Best Summer Travel Destinations in 2026 – WalletHub Study

Photo by Israel Torres

With nearly 72% of Americans planning to take a summer trip in 2026, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2026‘s Best Summer Travel Destinations, along with expert commentary, to complement its Best Travel Credit Cards picks and help people maximize their savings.

To help travelers plan their ideal summer getaway, WalletHub compared 100 metro areas across 41 key indicators of budget- and fun-friendliness. The data set includes factors such as the cost of the cheapest flights, the number of attractions, and the average price of a meal for two, providing insight into destinations that offer both affordability and entertainment.

Best vs. Worst

• The average flight to a popular summer destination costs $388, lasts 4 hours and 2 minutes and has 0.4 connections.
• The San Diego metro area is the most attractive destination on the West Coast and the Washington, D.C. metro area is the most attractive destination on the East Coast.
• Florida and Texas are home to the most top summer destinations in the U.S., each with at least two metro areas in the top 15. Oppositely, California has among the largest numbers of the most unpopular summer destinations, with at least two metro areas.
• The Oklahoma metro area has the lowest nightly rate for a three-star hotel room, which is 4.6 times less expensive than in Providence, the metro area with the highest.

To view the full report and your city’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-summer-travel-destinations/3792

“When picking a summer travel destination, it’s easy to focus just on the types of activities you want to do or certain cities you’ve always wanted to see. However, choosing a destination that’s not only entertaining but also affordable is important when travel, dining and activity costs have surged so much in recent years. It can also allow you to have a longer, more relaxing trip.”
–
“The Atlanta metro area is the best summer travel destination, in part because the cheapest flights from major cities don’t require any connections and can cost as little as $317. In addition, Atlanta has a lot of diversity when it comes to attractions. The city has a lot of Spas & Wellness Centers, shopping centers, ice cream shops and swimming pools, so there are plenty of places to have fun and cool off.”

– Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst

Expert Commentary

What are your predictions for the 2026 summer travel season (percent of Americans traveling; most popular destinations; busiest travel times)?

“The current politico-economic situation seems to influence some adjustments in planning 2026 summer travel (e.g., budget-friendly, safe locations perhaps domestic over international destinations, cooler weather areas). Despite this, I believe summer travel remains an unnegotiable tendency and spending priority for American consumers. I expect a surge in domestic travel, while Northern European countries may still be favorable international destinations during the summer. As such, I do not anticipate a decline in the number of American travelers, but rather an adjustment in travel plans to optimize their desires and satisfaction in response to domestic inflation and international uncertainty.”
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D. – Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead

“The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a historic season for movement, but it is being heavily shadowed by the ongoing war in Iran. While inflation was already a concern, the conflict has turned travel into a strategic mission. Current data suggests that 91 percent of Americans still plan to travel, but the war has prompted a massive shift in where they travel. Domestic road trips are surging as travelers avoid the uncertainty of international airspace, yet even these are under pressure as gas prices have jumped 45 percent since the conflict began. The undisputed heavyweight champion of 2026 destinations remains the FIFA World Cup, though host cities like Miami and Los Angeles are experiencing a Summer Squeeze like never before due to reduced flight schedules.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

What tips do you have for people looking to travel on a budget?

“Traveling on a budget this summer, with high airfares and gasoline prices, often starts with choosing destinations closer to home. Exploring locations within a two- to three-hour drive can significantly reduce costs while still offering memorable experiences. Your state’s or an adjacent state’s tourism website can provide suggestions. Additional tips include: Book flights and accommodations early. Avoid peak travel periods (mid-June to mid-August) when possible. Bundle flights and hotels to save. Compare prices across flexible travel dates. Choosing lodging with a kitchen can also help reduce expenses by allowing you to prepare some meals. A growing trend known as ‘grocery store tourism’ involves purchasing ready-made or easy-to-prepare meals locally and enjoying them in parks or at your lodging.”
John T. Bowen, Ph.D. – Professor Emeritus, University of Houston

“Generally speaking, I suggest building a travel plan with an early budget estimation. This planning habit provides better direction for managing expenses within a set budget. AI tools may assist in identifying cost-effective options, as there is no ‘free lunch’ when it comes to finding deals. Searching for the best deals can be time-consuming, but the goal is not simply ‘cheap,’ but reasonably ‘affordable’ in a way. As mentioned earlier, maintaining a reasonable price – without creating monetary or psychological strain – is essential for ensuring a satisfying travel experience when returning to daily life.”
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D. – Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead

What are the costliest travel mistakes?

“In 2026, the most expensive mistakes are no longer just about losing a suitcase; they are about failing to account for the hidden fees that have skyrocketed due to the Iran conflict. The single biggest mistake is waiting to pay for baggage at the airport. Major carriers like United and JetBlue have implemented a 24-hour penalty, charging an extra $10 per bag if you do not prepay online. With first bag fees now hitting $45 to $50 on domestic routes, a family of four can lose an extra $200 just by failing to click a button a day early. Another massive pitfall is underestimating the cost of bringing a pet. In-cabin pet fees have jumped to an average of $150 each way, while cargo transport can exceed $500 as airlines pass on the higher energy costs of maintaining temperature-controlled holds.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

“Boarding often closes well before departure time, and arriving too late can result in denied boarding without compensation… Flights, accommodations, and rental cars are typically more expensive when booked close to travel dates… Fees for checked bags can add up quickly, especially now as many airlines have increased baggage fees to offset rising fuel costs. Packing efficiently in a carry-on can reduce costs… Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates… Using mobile data abroad without an international plan can lead to unexpectedly high charges.”
John T. Bowen, Ph.D. – Professor Emeritus, University of Houston

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