WSJ What’s News How Summer Travel Is Changing
98 snips
Aug 3, 2025 
Allison Pohle, a travel and tourism expert from The Wall Street Journal, discusses the evolving landscape of summer travel. With rising prices affecting vacation plans, many are opting for budget-friendly road trips instead of international travel. Airlines like Southwest are now introducing new fees and assigned seating, catering to a more upscale clientele. Meanwhile, the hospitality industry sees a shift as short-term rentals like Airbnb expand their services to meet changing consumer demands. A vivid picture of how travel is adapting in today's economy!
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Travel Divides by Wealth
- Travel is bifurcating into segments based on economic standing amid uncertainty.
- Wealthier consumers continue international travel while domestic travelers cut back or change plans.
Cautious Spending Despite Optimism
- Economic uncertainty and layoff risks make people cautious about expensive vacations.
- Consumers may feel optimistic about the economy but still cut back on big travel expenses.
Choose Road Trips or Deals
- Consider road trips as cheaper, attractive vacation alternatives this summer.
- Airlines have lowered domestic flight prices to fill seats, so deals are available for flyers.