With rising costs for things like gas (which is currently $4.53 a gallon in Pa.—almost 50 cents higher than this time last month), airfare, hotels, and food, summer vacations have become a luxury some families simply can’t afford in this economy, prompting them to “downsize” to a staycation, or scrap summer travel plans altogether.
For our QOTW, we’d like to know: Has the current economy changed your summer vacation plans this year—from downsizing the trip to canceling it altogether?
Here’s what you’re saying:
“The current economy has not changed my vacation plans for this summer. We have one trip to the beach planned.”
— Melissa Myers, suburban Pittsburgh
“Absolutely changed our plans. Mostly stay at home or head to the Pocono family cabin for a few days. We are retired and these inflated prices really hurt.”
— Ben and Cindy Meck, Alburtis
“Yes, it has. Significantly. Both my wife and I are retired. Both children live in NYC. Trips are likely going to be limited to and from NYC with perhaps stops along the route at national park and state park sites.”
— Trey Jackson, Lebanon County
“It has, and it’s not like we were jetting off to The Hamptons all summer previously. For most of the last 22 summers, my two sisters and I, and our families, would get a few cabins in upstate New York at Lake George for a week where we mostly would cook all our own meals. Not this year. One of my brothers-in-law lost his job, and my husband and I have both had significant medical bills this year. Factor in all that with the higher cost of everything (like cabin rentals around Lake George) and we’re scaling things back this year to a long July 4th weekend for our families in the Poconos. In the grand scheme of things, I really can’t complain. I know others have it much worse.”
— Cindy F., Delaware County
Let us know if inflation has impacted your summer vacation plans and please let us know where you live!
