How Americans are Adjusting Their Summer Travel Plans Amid Financial Concerns

The Deloitte 2025 Summer Travel Survey reveals that more than half of Americans (53%) plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer. This is an increase from 48% last year, despite financial concerns and economic pressures. Many Americans are making adjustments by taking more frequent yet shorter trips. Other influencing factors include remote work, technology, and sustainability.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Summer Travel Survey, more than half (53%) of Americans plan to travel and stay in paid lodging this summer. This is an increase from 48% in the previous year. Many are adjusting their travel plans due to financial concerns, opting for more frequent but shorter trips. Survey results indicate that despite financial concerns, 80% plan to stay in hotels, up from 73% in 2024, and 25% plan to stay in private rentals, up from 22% the previous year.

Travel Budgets and Adjustments

Surveyed Americans in March 2025 planned to spend an average of $3,987 on their longest summer trip, a 13% increase from 2024. However, by April 2025, plans had changed with the average planned spend decreasing to $3,471, reflecting an increase of less than 1% year-over-year. Furthermore, the survey found that high prices had influenced adjustments to travel plans, with more Americans planning to drive instead of fly (22%) or stay with friends and family instead of at a hotel (24%).

Technology and Remote Work Influence

Beyond financial considerations, technology, remote work, and sustainability influence summer travel plans. The survey found that the number of Americans planning to use Generative AI (GenAI) to book their summer trips rose to 15% this year. Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans surveyed plan to work during their summer trips.

Financial Pressures and Travel Spending

Despite travel plans, economic pressures have significantly impacted travel spending. Although a March survey found that travelers planned to spend 21% more this summer than the previous year, an April survey indicated that travelers were pulling back slightly, expecting travel budgets to increase by only 13% year over year.

Price Influences and Travel Decisions

High prices are expected to impact travelers’ plans. More than one in five respondents (22%) decided to drive instead of fly in response to airfare prices. Due to room rates, nearly a quarter (24%) planned to stay with friends and family instead of a hotel. Despite these financial concerns, more Americans surveyed plan to stay in hotels (80% in 2025 vs. 73% in 2024) and private rentals (25% vs. 22%) at least once during the summer travel season.

Other Influences on Travel Decisions

In addition to economic pressures, other trends continue to shape the outlook for summer travel. The role of Generative AI (GenAI) in trip planning is growing, with 15% of travelers surveyed using it, up from 10% last year. Sustainability is also a priority, especially for younger travelers, with 38% of Gen Z travelers prioritizing hotels, rentals, and airlines with higher sustainability ratings.

Download the full survey findings from Deloitte