Over Half of Americans Sacrifice Everyday Spending to Keep Traveling

Travelers get creative to afford trips amid high costs and limited vacation days

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:55am

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A new USA TODAY Workforce Survey found that 51% of American respondents have cut back on their everyday spending over the last 12 months in order to afford travel. Many are prioritizing vacations as a way to avoid burnout, with 55% saying they want to use their paid time off for trips. Younger travelers are getting creative, using installment plans and price trackers to help make travel more affordable.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the importance of travel for Americans, even as costs rise. With limited vacation days compared to other industrialized countries, workers are making tough choices to ensure they can still take the trips they desire to rest and recharge.

The details

The survey of 3,156 Americans aged 18 and up found that 20% of those budgeting for travel said their financial cuts have been significant, while 31% said the cuts have been somewhat significant. Travelers are getting creative, with over one-third of Gen Z and Millennial respondents interested in using installment plans and more using price trackers to find the best deals on flights and rentals.

  • The USA TODAY Workforce Survey was conducted between January 8-20, 2026.
  • In 2024, Americans received an average of 11 vacation days, compared to about a month off for French workers.

The players

Angela Tran

A public relations account executive in New York who treats travel as a non-negotiable in her budget.

Becky Spelman

A psychologist who partnered with Expedia for the travel platform's 2024 Vacation Deprivation Report.

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What they’re saying

“I do make traveling a top priority and having an ample amount of PTO is super important to me.”

— Angela Tran, public relations account executive (USA TODAY)

“You know how sometimes your computer needs a reboot? Our brains are much the same. Over time, work stress can build up to an unsustainable level and our brain functions start to slow down and work less effectively.”

— Becky Spelman, psychologist (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Travelers are expected to continue using creative strategies like installment plans and price trackers to afford trips, as travel costs remain a top factor in their vacation planning.

The takeaway

Despite financial constraints, Americans are unwilling to give up travel as a way to rest and recharge. This underscores the importance of vacations for worker well-being, even as limited vacation days and high costs force many to make tough budgeting decisions.