Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Study: 75 percent of Americans plan summer road trips despite inflation pressures

Texas, Minnesota, and New York ranked as top three summer travel destinations

Study: 75 percent of Americans plan summer road trips despite inflation pressures

APPROXIMATELY 75 PERCENT of Americans plan to take road trips this summer, with about 33 percent intending to travel more than 250 miles from home, according to a recent study by WalletHub. However, choosing an affordable travel destination is challenging due to higher gas prices, currently averaging over $3.45 per gallon nationwide, and increased accommodation costs.

The WalletHub study, which assessed all 50 U.S. states across 32 metrics to identify the most budget-friendly road-trip destinations, ranked Texas, Minnesota and New York as the top three states to visit this summer.


“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food and accommodations heavily impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub’s analyst. “Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips therefore are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”

The top three states

Texas leads for summer road trips with a variety of attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, and amusement parks, WalletHub said. The state features more than 9,500 miles of scenic byways, offering plenty of places to stop for short or extended periods. Additionally, Texas offers the second-lowest priced 3-star hotel rooms within a 10-mile radius of city centers in mid-July and ranks well nationally for accommodations and restaurants per capita.

“Texas is the best state for summer road trips, leading the country when it comes to the number of available attractions, especially things like zoos, botanical gardens and amusement parks,” said Happe. “In addition, Texas has over 9,500 miles of scenic byways, the second-cheapest accommodations during mid-July, and a very large number of accommodations and restaurants per capita.”

Minnesota ranked second for per capita spending on parks and recreation and fourth for fairs and festivals per capita, the study said. With the third-fewest vehicle fatalities per million miles, it is known for safe driving conditions. Road tripping in Minnesota is cost-effective, with the eighth lowest camping costs and 10th lowest 3-star hotel prices in mid-July. The state has some of the lowest gas and car repair costs in the nation.

New York, known for its attractions and nightlife, excels in accommodations and restaurants per capita. It has the second-highest number of National Historic Landmarks per capita, including George Washington’s headquarters and the Empire State Building. The state also has the third-lowest share of uninsured motorists, strong driving laws, and minimal phone use while driving, ensuring safer travels.

Best versus worst

Other top states for summer trips include Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Wyoming, Maine and Pennsylvania, contrasting with the least preferred states like New Mexico, Washington, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, Arkansas, Vermont, Montana, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware, the report said.

  • California boasts the most scenic byways, 22 times more than Connecticut and Delaware, which have the fewest.
  • Mississippi offers the lowest daily camping price, 3.3 times cheaper than California, where it's highest.
  • Arizona offers the lowest cost for a three-star hotel room, 3.1 times cheaper than Alaska, the most expensive state.
  • New Hampshire has the lowest car theft rate per 1,000 residents, 11.7 times lower than Colorado, where it's highest.

A recent survey by Howdy.com found that nearly half of American business travelers prefer "bleisure" trips, blending business with extended vacations, in 2024.

More for you

G6 Hospitality Launches 24/7 Guest Support From August 1
Photo credit: G6 Hospitality

G6 launching 24x7 guest support on Aug. 1

Summary:

  • G6 Hospitality will launch 24x7 guest support on Aug. 1, expanding the current 18-hour window.
  • Escalations from phone, email and social media will be handled promptly by trained staff.
  • The service supports G6’s tech and service investments, including the AI-powered My6 app.

G6 HOSPITALITY, PARENT of Motel 6 and Studio 6, will launch a 24x7 customer support service for guests starting Aug. 1. The service extends the previous 18-hour window to full-day availability via phone, email and social media.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI threats in hospitality

Study: Cyberattacks on hotels to surge

Summary:

  • Around 66 percent of hotel IT and security executives expect more cyberattacks this summer, and 50 percent anticipate greater severity, according to VikingCloud.
  • Guest-facing systems most at risk include POS and payment technology at 72 percent, guest WiFi at 56 percent and front desk systems at 34 percent.
  • About 48 percent of executives lack confidence in their staff’s ability to detect and respond to AI-driven attacks and deepfakes.

APPROXIMATELY 66 PERCENT of hotel IT and security executives expect an increase in cyberattack frequency and 50 percent anticipate greater severity during the summer travel season, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud. In summer 2024, 82 percent of North American hotels experienced a cyberattack and 58 percent were targeted five or more times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Newly renovated Marriott Saddle Brook hotel in New Jersey, now managed by Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge to manage Marriott in Saddle Brook, NJ

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. has added the Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
  • The renovated property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.
  • Located 20 miles from New York City, it is near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, Garden State Plaza and Hackensack University Medical Center.

STONEBRIDGE COS. RECENTLY added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service managed portfolio. The property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.

Keep ReadingShow less