The true cost of a summer vacation has risen well beyond the airfare and hotel rates that families use as planning anchors. Airline ancillary fees for checked bags, seat selection, and priority boarding now add an average of 127 dollars per round trip per passenger. Resort fees at hotels that are not included in advertised rates average 42 dollars per night at major leisure destinations. Rental car insurance, parking, and dining costs have similarly escalated.
Travel finance advisors are seeing record demand for consultation on how to structure vacations cost-effectively. The credit card points economy has become more important than ever for frequent travelers, but award redemption values have declined at most major programs. A growing segment of families is choosing domestic drive-to destinations, camping, and off-peak travel dates as strategies for maintaining vacation traditions within tighter constraints.
