Top 100 summer time locations amid rising journey prices

As tens of millions of Americans put together for summer time holidays amid rising journey prices, a brand new report from private finance web site WalletHub is highlighting the nation’s most inexpensive and accessible journey locations for 2026.

According to the study, roughly 72% of Americans plan to journey this summer time, with 37% anticipating to take multiple journey. But with airfare, gasoline costs and lodging prices persevering with to climb, many vacationers are in search of locations that ship the perfect bang on your buck.

To achieve this, WalletHub analyzed 100 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas throughout 41 indicators, together with airfare prices, resort costs, points of interest, eating affordability, security and climate, to find out which cities supply the perfect general summer time journey expertise with out breaking the financial institution.

Atlanta, Orlando ranked high journey locations

By the numbers:

Topping the rankings was Atlanta, praised for its mixture of low-cost flights, wide selection of points of interest and vibrant nightlife. WalletHub discovered that nonstop flights to Atlanta from main U.S. cities might price as little as $317. 

The metro space additionally scored extremely for its abundance of spas, procuring facilities, swimming swimming pools and ice cream retailers, making it engaging for households and younger vacationers.

Coming in second was Orlando, lengthy often known as one of the crucial widespread household trip hubs due to its world-famous theme parks. WalletHub famous that vacationers can discover nonstop flights to Orlando for round $373, whereas three-star resort rooms can price as little as $49 per night time. The metropolis additionally earned excessive marks for inexpensive eating and all kinds of actions, together with water parks, boat excursions, procuring facilities and wellness spas.

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Austin, Texas, rounded out the highest three.

See the full list of 100 cities here.

What they’re saying:

“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,” Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, stated in a press release. “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.”

Travel costs surge amid inflation

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This information comes as vacationers deal with a wave of value hikes on flights and baggage.

Recent information discovered that home airfare is up roughly 19% in comparison with this time final yr, with common median round-trip flight prices climbing from $412 to $489.  

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According to the findings, the decrease finish of the vary tells a good greater story: rock-bottom fares are up practically 23%, that means the most affordable choices have seen the steepest climb.

Meanwhile, worldwide journey gives a extra modest image, up solely about 3% year-over-year, with the typical median spherical journey value climbing from $1,115 to $1,138.

What they’re saying:

“At this point, we’d be more surprised if airlines didn’t keep raising fees,” Going wrote in a press release, including, “As jet fuel costs soar, elevated ancillaries may be here to stay even after airline expenses come down.”

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