Travel isn’t getting cut…it’s getting edited.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research for CheapCaribbean Vacations found that 58% plan to spend less on travel this year, with budgets down an average of 23%. And 75% say their money simply doesn’t go as far as it used to.
That tracks. Between flights, hotels, and even just grabbing a quick meal out, the total cost of a trip adds up fast right now. But what stood out in this data is that people aren’t canceling travel altogether—they’re just getting a lot more selective about where their money goes.
Asian woman using a self checkout machine in a supermarket, making a contactless payment during grocery shopping. Concept of mobile payment, digital wallets, retail technology, and cashless society.
(Images By Tang Ming Tung via Getty Images)Dining Out Is the First Thing to Go
If something has to give, it’s usually food.
About 42% of travelers say they’re cutting back on dining out, and 34% are bringing snacks or groceries instead of eating every meal at restaurants. And honestly, after seeing some airport prices lately, it makes sense.
Fewer Trips, but More Intentional Ones
Some travelers are taking a step back, but not in the way you might expect.
Roughly 24% say they’re planning fewer trips this year, but focusing on making those trips count. It’s less about squeezing in as many getaways as possible and more about choosing the ones that actually feel worth it.
Airplane aisle
(zhen li via Getty Images)Luxury Upgrades Are Getting Cut
The extras are where a lot of people are pulling back.
About a third of travelers say they’re skipping things like premium seats or nicer hotel rooms, and 30% are cutting back on nightlife or entertainment. On top of that, 44% are passing on high-end dining, and 40% are avoiding luxury hotels altogether.
Free Activities Are Having a Moment
This is where things get interesting.
Two-thirds of Americans say the best parts of a vacation are free, with top experiences including relaxing, spending time with loved ones, and being in nature. And 22% are actively seeking out free attractions at their destination.
It’s a shift, but not necessarily a bad one.
Cefalu, Sicily, Italy – November 17, 2018: People walking alonge sea on a beach promenade
(Arsty via Getty Images)Flexibility Is the New Travel Hack
Being flexible is doing a lot of heavy lifting right now.
Around 72% of travelers say they’re willing to adjust their dates to save money, and others are looking for deals, traveling in the off-season, or even driving instead of flying when possible.
It’s Less About Cheap—and More About Value
This might be the biggest shift of all.
Only 22% of travelers say they’re focused on getting the lowest possible price, while 29% say getting the best value matters more. Overall, 83% say “value for money” is now a key factor when booking travel.
So yes, budgets are tighter. But people aren’t giving up vacations—they’re just getting more strategic about how they do them.
If you’ve noticed your own travel habits shifting lately, you’re definitely not alone.
If you’re trying to make your budget go further, it’s worth looking at where flights are actually trending cheaper right now—along with a roundup of more affordable beach destinations in the U.S. that are still very much worth the trip.