel right now.

The findings paint a picture of a country trying to balance the desire for rest and experiences with the realities of higher prices, debt, and financial pressure.

girl traveling — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Travel Is Becoming Harder to Justify

For many families, even modest vacations now come with a much larger price tag. Hotel rates, airfare, gas, restaurant meals, and attraction tickets have all climbed in recent years, making even short trips feel financially stressful.

According to the survey, 25% of people staying home said they’re focused on saving money, while 22% are prioritizing paying off debt instead of traveling. Another 21% specifically cited concerns about rising travel costs.

For households already juggling grocery bills, housing costs, and everyday expenses, vacations are increasingly among the first to get cut from the budget.

Americans Aren’t Giving Up on Travel Entirely — They’re Downsizing It

Even among people who are still planning to travel this summer, many are making major adjustments to keep costs under control.

The survey found that travelers are far more budget-conscious than in previous summers. About 31% said they’re being more careful with spending, while 25% are choosing more affordable destinations. Others are shortening their trips or sticking closer to home.

Instead of week-long vacations packed with flights and expensive hotels, more Americans are opting for simpler plans:

Day trips
Long weekends
Nearby destinations
Local staycations
Short “micro-breaks”

These smaller, lower-cost getaways allow people to enjoy a break without taking on additional financial strain.

The Rise of the “Staycation Summer”

One of the biggest themes from the survey is how Americans are redefining what a vacation even looks like.

Respondents predicted that staycations, staying within your own city or state, will be one of the top travel trends this year. “Quietcations,” focused on rest and unplugging, and “micro-cations,” or shorter trips, also ranked high.

That shift reflects changing priorities. Instead of chasing expensive bucket-list travel, many people are simply looking for affordable ways to relax without wrecking their finances afterward.

For some families, that might mean a hotel one town over, a lake weekend nearby, or even taking time off work without leaving home at all.

Families Are Becoming More Practical About Travel

While summer travel hasn’t disappeared completely, the survey suggests Americans are becoming more realistic and selective about how they spend their money.

People still want experiences and time away from daily routines. But many are deciding that scaling back, staying closer to home, or skipping travel entirely is worth the financial peace of mind.

For families already stretched thin, the idea of returning from vacation to larger credit card balances and more stress simply isn’t as appealing anymore.

This summer may not be filled with extravagant vacations for everyone. But for many Americans, choosing financial stability over expensive travel is becoming the new normal.