Gas prices are on the rise. So much so that two-thirds of Americans surveyed in a Gallup poll in early June of 2026 said that the price of fuel has “caused financial hardship for their household”. Forty-six percent of those surveyed also reported a change in their summer vacation plans due to gas prices and one-third of Americans are changing destinations or cancelling trips altogether. 

Besides the rising cost of filling up one’s gas tank, the prices of airline tickets have skyrocketed, exacerbated by sudden changes like the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and the uncertainty in the Middle East. It appears that travel has become caught in the intersection between all of these different challenges. But many Americans are adapting to the changing circumstances. BBC travel notes that travelers are “trading down” instead of “staying home”, meaning that while the destinations and means in which we travel may no longer be feasible, a summer vacation isn’t completely out of the question. If the wrench of economic pressure has deterred your summer plans, here’s a list of possible alternatives conducive to our present era of inflation. 

Camping

Camping isn’t just for the hardcore, outdoor enthusiasts. It can be an extremely versatile summer activity, ranging from a night spent in a pitched tent in the backyard to an intensive, week long back packing trip. Camping comes with a plethora of activities beyond sleeping in the great outdoors. Campfires, s’mores, card and board games, hikes, swims, reading a book, all camping associated experiences that are not only free of cost, but of digital technology as well. It’s a great way to take not just a physical vacation, but a mental one too, letting the lack of cell service whisk away the constant barrage of work emails and text messages. It gives permission to slow down and be intentional. Some of the hallmark characteristics of a summer vacation.

While booking a campsite typically requires a small fee, the cost is totally doable, especially when compared to the hypothetical funds that would have been spent on a hotel or lodge. Additionally, state parks offer a myriad of free services, like educational activities for children and families, and the upkeep of local nature for its people to enjoy.

Weekend Excursions

Weekend activities within your neighborhood or nearby city can be a great way to save money on travel. Drive fewer miles, use public transit, whatever it is, it beats spending hundreds on repetitive fuel fill ups on a cross country road trip or purchasing plane or train tickets. Searching for activities within your area allows you to romanticize your own community and instill a sense of gratitude for the place you call home.

Try finding tickets to a sporting event for your home team or seeing a production in the local theater. Take a day trip to a lake or nearby beach. Have a picnic at a campground. See a concert in your nearest city. Go to an amusement park. Try bowling or golfing. Go wine tasting. Visit a museum or gallery. Take a cooking or painting or pottery class. Try a new restaurant. Dress up and get cocktails. Pretend it’s your first time visiting your hometown. Become a tourist. Something great could be waiting just under your nose. 

The More the Merrier

If you’re still wanting to spend the night away from home, consider organizing a group trip for a long weekend, splitting the expenses amongst each other. The more the merrier here. Book an Airbnb and split the cost among the group. Everyone can pitch in for groceries, taking turns cooking dinners for the crew. Share gas money and driving time. Essentially, everyone wins by getting away, spending intentional time together, and saving money while doing so.

A weekend trip to the wineries or the shore is a great, accessible example. So is a cabin in the woods, if your group is more of the adventurous type.The only real requirement is a couple of good friends you can stand to share a house with. The fun will follow once everyone’s in the same place. And having wine on hand never hurts.

While yes, Americans are facing down the barrel of an uncertain economic future, now more than ever is time for us to enjoy our summer vacations. As it appears, inflation isn’t going away, but if we take things in stride, we can still cherish our summers, possibly with even more intention, community, and gratitude than before. 

What cheap summer activities do you have planned this year? Tell us more in the comments!