Americans ‘turn away’ from long-distance travel

The Crook family in California faces the risk of canceling their vacation to Hawaii. Previously, they abandoned their plan to go to Cancún due to security instability in Mexico. The current Maui trip was planned just in case by booking flexible cancellations to preserve airline credits.

“Every plan today has to consider contingencies,” said Colin Crook, 51 years old.

Crook’s wife is a teacher and has limited time. He himself works as a freelance PR person with an unstable income. He said the economic context forces knowledge workers like them to balance their spending each month.

Many Americans share the same concerns. Conflicts in the Middle East disrupt transportation, push up oil prices, and make flying and driving expensive. This reality increases pressure on consumers amid inflation and the risk of recession.

American tourists are also hesitant to go abroad due to foreign policy and overcrowding at international tourist destinations.

This summer, many people choose to stay local. Not traveling far helps save costs, avoid crowded scenes, and ensure safety. In addition, 11 American cities hosting the World Cup open up the opportunity to buy tickets to watch soccer on the spot to save money compared to flying to France.

Crook set a deadline of mid-April to decide whether to keep or cancel the Hawaii trip. “We can camp close to home this summer,” he said.

Following the road trip trend of 2025, 2026 is forecast to be the year of staycations.

American tourists, including those who regularly travel abroad, are losing interest in trips abroad.

Last year’s YouGov survey recorded that 43% of people who regularly travel abroad have cut back on trips due to economic instability and rising costs.

Cirium analysis shows that ticket bookings from the US to Europe this summer are down 11% compared to last year. Analyst Bob Mann commented that tourists are switching to nearby, cost-saving destinations due to economic concerns and geopolitical risks.

In fact, there is no sign that prices will stop increasing.

Travelers also carefully consider domestic destinations. For spring break 2026, many people choose to stay close to home or skip the trip due to financial barriers and airport security procedures (TSA). Gasoline prices will directly impact summer travel plans.

Tourists are hesitant between booking flight tickets now or waiting for prices to cool down. The shift to road travel is also risky when gas prices fluctuate between 4-6 USD a gallon.

Mr. Patrick De Haan, head of analysis at GasBuddy, assessed the market outlook as less positive due to the conflict in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Gasoline prices have increased by a dollar per gallon over the past month.

“Gasoline prices continue to increase and there is no ceiling as traffic activities through the Strait of Hormuz have not improved,” the expert said.

The cruise industry also faces risks. Airlines may apply fuel surcharges, repeating the scenario in 2008. Vice President of The Vacation Group, Royal Ahmadi, said airlines have made contingency plans to keep ticket prices the same. His customers are mainly concerned about airport security but still maintain reservations.

High diesel prices push up the cost of transporting essential goods. This reality tightens family budgets, limiting spending on long-distance travel.

Expert De Haan said the term ‘staycation’ of 2008 is making a comeback amid exploding gas prices.

Mr. Dan Ahern, 27 years old, in New York is closely monitoring travel warnings before a trip to Armenia (a country that shares a part of the border with Iran) in June, due to concerns about Middle East conflict. This communications expert shares: “Every aspect of today’s travel experience is potentially unstable.”

2026 is considered the most suitable time to choose a local vacation.

Domestic destinations like Disney World or the Grand Canyon could benefit. Reducing international visitors helps people shorten queuing time and receive many incentives.