Lately, it feels like travel is more stressful than ever. TSA airport delays, flight cancellations, high prices, and general uncertainty are affecting Americans’ summer travel plans. Nevertheless, you need a summer vacation.

So, what are we doing this year? Here’s a snapshot of travel trends for summer 2026. And remember: Whether you’re staying in the U.S. or heading overseas, you can trust travel insurance from Allianz Partners to defend you from travel chaos. Get a quote now.

1. Trying to save money.

Almost 90% of 2026 summer travelers say they’re trying to save money on their vacation.¹ With the cost of flights (and everything else) rising, it makes sense that people are trying to get the most out of their vacation budget. But how?

• Adjust your vacation timing. Skyscanner said the cheapest week for 2026 summer travel (for flights) is August 17-23.² More good travel deals can be found in late August or early September, if your schedule allows for a late-summer trip.
• Buy a discounted travel package. Have a Costco membership? Look at their summer travel packages, which often can be cheaper (and easier) than planning your trip a la carte.
• Grab a last-minute cruise. While summer is a high-demand season for cruises, you may get lucky if you keep an eye out for last-minute travel deals on sites like CruisePlum. If you’re a flexible traveler who can pack and go quickly, you could potentially save 75% on a cruise. Here are a few more tips on scoring last-minute travel deals.

Even if you’re on a budget, don’t skip the travel insurance. NerdWallet’s summer travel survey found that most Americans say it’s worth paying extra to buy refundable flights (67%) and travel insurance (62%) for the flexibility.

2. Buying cute vacation outfits.

Even if you’re saving money on your trip, it’s OK to splurge a little on vacation looks. According to Google Trends, summer vacation fashion for 2026 includes crochet shirts and raffia clutches (we’ve also seen raffia bucket hats getting big). Other continuing trends:

• Flowy white skirts
• Platform sandals
• Linen pants for men

In the world of swimwear, trends include polka dot bikinis and other retro looks, sporty Y2K surfer style, and classic minimalism.³

3. Choosing destination dupes.

What’s a destination dupe? In essence, it’s a place that offers a similar experience to a popular tourist destination, just without the high costs and the crowds. Destination dupes have proved to be a durable travel trend, as travelers long for experiences that feel like an authentic discovery. Some of the best budget travel destination dupes:

• Fort Lauderdaleinstead of Miami. Enjoy pretty beaches and boardwalk strolls for less. Expedia says Fort Lauderdale hotel rates are about 20% less than Miami.⁴
• Šibenik instead of Dubrovnik. The smaller Croatian city has all of Dubrovnik’s medieval charm and nearby nature, but isn’t packed with “Game of Thrones” fans.
• Huế, Vietnam instead of Kyoto. Overtourism in Japan is a rising concern, with tourists trampling nature trails and crowding historic cities.⁵ In Huế, you can see an old imperial city and emperors’ grand tombs, then eat some of the best Vietnamese food you’ll ever have in your life.
• Brussels instead of Paris. Incredible museums, très chic boutiques, charming brasseries… all for a whole lot less than you’ll spend in Paris. Here’s your 5-minute guide to Brussels with all the things we love.

Discover more destination dupes in our guide to this travel trend.

4. Staying closer to home.

High airfares have discouraged many travelers from flying internationally this summer. Instead, they’re discovering the charms of some overlooked U.S. cities. Trending domestic destinations include Kansas City, MO; Sarasota, FL; Asheville, NC; and Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.⁶

Can travel insurance cover short getaways and road trips? Absolutely!  As long as your destination is 100 miles or more from your home, your trip can be protected. 

5. Celebrating American history.

2026 is the 250^th anniversary of the United States’ founding, and festive events are taking place all over the nation.

• Sail250 is a global gathering of tall ships and military ships that will visit major East Coast ports from New Orleans to Boston.
• The Great American State Fair takes place on the National Mall from June 25–July 11, 2026, celebrating the food and culture of all 50 states.
• Mount Rushmore is hosting special Independence Day events (tickets to the fireworks show are limited to winners of a special lottery, however).

6. Using AI to plan trips.

More travelers worldwide are using AI for trip planning. This can mean a few casual queries about fun things to do at your destination, or assigning an AI agent to create an itinerary for a complex, multi-flight trip to southeast Asia. These tools can be powerful, but don’t rely on them alone! There have been many instances of AI leading travelers astray, whether they’re hiking to the Sacred Canyon of Humantay in Peru (which does not actually exist) or trying to track down a beautiful waterfall in an AI-generated travel photo.

7. Traveling solo… or with a tour group.

It’s hard to find the perfect friend or family member to go adventuring with. Sometimes, your travel styles, budgets, or schedules just don’t match. Or maybe you’re just an introverted traveler who enjoys a little time alone. Whatever the reason, search interest in “solo travel” hit an all-time high in 2026, according to Google’s 2026 travel trends.⁷

“But traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely,” Google points out. Searches for “travel groups” and “tour groups” also hit new highs in 2026.

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