Summer travel costs expected to rise this year

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Traveling this summer could cost you more than years past.

According to a NerdWallet survey, summer travel costs will rise 15% this year compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. There are several factors why, including airline fees, baggage fees and restaurant costs.

The cost of eating out has risen 30% since 2019, and visiting an amusement park has increased by 3.4%. On top of that, the International Air Transport Association just predicted that rising fuel costs will be passed down to customers. Still, Valley travel agent Jennifer Pearce said people aren’t being deterred from taking summer vacations.

“It’s not really keeping people away from traveling; they’re just changing how they’re traveling,” said Pearce who’s a travel experience consultant with Skyline Travel. “Where they used to be going 7-10 days, they might be going only 5-6 days to get into that budget they want to go … or they’re going to Europe where their dollar is a little stronger.”

Pearce recommends using a travel credit card to earn miles, booking flights during non-peak hours or days to save money or exploring with a vehicle to save on flight costs.

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