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

Hotel Tech Advances; Outpaces Operational Readiness

Report: Tech outpaces readiness in hotels

  • A gap is growing between technological potential and operational readiness, with many hotel teams still early in AI use.
  • Distribution teams are evolving with limited resources and uneven investment in talent and automation.
  • The report outlines how commercial teams in hospitality are managing transformation.

THERE IS A widening gap between technological potential and operational readiness, with many hotel staff still early in using AI effectively, according to “The State of Distribution 2025” report. Despite the availability of technology, training, systems and workflows remain in development.

The second edition of the industry benchmark report—published by NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and its Hospitality Innovation Hub, in collaboration with RateGain Travel Technologies and HEDNA—noted that as traveler expectations rise, aligning people, processes and platforms is becoming a driver of performance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group's Residence Inn by Marriott under construction in downtown San Antonio, topping out milestone reached, June 2025

Peachtree tops out San Antonio Residence Inn

Peachtree Hotel to Open in Summer 2026 with 117 Extended-Stay Rooms

PEACHTREE GROUP HELD a “topping out” for its Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown San Antonio, Texas, marking completion of the structural phase of the 10-story, 117-room hotel. The property, co-developed with Austin-based Merritt Development Group, is scheduled to open in summer 2026.

The extended-stay hotel will be owned by Peachtree and managed by its hospitality management division, the company said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India plane crash 2025
Photo by Sam PANTHAKY / AFP

Air India reducing flights after deadly crash

AIR INDIA WILL reduce international service on widebody aircraft by 15 percent through at least mid-July, according to media reports. The decision comes less than a week after the June 12 crash of an Air India airliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members in Ahmedabad, India, that killed 246 but left one survivor among the passengers.

The airline said the reduced service due to the safety inspection of aircraft and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted operations, resulting in 83 flight cancellations over the past six days, according to ABC News. Passengers can either reschedule their flights at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

Keep ReadingShow less
hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
ICE Raid Resumes in Hotels & Farms After DHS Reversal
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Reuters: ICE resumes hotel immigration raids

ICE Reverses Decision to Pause Raids on Key Industries

U.S. IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS have reversed enforcement limits at hotels, farms, restaurants and food processing plants days after issuing them, following conflicting statements by President Donald Trump, according to Reuters. ICE leadership told field office heads on Monday it would withdraw last week's directive that paused raids on those businesses.

ICE officials were told a daily quota of 3,000 arrests—10 times the average last year under former President Joe Biden—would remain in effect, two former officials said in the report. ICE field office heads raised concerns they could not meet the quota without raids at the previously exempted businesses, Reuters reported, citing a source.

However, it was not clear why the directive was reversed.

Keep ReadingShow less