Travel experts say the summer of 2026 could be a tricky one, with economic uncertainty, higher oil prices and global tensions affecting peak travel season.
7 On Your Side shares tips to save on staycations and summer airfareFriday, April 10, 2026 4:29PMIt may feel like spring has just begun, but many people already have their sights set on summer vacation.
Travel experts say the summer of 2026 could be a tricky one, with economic uncertainty, higher oil prices and global tensions affecting peak travel season.One option for travelers looking to save money is skipping the overnight stay altogether. Online platformoffers day passes to thousands of hotels and resorts, often starting at around $20. We enable day access to the hospitality industry," said Michael Wolf, CEO ResortPass. "So you're not staying overnight at a hotel but you can use the amenities. Things like pools, cabanas, spas, even rooms, just for the day." "I think it's really just giving people the feeling of going away, but closer to home, in often a more affordable way," Wolf added. In New York City, a day pass to Margaritaville's rooftop pool in Times Square costs about $100, with private cabanas available for an added fee. For a cheaper option, $40 buys access to the salt room at the Exhale Spa inside the Virgin Hotel in Midtown. Travel experts say these types of staycations can be far less expensive than flying during the summer months. "If you had any plans of getting on a plane this year, you're going to see higher prices," said Katy Nastro,Research from booking site Going.com shows domestic fares from June through August are up about 20% compared to last year. The average international round-trip fare is hovering around $1,138. "You do have to do some digging because it doesn't mean that because flights are getting more expensive that cheap flights can't exist," Nastro said. "For example, you can head to places like New Orleans for $192 round trip, or Nashville for $158. If you have any desire to head to the Caribbean or Mexico, you can go Buffalo to Aruba for $368, Rochester to Cancun for $385, or you can head from JFK to Oaxaca for $386, all on full service airlines this summer." "Internationally, a lot of us have plans to go to Europe. You can go to Stockholm for $512, or you can head to Milan for $575, or if you got points, we would totally recommend using those," Nastro added. Nastro advises booking early and not relying on last-minute discounts. Setting up flight alerts can help travelers jump on price drops, and redeeming points or miles may stretch budgets further than paying cash. She also recommends flying midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically cheaper, while Sundays tend to be the most expensive. Nastro also reminds travelers about the federal 24-hour rule, which allows airline tickets booked directly with an airline to be canceled within 24 hours for a full refund, as long as the flight is booked at least seven days before departure. Timing matters, too. August is usually the cheapest summer month to fly, with fares about 20 percent lower than other summer dates. The best windows for airfare are the first half of June and the last half of August. Travelers who can wait until September may see prices drop by nearly half, along with fewer crowds, especially for trips to Europe.Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you! Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailingMUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER.Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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