Americans are feeling this pinch this summer when it comes to rising travel costs.
Videos by TravelAwaits
This year’s 2026 State of Summer Travel Report from Priceline, published today, dives deep into how Americans are feeling about their vacations this summer. The annual report dives deep into expectations and travel trends that are shaping the industry, from the rise of nostalgia-driven road trips to weeks-long excursions into the Arctic.
This year’s report has instead landed on a different topic: affordability.
Here’s what a survey of 2,500 American adults found when it comes to travel costs, budgeting, and nailing the perfect dream vacation without overspending.
Inside Priceline’s 2026 State of Summer Travel Report
Almost 70% of Americans surveyed said that summer doesn’t feel the same without a little vacation. Parents, in particular, are dedicated to making those dreamy summer vacations happen even with high prices.
According to Priceline, a staggering 89% of parents say they’re going to travel this summer—hell or high water. A total 79% of all respondents said they would take at least one trip this summer, despite costs.
Still, it’s clear that Americans are feeling a little down when it comes to summer travel prospects. Of the group surveyed, 84% say they’re getting less from the average vacation despite the fact that prices are higher than ever before. Over half of those surveyed (55%) say this year’s costs are significantly higher than in 2025.
So, how are Americans managing the squeeze of putting together a memorable summer trip without draining their bank accounts?
The Priceline study found that 20% have stayed with friends or family, versus paying for a hotel, and driving to their destination instead of flying. (Of those who cut costs using these tactics, 69% said they later regretted it. Just an interesting note.)
Others are using AI to try to find cost-cutting options. The study found that 69% of Millennials use AI tools to save on travel, along with 62% of Gen Z.
Here are my favorite data points from the Priceline study, which paint a wonderfully telling picture of just how much Americans love to travel:
- 83% of adults over the age of 21 said they would give up alcohol before giving up vacation
- 45% of adults said they would give up dining out before giving up vacation
- 20% of adults said they would give up sex before giving up vacation
If you’re looking to put together a last-minute summer escape, here’s a quick overview of the most affordable destinations in the United States based on flights and hotel costs. These lists are based on the average nightly prices for hotels and round-trip airfares for flights in the months of July and August.
Destinations with affordable hotels on Priceline:
- Las Vegas, Nevada ($132)
- Orlando, Florida ($187)
- San Francisco, California ($205)
- Charlotte, North Carolina ($210)
- New Orleans, Louisiana ($210)
- Denver, Colorado ($211)
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida ($229)
- Indianapolis, Indiana ($231)
- Atlanta, Georgia ($235)
- Atlantic City, New Jersey ($236)
Destinations with affordable round-trip flights on Priceline:
- Atlanta, Georgia ($266)
- Tampa, Florida ($312)
- Miami, Florida ($330)
- Chicago, Illinois ($344)
- Orlando, Florida ($346)
- Dallas, Texas ($350)
- New York, New York ($353)
- Denver, Colorado ($353)
- Houston, Texas ($356)
- Minneapolis, Minnesota ($361)
