Summer isn’t cancelled, but it’s definitely been downsized. According to Trustpilot’s 2025 Summer Spending Survey, Americans are determined to enjoy the season, even if it means spending less, staying closer to home, and making tough tradeoffs to avoid blowing their budgets.
Corporate travel also took a hit as many global companies trimmed their travel plans in 2025, with sharp drops expected in both the number of trips taken and the amount spent on them.
More than half of U.S. consumers say they’ve been actively budgeting and saving for summer fun, but 42% still plan to spend less than they did last year. Nearly half intend to keep their total summer spending under $500. It’s a season of small splurges, with many turning to backyard barbecues and free local events instead of expensive getaways or big-ticket experiences.
The desire to keep things affordable is driving new behaviours. Thirty-seven percent of respondents say they’re cutting back on summer travel and activities to save money, while 20% are prioritising low-cost or free entertainment options altogether. Meanwhile, 36% say they’re choosing to build their savings over travel or shopping.
Other areas are suffering budget cuts
To make room for any summer spending at all, consumers are pulling back in other areas. Many are cutting down on shopping, skipping streaming services, postponing winter or spring travel, and in some cases even trimming their grocery bills. Only 24% say they’re prioritising travel and cutting back elsewhere to afford it, while 37% plan to stay local this summer. A relatively small group (19%) say their travel plans remain intact.
Trust, it turns out, plays a major role in decision-making. Nearly half of respondents say they’re only buying products or booking experiences they already know they’ll enjoy, with many relying on online reviews to guide their choices. A further 21% are planning to wait for prices to drop by setting monitoring alerts, showing a reluctance to spend impulsively.
In terms of financing summer plans, 54% of consumers are using their regular income. Credit cards will help cover the costs for 17%, while just 7% are turning to Buy Now Pay Later services. Notably, 18% of consumers have already declined at least one summer event or activity due to cost concerns, and 29% say they’ve turned down multiple plans to stay within budget.
The summer of 2025 will not be defined by extravagance, but by conscious choices, cautious optimism, and a growing reliance on trusted feedback to ensure every dollar spent delivers value.