Americans are paying significantly more for their summer vacations this year, even as overall international travel spending trends downward, according to The Summer Trend Report from InsureMyTrip.
The data, based on policies purchased on InsureMyTrip for trips taken between June 1 and Sept. 30, shows summer trip costs rising across every generation when compared to the same period in 2025. The increases are most pronounced among older travelers, with the 77-and-older age group seeing summer trip costs climb 21 percent year over year, the largest jump of any generation.
“Summer travel has always been a major financial commitment, but what we’re seeing this year is a meaningful jump in how much travelers are spending and protecting,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO at InsureMyTrip. “When trip costs rise this quickly, especially for older travelers managing larger, often nonrefundable bookings, having the right coverage in place becomes just as important as the trip itself.”
Summer Spending Climbs Across Generations
Average summer trip costs increased across every age group from 2025 to 2026:
- Millennials: $4,879 to $5,670 (up 16 percent)
- Gen X: $6,368 to $7,329 (up 15 percent)
- Boomers: $7,173 to $7,970 (up 11 percent)
- Travelers 77 and older: $7,303 to $8,844 (up 21 percent)
Premiums followed a similar trend, rising even faster than trip costs in several age groups. For Millennials, premiums increased 31 percent year over year, the largest increase of any generation, while premiums for travelers 77 and older rose 29 percent, reflecting both higher trip costs and the increased value of the nonrefundable expenses being protected.
The trend stands in contrast to overall international travel patterns. Policies sold for international trips increased nearly 6 percent year over year, from 54,678 to 57,895, while the average international trip cost fell 10 percent, from $5,899 to $5,298. The data suggests that while travelers are taking more international trips at a lower average cost overall, summer trips are becoming markedly more expensive.
Destination Trends Shift for 2026
Mexico remains the top international destination among InsureMyTrip policyholders, with Italy holding firm in the top tier. The Bahamas and the United Kingdom swapped positions in the rankings, while France and Japan moved up. Notably, Greece entered the top 10 destinations for 2026, displacing Portugal.
Retirees Taking the Most Expensive Trips of the Summer
Travelers age 77 and older are taking the most expensive trips of any generation this summer, with average costs reaching $8,844 and average premiums of $899. The combination of rising trip costs and an aging traveler population underscores the growing importance of travel protection for older travelers managing larger, often once-in-a-lifetime, nonrefundable trip investments.
“What’s striking this year is who’s driving the spending,” said Morrow. “Retirees are taking on some of the biggest trip investments we’ve seen, and at the same time, we’re watching newer destinations like Greece break into travelers’ plans. It’s a reminder that protection needs to look different depending on the traveler and the trip.”
For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com.
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