Costa Mesa, Calif., June 30, 2026 — Despite rising travel costs and ongoing economic pressure, many consumers are still making travel plans. New data from a national Experian consumer survey shows that consumers continue to prioritize summer getaways and experiences, even if it means going into debt.
Roughly 33% of consumers already have booked travel for the next year, even as 67% say travel is less affordable than it was a year ago. More than a third (36%) say they are willing to go into debt in order to travel, especially to big ticket events. This dynamic underscores the importance of finding ways to budget, manage expenses and make the most of available financial tools, areas where Experian can help turn travel plans into reality.
The data highlights how travelers are attempting to balance rising costs with their desire to travel as they plan their vacation spending. Additional key findings include:
Don’t burn your finances this summer
As travel demand remains resilient, these findings point to a growing need for tools and strategies that help consumers manage costs without putting long-term financial health at risk.
“Travel remains a top priority for many consumers, even as they navigate higher costs and ongoing financial pressures,” said Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian. “As consumers look for ways to make travel more affordable, there’s a growing need to be strategic. Experian is here to help, providing the tools and insights consumers need to manage costs, maximize their spending and stay on track toward their financial goals.”
As travelers look for ways to make their dollars go further, there are a variety of Experian tools and resources consumers can take advantage of to help:
As a trusted financial copilot, Experian empowers consumers to navigate financial decisions with confidence, whether planning a trip, managing everyday expenses or building long-term financial health through its leading consumer platform.
To explore credit card offers and other financial resources, visit www.Experian.com.
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and platforms. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.
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