- AHLA: Americans still traveling for summer.
- Hotels remain part of travelers' plans despite higher costs.
- Travelers are staying closer to home and driving more.
AMERICANS ARE CHANGING how they travel this summer instead of canceling their vacations because of higher costs, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Travelers are choosing lower-cost options to keep their vacation plans.
AHLA's "Summer Travel 2026: How Costs Are Shaping Summer Trips" survey, conducted by Morning Consult, found that 57 percent of Americans say travel costs more than last year, yet 56 percent still plan to take a summer trip. Among those affected by higher prices, 69 percent said a summer vacation remains important.
“Summer travel isn’t slowing down. Americans are protecting and prioritizing their vacations and becoming more budget conscious,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO. “Americans are stretching their dollars, traveling closer to home, taking memorable road trips, and choosing hotels offering amenities that enhance their overall experience.”
Many travelers are also choosing more affordable destinations.
Hotels remain part of travelers’ plans despite higher costs, the report said. Many who stayed in a hotel last year plan to book one again while seeking complimentary breakfast, loyalty rewards and other included amenities.
The findings show travelers are cutting other vacation expenses before reducing spending on accommodations. Respondents were more likely to cut shopping, dining out and entertainment than hotel stays.
According to the survey, 43 percent of respondents said they were cutting back on shopping, followed by dining out at 39 percent, entertainment at 26 percent and hotel accommodations at 24 percent.
Travelers are adjusting transportation, destinations and hotel choices instead of canceling their vacations, the study said. They are seeking hotel offerings that reduce trip costs.
The report concluded that higher prices have changed travel behavior but not demand for summer vacations. Americans are staying closer to home, taking road trips and choosing hotels offering more value.
A recent Navan Business Travel Benchmark found that business travel outpaced leisure travel in the first half of 2026. Corporate travel volume rose 13.5 percent year over year, compared with 0.5 percent growth in leisure travel.
