Key takeaways

• Airline tickets are up nearly 15% annually; checked-bag fees hover around $50 each.

• Cultural, historic, and sporting events across the U.S. can make nearby domestic trips more attractive this summer.

• Being flexible with times could unlock city-specific discounts or offers.

Rising prices may be giving Americans pause as the summer travel season approaches, with nearly two in five (38%) lingering on finalizing their trip plans.¹

Travel has been at the top of Americans’ shopping lists over the past two years, topping all other categories — from restaurants to merchandise — in credit card spending, according to Empower Personal Dashboard^TM data. Americans spent a monthly average of $1,210.54 on travel in 2025, a 10% jump over the previous year. Initial results for 2026 show a slight decrease, with an average spend of $1,131.78 from January through April.

Pricing pressures may be contributing to the travel spending dip. Airfares have risen 14.9% compared to the same time last year, according to Consumer Price Index data from March. For drivers, the cost of unleaded regular gas has spiked 19.4% year-over-year.²

For those looking to make the most of their travel dollars, it pays to get creative with what a vacation can mean in 2026.

1. Explore across the U.S.

With the ongoing Middle East conflict bringing volatility to gas and oil supplies, some people may choose to stay close to home and avoid long drives and airport security lines. Summer 2026 brings a variety of events for domestic travelers that can bring excitement and new experiences while still being fairly close by.

• America’s 250th anniversary: U.S. cities that were instrumental in U.S. independence — such as Philadelphia, New York, and Boston — and the nation’s capital will host a wide variety of celebrations this summer, including historical tours, festivals, and free concerts.³ The National Park Service is also offering commemorative hikes and ranger encounters in the Washington, D.C. area and elsewhere for the historic event.⁴

• FIFA World Cup: The majority of matches pairing teams from 48 countries will be held in 11 U.S. cities in June and July, good for die-hard soccer fans and those just getting introduced to the sport.⁵

• Route 66 turns 100: Those wanting the freedom and flexibility of road trips could take a historic drive on all or part of Route 66, which runs between Los Angeles and Chicago, and hit a range of landmarks, exhibits, and events along the way.⁶

Read more: Road trips race ahead in popularity as people stretch travel dollars

The 2026 summer season also includes multiple three-day holiday weekends for quick getaways : Memorial Day, Juneteenth (Fri. June 19), Fourth of July (observed on Fri. July 3 for the federal government), and Labor Day (Mon. Sept. 7).⁷

Empower research found that 35% of people say they get anxious when requesting PTO days for vacation, so taking advantage of a long holiday weekend could be a way to save up on paid time off and still relax.

Take a closer look beyond coastal hotspots when it comes to U.S. destinations: Inland metro areas like Ashville, NC, Kansas City, MO, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and Missoula, Montana have seen more interest from travelers this year, even beating out some  beach cities, according to Google Flights search data.⁸

2. Get flexible with dates and times

Las Vegas saw a 7.5% annual drop in visitors in 2025 as some travelers pulled back on leisure spending.⁹ But the city also offers an opportunity for 2026 travelers who can be flexible with timing: Two of the notable names on the Strip — Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts — are offering discounted, all-inclusive experiences at select hotels that cover lodging, dining, parking, and attractions during specific times.^10,11

For other destinations on your itinerary, search around for midweek discounts and check for minimum or maximum stay requirements. AI can help find deals: In 2025, half of Americans said they had used AI to help plan travel, according to an Empower study.

Those booking flights for the summer can try flying on Mondays, which tend to be cheaper, along with keeping departures and arrivals on weekdays rather than weekends.¹² Optimal flight departure times can also maximize leisure time, as late evening and overnight takeoffs could have less demand.¹³ Southwest Airlines is expected to have 53 daily red-eye flights by October after a rapid expansion over the past year.¹⁴

3. Consult credit card perks, loyalty programs

Nearly three in five Americans say using their credit card gives them financial incentives, such as cash back or access to different experiences, according to Empower research. Travel perks can be part of the rewards menu, too.

Read more: The changing landscape of travel rewards

Travel credit cards earn points and miles as card spending accumulates, can be used to pay off existing trip expenses or redeemed for new travel bookings. As premium credit card offerings continue to expand, travel can be a top consideration. About 20% of U.S. credit card applicants think travel rewards are important, and the percentage jumps to 35% for those with higher incomes.¹⁵

Some airlines have bumped up their bag fees in response to rising jet fuel costs, with some passengers paying around $50 or more per bag depending on the total number of pieces checked.¹⁶ Some credit cards can help you offset checked-bag fees, including standalone and co-branded airline or rewards cards.

Card programs that allow entry to airport lounges can also help save on dining at the terminal, as 74% of lounge customers make use of the food and beverages included with access. About one-third of airport lounge customers enter because of their credit card benefits.¹⁷

Read more: Airport lounges balance access and exclusivity

4. Think ahead to “shoulder season”

Avoiding the “peak” part of summer and delaying travel for a few weeks could be a way to reduce the stress that come with bookings. You can also gain some breathing room to feel more comfortable with broader economic conditions and your own financial situation.

Depending on the location, shoulder season (April to early June) can bridge the gap between peak spring surges and summer crowds, and perhaps again in the fall after children return to the classroom in late August and September. Florida, Europe, and New England can offer still-comfortable temperatures and lower crowds in this transitional time.¹⁸

Summer of fun

Wherever life takes you this summer, travel can be a test of getting the most bang for your buck. Keeping finances top of mind will pay off for this season’s and future trips.