Oct 18, 2026

Americans Are Scaling Back Vacation Plans -- How You Can Travel More

According to a recent survey from Squaremouth, about a quarter of Americans scaled back a planned trip in 2026 by shortening it, choosing a cheaper destination, delaying it, downgrading accommodations, or canceling it. The data also found that 54% of travelers admitted to spending less in other areas in the second quarter in order to afford more travel in 2026, with 19% cutting back on retail shopping and 13% reducing their investments.

With the report noting that the average American spends about $9,032 per person on trips in 2026, it’s more important than ever to review wise travel planning. MoneyLion consulted with the experts to learn about how you can save money and travel more in 2026.

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Travel Planning Tips for Those Looking to Travel More

Try Shoulder Season Travel

“One of the best ways to make vacations more affordable is to travel during shoulder season rather than peak season,” said Susan Catto, head of publishing and production at Travelzoo Canada. “The weather is still decent, and flights and accommodations are often significantly cheaper during shoulder season. Many destinations and travel companies offer exclusive deals during this time of year.”

Typically, the fall or spring months, the time between peak and off-season, are the best time to travel to maximize your dollars. You get the benefit of lower costs and smaller crowds, offering a more intimate experience.

Look for Ways You Can Cut Costs in Your Daily Life

The survey noted that 12% of those planning trips are spending less on dining out and that 10% are cutting back on home improvements or furniture. If you want to make travel a priority in 2026, you’ll have to accept that it’s more expensive and that you’ll have to find ways to make room in your budget. You can look into other creative ways to cut back on your spending, from canceling subscriptions you no longer use to delaying a major purchase so you have more money to put toward experiences.

Embrace Cooking for Yourself

Catto noted that one of the best ways to save money while on a trip is to choose accommodations with a kitchen and cook your own meals. She added, “Buying food at local grocery stores and markets helps you experience the local cuisine without paying restaurant prices and allows you to be more intentional about when and where you eat out.”

Affordable Vacation Destinations To Consider

Here are a few affordable vacation destinations and options to consider if you want to stretch your travel dollars further.

Dupe Destinations

“The term refers to destinations that are culturally and climatically similar to popular tourist destinations but are much less crowded,” Catto remarked. “These destinations can be within the same country (such as going to Turin rather than Florence in Italy) or different countries altogether (Panama instead of Costa Rica).”

Travelers can save money by focusing on the kind of vacation they want rather than on a specific place that may be much more expensive. She noted that you can choose a destination that offers the types of experiences you’re looking for at a fraction of the cost of more popular destinations.

Mexico City, Mexico

“While Mexico is an excellent, wallet-friendly destination overall, its extraordinary capital city stands out for the sheer variety of cultural, historical and edible offerings,” shared Anna Kaminski, a travel expert and Lonely Planet writer. She believes that Mexico City is the ideal option for an affordable art and cultural experience. You can take advantage of the numerous free walking tours to get the most out of your visit.

Lisbon, Portugal

Kaminski pointed out that Lisbon is the top option for a European city break. She elaborated, “A star among Western European capitals, Lisbon beckons with a unique mix of culture, history and excellent dining and great-value prices.” If you’re looking to maximize savings, then you can visit during shoulder season, as well.

Vietnam

Kaminski noted that Vietnam is the best option for street food and that the country offers numerous wallet-friendly escapes. She added, “From the bustling capital of Hanoi, with its handsome historic Old Quarter, you can make your way north to Sapa for fantastic trekking among rice terraces, overnighting in homestays in Red Dao and Hmong villages.”

You can also save money by taking the sleeper Reunification Express train that runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City via Hue, Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Martin Dasko

Martin Dasko is a personal finance writer, a mortgage broker, and a lifelong student of building a better life. With 18 years of experience helping people make smarter financial decisions, Martin writes about money, real estate, side hustles, and creating a better life. His work has been featured in major publications including the Toronto Star, Financial Post, and New York Times. Through his writing, he explores how people can build wealth, take control of their finances, and design a life that goes beyond simply chasing a paycheck. When he’s not writing about money, Martin is usually training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing soccer, lifting weights, or experimenting with ways to stay healthy without sacrificing the things that make life enjoyable.

Edited by

Zuri Anderson

Zuri is an editor with over 8 years of digital content and news experience. When she's not managing her freelance writers, voraciously editing copy and coming up with engaging stories, she's catching up on her favorite shows, books, movies and video games.