Tariffs Impact Travel: WalletHub Offers Card Advice

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

With summer right around the corner, 45% of Americans say tariffs are affecting their travel plans, according to a new WalletHub survey. The survey is accompanied by WalletHub’s picks for 2025’s Best Credit Cards for Summer Travel, highlighting deals worth more than $750 in airfare, hotel reservations, and other travel expenses.

What They Found

  • Cutting Back This Summer: Nearly 2 in 3 Americans plan to spend less money this summer than last summer
  • Tariffs Disrupt Travel: 45% of Americans say tariffs are affecting their travel plans.\
  • Skipping Payments for Travel: 1 in 5 Americans would skip a credit card payment before skipping a vacation.
  • Still Paying Off Past Travel: Nearly 1 in 5 people still have credit card debt from their last vacation.
  • Debt Clouds Summer Fun: 55% of people think about post-vacation credit card bills while they’re on vacation.
  • International Trips at Risk: 70% of Americans are concerned that a weakening dollar will affect Americans’ ability to travel internationally.
  • Best Travel Credit Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best credit card for summer travel because it offers an initial bonus worth $750 in travel, along with at least double miles on all travel purchases and a reasonable annual fee.

“Consumers have concerns about the current economic landscape, including its impact on summer travel heading into vacation season. Forty-five percent of Americans say tariffs are affecting their travel plans, according to a new WalletHub survey, which is understandable considering they’re coming on the heels of years of inflation.

However, travel has become non-negotiable for many people—even when it means taking on debt or falling behind on payments. For example, 20% of people say they’d rather skip a credit card payment than a vacation. If you’re determined to travel, I recommend exploring every possible way to save – from following a strict budget to getting a travel credit card with a big sign-up bonus. You’ll enjoy your experience a lot more if you don’t have to pay interest on your travel expenses for months or years.”

– John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor