As higher airfares and gas prices make vacations ‘crazy expensive,’ small business owners say Americans are staying closer to home this summer

Rising airfares and gas prices are prompting Americans to prioritize domestic vacations over international travel, with small business owners reporting increased local tourism through road trips, day trips, and budget-conscious spending. AAA projects a 0.5% increase in summer travelers compared to 2023, driven by cruise, bus, and train trips, while economic factors and events like the FIFA World Cup and U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations encourage closer-to-home travel.