More Americans Are Taking A Road Trip This Summer. But Can They Afford It?

Forbes

6 days ago

Americans are taking more road trips than ever. Here's what it means for you. getty
The Great American road trip is back. But it's not the free-spending adventure it used to be.
Americans are hitting the highway like never before – Enterprise Mobility reports a record 60 percent of Americans plan on traveling via personal or rental vehicle to their summer destination – but the classic joyride is overshadowed by economic anxiety. This summer is about dodging financial potholes and enduring screensaver-worthy traffic.
"The summer road trip offers people the opportunity to explore the country with the flexibility and freedom to go where they want, when they want," says Bridget Long, senior vice president of North American operations for Enterprise Mobility. "Freedom and flexibility are key – and why many are turning to road trips this summer."
Here are some of the key trends shaping the 2025 summer road trip: Less is more. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip.
Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of summer travelers surveyed are cutting expenses to budget for their next trip. No more restaurants. The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout.
The most common expenses they are reducing are dining out, buying new clothes, or ordering takeout. Millennials are the most frugal. Of those cutting back on expenses to afford their summer trip, Millennials (75 percent) are more cost-conscious than Gen X (60 percent) or Baby Boomers (48 percent).
Other research corroborates Enterprise's findings. For example, a Credit Karma survey also suggests frugality is "in" this summer: 58 percent of Americans are scaling back travel spending, and 56 percent are choosing cheaper options like camping or visiting national parks.
"With interest rates still relatively high, and overall macroeconomic conditions evolving, people are making some common-sense adjustments to their travel plans this year," says financial analyst Jay Abella.
No question about it, travel is getting more expensive. And travelers have the sticker-shock stories to prove it. Consider Joel Silverstone's recent family roadtrip, which quickly turned pricey.
"Nineteen dollar virgin margaritas and $20 chips with bad guacamole," he recalls. "That just kills your vacation."
Time to fly? Nope, says Ruth Jennifer Cruz, a tech entrepreneur who crunched numbers.
"After years of flight delays and airport chaos, people want predictable travel," she says. "Plus, the cost savings are substantial – even with gas prices, family road trips cost 60 to 70 percent less than flying." Americans are nostalgic for road trips
"The road trip renaissance of 2025 reflects something more profound," explains Susan Sherren, owner of Couture Trips. "It's a nation slowing down long enough to appreciate what we have, to understand where we came from, and to create meaningful connections with both places and people."
Sherren was surprised when her 85-year-old mother nixed an opportunity to visit Paris in favor of a road trip to see Lincoln's Springfield and the Oregon Trail.
It's not all nostalgia. Staying home just feels safer. Jackie Mondelli, Squaremouth's chief marketing officer, cites her company's data: 34 percent of travelers under 40 feel more anxious about flying.
"This also feels like a continuation of a trend that started during COVID, when people turned to RVs and road trips to reduce the risk of exposure," she says. "Since then, many have discovered they enjoy the freedom and flexibility of traveling by car."
The control factor is huge, says seasoned road tripper and pro organizer Stephanie Deininger.
"People want to explore their own country, not just fly over it," she says. "There's a growing desire to get to know your own state, your own region, your own neighbors. I think this will continue as people crave in-person connection." What does the 2025 road trip look like?
Enterprise's data suggests Americans — in addition to saving money and avoiding air travel — are interested in culinary and cultural escapes. It found 50 percent of those surveyed said that their dream holiday includes a combination of relaxing and sightseeing activities, and 46 percent said they are looking to enjoy local food.
There may be no better reason to take a road trip. The United States has some of the most diverse cuisine on the planet, from lobster rolls in Maine to Tex-Mex in the Southwest. You can plan your entire trip around food (and it is definitely worth it).
And there's plenty to see. Shari Margolin, a travel advisor, just completed an epic road trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
"National parks offer stunning beauty, affordability, and memorable vacation experiences," she says.
Most American road trips will take place in July, according to Enterprise. And people are going big.
"We've found roominess – the need for extra space – and a large trunk to be two of the top desired features of a rental for summer travelers," notes Long, the Enterprise executive. She says 47 percent of respondents to her survey planned to rent an SUV, and 37 percent are opting for a roomy sedan. How to take a successful 2025 road trip
Want to actually enjoy your 2025 road trip? Steal these pro tips:
Pack like a pro — and plan ahead. That's the advice of travel advisor Stacie Vinson. On a recent road trip with her toddler, her cooler burst open in the middle of a road trip and she lost her child's water bottle. "I didn't have a backup, and there wasn't a general store in sight for miles," she says. "Needless to say, my toddler threw a tantrum." Her advice: pack carefully — and make sure you have a backup for important items, just in case.
Insure the journey: Mondelli notes a surge in road trip policies, which cover breakdowns, rental car damage, even luggage stolen from your car. "You get peace of mind," she says.
Cut lodging costs. One way you can do it is by skipping the vacation rental platforms and booking directly with an owner. "Airbnb and Booking.com take around 20 percent in booking commission fees out of the price," says Rebecca Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, a direct booking site.
And one more thing. Be prepared for anything . The summer road trip is unpredictable. There's no easy way to tell how your summer road trip will be affected by politics, safety, gas prices or the expected crowds.
And a reality check: Not everyone will be successful at saving money. Americans are set to spend an average of $2,867 per household this summer, according to a recent survey by Allianz Partners — that's a slight increase from last year.
The road trippers I talked to for this story say they're proceeding with caution. They're planning their trips carefully, watching their bottom line, and expecting the unexpected. That's always a good idea, but perhaps never more than during the summer of 2025.