The Average Cost of a Vacation in 2025: Trends and Statistics

Vacations have gotten expensive. The average cost of a vacation in 2025 is projected to be $7,249, up nearly $1,400 from 2024. Lodging and food make up the majority of costs on longer stays, although airfare, especially international flights, are also large vacation expenses.

Although costs are on the rise, there are still ways to make vacations less expensive, including by using a travel credit card. Motley Fool Money has the latest breakdown on vacation expenses to help you plan your next trip.

The average cost of a vacation in 2025: $7,249

The average cost of a vacation is projected to be $7,249 in 2025, according to travel insurance provider SquareMouth. That's an 11% increase from 2024 and more than double the average vacation cost in 2022.

The average cost of an international vacation in 2025 is estimated to be $9,922, up roughly $1,000 from 2024 and $4,000 from 2022.

International vacations are more expensive in large part due to much pricier airfare. International trips may also be longer if travel is time consuming, which adds to food and lodging costs.

The average daily cost of a vacation

On average, the daily cost of a vacation is $324, according to budgetyourtrip.com. That's based on a mid-range budget trip. A trip on a lower budget costs $121 per day on average while a luxury trip costs $923 per day.

Average vacation cost breakdown: Food, lodging, transportation, and more

Across all budgets, lodging is the most expensive part of a vacation, taking up roughly 40% of spending. Food takes up around 30%, local transportation, which doesn't include airfare if required, takes up about 15%, and entertainment and alcohol takes up the rest.

Here's how that nets out in average cash spent per day on vacation across different budgets.

Staying close to the budget price range is difficult for many vacationers, especially those traveling to high or even mid-level cost-of-living locations. Budget travelers are likely staying at hostels or using other cheap accommodations, sticking to fast food, and relying heavily on local public transportation.

All of those vacation costs, lodging, transportation, food, entertainment, and alcohol, have been on the rise for years, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2010 to 2019, the average amount spent on vacation lodging grew by 101%, the average spend on food on vacation grew by 54%, and the average amount spent on alcohol while on vacation increased by 64%. Transportation spending grew 36% and entertainment spending increased 19%.

The average cost of airfare

Airfare is a significant vacation cost. The average domestic flight cost $378 in 2024, down $15 from 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. International airfare is much more expensive, with the average economy ticket costing $1,217.

International airfare varies much more than domestic flights and is unavoidable for most international trips. Vacationers that are traveling domestically also have other, cheaper options than flying, such as driving or taking the train.

Which generations vacation the most?

Baby boomers are projected to make up 53% of all vacationers in 2025, according to SquareMouth. In 2024, they composed 50% of vacationers. Gen X are set to make up 21% of those who vacation in 2025. Just 11% of vacationers will be millennials.

Americans in their 50s and 60s and households with more income make up an outsized proportion of travel spending, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In 2019, 64% of travel spending was done by Americans aged 45 and older while the top 20% of earners made up 43% of travel spending. Households with children had reduced travel spending.

How to save on vacation costs

As vacations continue to become more expensive, travelers need smart strategies to stretch their budgets without sacrificing experiences. Keep these travel tips and hacks in mind when planning your next getaway:

• Use a travel credit card -- redeem points, miles, or cash back to save on flights, hotels, and dining, while taking advantage of perks like free checked bags or airport lounge access.
• Travel at off-peak times -- look for mid-week flights, avoid high traffic holidays, and consider exploring destinations during their offseason to find deals on flights and lodging.
• Be creative with accommodations -- hostels, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels offer alternatives to hotel chains, while RV roadtripping and camping can turn an outdoor-focused vacation into more of an adventure.

Mindful travelers can use these strategies to book memorable trips without breaking the bank, and make the most of every dollar spent.