US Vacation Plans Drop to Six-Year Low as Travel Costs Rise

Rising prices for hotels, restaurants, parking and attraction fees are pushing budget travelers away from once‑affordable US destinations such as Key West, Napa Valley, Aspen and Las Vegas. A Deloitte 2026 Summer Travel Survey of 4,003 Americans found that only 45% of respondents plan a vacation with paid lodging, the lowest share in six years. Travel intent fell across all income groups, with the steepest decline among households earning under $100,000.

The survey identified high travel costs as the primary reason for not traveling (32%) and an inability to afford a trip (35%). Those who do travel expect to spend an average of $4,069 on their longest summer trip, a 17% increase from the previous year, and many plan to raise their budgets further. Higher‑income travelers are showing greater interest in full‑service hotels (59%) and destination resorts (up to 23%). The overall traveler pool is shrinking but becoming wealthier, with a shift toward shoulder‑season trips and later‑summer travel.

Industry experts note that providers can capture this more affluent segment by enhancing the travel experience through upgrades, partnerships and emotional connections.