A large share of American travelers are still shopping for summer trips, and price remains their biggest obstacle, according to Skyscanner‘s 2026 Smarter Summer report.
Thirty-eight percent of US travelers have not yet booked their summer vacations but are actively looking, the report found, with 20 percent citing getting the best price as one of the biggest summer planning hurdles. American travelers expect to spend an average of $331 on flights for a summer vacation abroad.
The report identifies the week of August 17, 2026, as offering the best overall value for summer flights. That timing matters because nearly 25 percent of Americans are unsure which part of the summer offers the cheapest fares, and 16 percent say their plans are restricted by school holidays or other commitments. By pinpointing the cheapest week to fly to the summer’s most popular destinations, Skyscanner says it is saving Americans $130 this season.
Among the most popular destinations, Tokyo flights are cheapest the week of August 31, 2026, at $649.91 against an average summer price of $792.43, a savings of $143.43. London is cheapest the week of August 10 at $588.73, Rome the same week at $541.08, and New York and Madrid both the week of August 17, at $181.79 and $517.39, respectively.
Flexibility is a recurring theme. Sixty-one percent of US travelers say they have the ability to be flexible on timing or destination, which Skyscanner says can make a meaningful difference in trip costs. The company’s flexible-travel tactics include traveling during a cheaper week, considering lower-cost alternative destinations, and checking live fares. Skyscanner cited current US round-trip fares under $250, including New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico for $98; Miami to São Paulo, Brazil for $134; and Los Angeles to Orlando, Florida for $69.
The report also points travelers toward lesser-known destinations. Seventy-three percent of Americans say visiting somewhere none of their friends, family, or social feeds have been before is appealing, a figure that rises to 77 percent among Gen Z. Skyscanner’s under-the-radar picks for the season include Aberdeen, United Kingdom; Redmond, Oregon; Trieste, Italy; Hilo, Hawaii; and Queenstown, New Zealand.
Group travel emerged as a particular pain point. Fifty-three percent of Americans say planning a group vacation is more stressful than planning a wedding, and 26 percent say it is more stressful than starting a new job. The most common challenges are practical: 30 percent cite agreeing on a budget that suits the group, and 29 percent cite finding accommodation that works for everyone. To ease the pressure, the report highlights affordable alternative destinations, including Punta Gorda, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina; and San Diego.
“Summer vacations are special, but for many travelers still looking to book, the planning side requires more thought than ever. That’s why this year’s Smarter Summer Report is designed to help people make more confident choices on when and where to travel, using Skyscanner’s proprietary data to highlight smarter timings, better-value options and alternative destinations,” said Lourdes Losada, director of Americas at Skyscanner.
“In a more changeable travel environment, checking live prices and staying flexible on where and when you travel can go a long way when it comes to finding better value. More importantly, travelers should stay informed and check the latest travel advice before booking.”
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