It's hardly any secret that concerns about the economy and household budgets are top of mind this summer, as tariffs drive up the cost of living while simultaneously sending shock waves through the economy.

With budget limitations weighing heavy, the tried and true summer vacation is undergoing some recalibration and a handful of new travel trend reports bear this out.

First up, a report from Deloitte titled "Right-sized American Summer: 2025 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey."

Deloitte's report includes data from two different surveys of the American outlook, one conducted in March 2025 and a second conducted in April 2025, once the fallout from Donald Trump's economic policies and his sweeping layoffs truly began to settle in.

The difference in the attitude of American travelers between those two months is striking.

For instance, when asked about their budget in March 2025, Americans said they planned to spend $3,987 on their summer vacation, a figure that represented a 13 percent spending increase over 2024.

Just one month later, however, in April 2024, Americans had significantly revised their spending plans. Those who participated in the April survey said they planned to spend only $3,471 on their longest summer trip, representing an increase over 2024 of less than 1 percent.

Amid such wallet worries, Americans are changing how they will vacation this summer. Many are opting to take shorter but more frequent trips, says Deloitte. Americans surveyed plan to take an average of 3.1 summer trips this year compared to 2.3 in 2024.

At the same time, 41 percent plan to take a summer trip of three nights or fewer, compared to 37 percent last year.?

Additionally, most travelers surveyed in April reported that prices had forced some adjustments to their travel choices, including more Americans saying they plan to drive vs. fly (22 percent) or saying they opted to stay with friends and family instead of at hotels at some point in the past year (24 percent).

Finances also impact travelers' plans once they get to their destination.?

Those who said they feel financially worse off this year are less likely to splurge on excursions such as a guided day trip or sightseeing tour (30 percent vs. 42 percent of those feeling financially better), a ticketed or public event like a festival or concert (27 percent vs. 31 percent), or a small group or one-on-one class (9 percent vs. 17 percent).

Bottom line?

"Travelers appear eager to embark on their summer trips, but pricing pressures and economic influences are expected to chart the course for how they get there," Kate Ferrara, vice chair and U.S. transportation, hospitality and services sector leader, Deloitte, said.

"By swapping flights for road trips or planning shorter, budget-friendly adventures, travelers are likely seeking value while making memories," added Ferrara.

Family camping. (Photo Credit: senyumanmu / Adobe Stock)

Pop-Up Vacations Will Dominate Summer 2025

It seems the experts at Deloitte may be onto something when it comes to Americans' summer 2025 travel plans.

A separate report, this one produced jointly by Campspot (an online marketplace for RV resorts, campgrounds, cabins and more) and Pilot, titled 2025 Summer Trend Outlook Report, also finds that short and sweet vacations are where it's at this summer.

In particular, the report identifies what it calls the "Pop-Up Escape" trend for summer 2025, which involves taking a one to three-night trip that's within easy driving distance.?

"Designed for those who want to travel light and live large, Pop-Up Escapes are all about making the most of your miles this summer," says the report, which is based on a survey of some 2,000 travelers.

More than 53 percent of those surveyed are planning more short trips or weekend getaways this summer, according to the report. That trend is led by the millennial travelers who were surveyed �� 75 percent of whom plan to take a pop-up vacation. Coming in a close second is Gen Z, 73 percent of whom said they're planning pop-up vacations, followed by 63 percent of Gen X and 42 percent of Baby Boomers.

In total, 90 percent of those surveyed said they are interested in a pop-up escape and 88 percent of respondents said they are already planning a 1 to 3-night camping trip that's within driving distance of their home.

Additionally, the sweet spot for travelers regarding short weekend getaways is driving less than 200 miles, according to 57 percent of those surveyed.

As for spending, 76 percent of campers will spend less than $500 on a summer pop-up escape.

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