LONDON — Families in several countries are increasingly choosing free or low-cost local outings instead of more expensive holidays as higher living costs and travel prices continue to reshape summer plans, according to newly released surveys and consumer research.
Recent polling indicates that many households are replacing longer vacations with day trips to parks, public festivals, beaches, museums, playgrounds and community events in an effort to reduce spending while maintaining family activities during the school break. Researchers and consumer analysts said the shift reflects continued pressure on household budgets despite easing inflation in some economies.
A June survey by Japanese family leisure information provider Iko-yo Research found that while nearly three-quarters of families planned leisure outings during the summer, more households intended to combine overnight trips with day excursions or rely solely on day trips compared with the previous year. Free or inexpensive destinations, including festivals, splash parks, athletic playgrounds and farms, recorded some of the largest increases in planned visits. Researchers said the findings suggested parents were seeking memorable experiences without significantly increasing spending as accommodation and transportation costs remained elevated.
In the United States, a survey commissioned by education provider K12 found that one in four parents expected to forgo a major summer vacation, either by staying home or making no travel plans. Researchers said affordability concerns were a primary factor, with many parents reporting pressure to create meaningful family experiences while managing higher everyday expenses. Interest in "staycation" ideas also increased sharply compared with a year earlier, according to the survey.
Separate research released by KPMG found that although many Americans still planned to travel during the summer, consumers were shortening trips, seeking less expensive accommodation and reducing discretionary spending elsewhere to preserve travel budgets. More than nine in 10 respondents reported higher living costs over the previous year, underscoring the continued impact of household financial pressures.
In Britain, a survey commissioned by accommodation platform Airbnb found that more than a quarter of families had not booked a summer holiday. Respondents most frequently cited the cost of living and rising travel expenses as reasons for staying closer to home, while many parents said they nevertheless felt pressure to provide a holiday experience for their children.
Consumer researchers said local attractions, public spaces and community events are likely to remain important options for families seeking affordable recreation through the peak summer season as households continue balancing leisure spending against broader budget constraints.
