Summer wanderlust is at an all-time high, but for many Arizonans, inflation and record travel prices are prompting a thriftier approach to vacation planning. New data from the Real Financial Progress Index from BMO (a top 10 U.S. bank) reveals that people across Arizona aren’t canceling their summer getaways or travel, they’re swapping out expensive global destinations for more affordable domestic alternatives.
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Some key findings:
- Budget-conscious, but travel-hungry: Arizonans plan to spend $4,220, (nearly 20% higher than the national average!) on summer travel this year.
- Summer splurging continues: Only 14% of Arizonans say they’ll spend less than last summer, showing that vacations are still a top priority.
- Rising prices = rerouted plans: 50% of Arizonans have altered summer vacation plans thanks to rising costs and inflation.
- Swapping Tokyo for Tucson? 53% of Arizonans would readily book a trip to a cool domestic location rather than an international destination to save money.
So, what makes a great travel “dupe” for Arizonans? Some ideas below (not attributable to BMO):
- Skip Iceland and try Northern AZ to experience Sedona red rocks and Flagstaff pines instead of fjords.
- Try Sonoita, AZ for French wine country vibes, with rolling hills, boutique vineyards, and wine tastings without leaving the state.
- Trade the Greek Isles for Lake Havasu, and enjoy crystal-clear water, and sun-soaked shores, without the long-haul flight.
- Hit up Santa Barbara, CA, for Mediterranean atmosphere without the transatlantic price tag.
Whether road-tripping through the state or planning a long weekend in the West, Arizona residents are proving they can still travel and chase adventure, just in more budget-friendly ways.
