Uncertainty is also shortening booking windows. While last-minute travel was already gaining momentum in 2025, advisors say people are now waiting even longer before committing as they monitor global stability in real time. “We’ve adapted our internal operational processes to handle bespoke bookings seven days out,” said Carter, noting that “last-minute” previously meant closer to two to three weeks out.
Rule 2: Stay closer to home
If long-haul prices feel punishing, look at shorter trips, regional escapes and destinations that reduce the cost of getting there. According to Cayce Callaway, travel advisor at Cruise Planners, “[American] clients are looking closer to home, like the Caribbean, and they’re going for fewer days when they would have otherwise gone to Europe. They’re also flying coach when they would have been flying at least comfort [premium economy] previously.”
Callaway says she is also fielding more bookings for Alaska, a destination that was previously on the backburner for many Americans in favour of far-flung international trips.
Road trips also remain popular this year. A recent survey by rental car company Hertz found that 64% of Americans plan to take a road trip this summer; while industry advocacy group GO RVing has seen a 6% rise in interest in RVing compared to last summer, climbing to 15% around the 4 July holiday period.
“Americans are determined to get away. However, they are tightening their belts, with average trip budgets dropping to around $1,600 [£1,193],” said Monika Geraci of the RV Industry Association. “Instead of cancelling vacations due to high flight or hotel costs, travellers are choosing to adjust. They are driving shorter distances and choosing closer destinations, but they are still making memories.”
