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-Editorial
As summer approaches, nearly half of Americans say tariffs are influencing their travel plans, according to a new survey released by WalletHub. The survey highlights growing economic concerns as consumers head into the vacation season, with 45% of respondents reporting that tariffs are having an impact on their summer travel decisions.
The findings also point to broader financial anxieties. Two-thirds of Americans plan to spend less this summer compared to last year. For many, travel is still a priority—even at the cost of financial strain. One in five survey respondents said they would rather skip a credit card payment than miss a vacation. Similarly, 20% are still carrying credit card debt from their earlier trips.
Debt is weighing heavily on travelers’ minds, with 55% of people admitting they think about post-vacation bills while still on their getaway. Additionally, concerns about international travel are rising, with 70% of Americans expressing worry that a weakening U.S. dollar could limit their ability to travel abroad.
Credit cards play a significant role in covering travel expenses, with 44% of Americans planning to use rewards to help pay for a vacation this year. The average travel rewards card offers a sign-up bonus of about 33,312 points or miles, making them an attractive option amid rising costs.
Credit card benefits are also a key factor for travelers, with rental car insurance (27%), trip delay or cancellation insurance (21%), and extended warranties (20%) ranked as the most used benefits. Still, not all cards offer comprehensive support: only about 37% of credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees, and just 30% of issuers provide financial help for travel emergencies across all their cards. Additionally, two of the top 10 credit card companies still require users to notify them before traveling. With 63% of Americans reporting that inflation is affecting their travel plans, these benefits—and their limitations—are becoming increasingly important as travelers seek ways to cut costs without sacrificing their summer experiences.
“Consumers have concerns about the current economic landscape, including its impact on summer travel,” said John Kiernan, editor at WalletHub. “However, travel has become non-negotiable for many—even when it means taking on debt or falling behind on payments. If you’re determined to travel, I recommend exploring every possible way to save—from following a strict budget to using a credit card with a generous sign-up bonus.”