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Rising Costs Dampen Summer Travel Plans as Memorial Day Weekend Approaches

Elevated prices for fuel, lodging and recreation are constraining American travel spending as the summer season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend. Only 45 percent of Americans plan summer vacations with paid lodging, marking the lowest share in six years, according to consumer surveys. Those who do travel are expected to increase spending despite cost pressures, with travelers facing inflation across flights, accommodations and vehicle fuel. The pricing squeeze is redirecting some consumers toward alternative modes of vacation, particularly recreational vehicles, which offer more flexibility and potentially lower per-day expenses. Industry observers say the holiday weekend will test consumer appetite for summer travel against persistent economic headwinds. This pullback in leisure travel demand could signal weaker consumer appetite heading into the peak summer months.