Destination dupes, flexible timing, and travel packages help travelers  
make the most of their summer budgets 

As travel costs continue to rise, many travelers are taking a more budget‑conscious approach to their summer plans. According to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook, travelers are increasingly focused on getting more value from every trip by choosing destination dupes, staying flexible with travel dates, and bundling their hotel and flights to make their summer budgets go further.

Airfare prices are up nearly 15% year over year, largely fueled by higher jet fuel and energy costs, according to data from the U.S. Travel Association.¹ As a result, many travelers are choosing destinations closer to home or swapping iconic hotspots for more affordable alternatives that deliver similar experiences at a lower cost. 

“Summer travel still matters deeply to travelers, but how they travel is changing,” said Melanie Fish, Expedia Group Travel Expert & Spokesperson. “With airfare under pressure, travelers who stay flexible, stay closer to home and look beyond the obvious destinations can still unlock meaningful savings without compromising the experience. Travellers can also find added value by booking flights and hotels together. It’s about doing more with every travel dollar.” 

Destination Dupes Deliver Big Savings Without Sacrificing the Experience 

While perennial favorites like New York, Miami, Cancun, London, Paris and Rome remain popular summer destinations, Expedia data shows travelers are increasingly considering destination dupes — look‑alike locations that deliver comparable culture, food, beaches, and experiences at a better value. 

Domestic Destination Dupes² 

• New York → Philadelphia 
  Up 80% year over year, Philadelphia offers world‑class museums, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving dining scene. Average nightly hotel rates are 30% lower than New York, averaging $300* per night. 
• Los Angeles → Palm Springs 
  Known for its desert escapes, poolside resorts, and vibrant arts scene, searches for Palm Springs are up 25% year‑over‑year, with hotel rates averaging $211* per night, 25% less than Los Angeles. 
• Miami → Fort Lauderdale 
  Fort Lauderdale is up 40% year over year and delivers wide beaches, waterfront dining, and a relaxed coastal vibe, with hotel rates about 20% less than Miami, averaging $240 nightly. 
• Seattle → Portland 
  Up 25% year over year, Portland offers Pacific Northwest charm, access to nature, and vibrant summer festivals, with hotel rates 55% lower than Seattle, averaging $160* per night. 
• Honolulu → Puerto Rico 
  Puerto Rico continues to gain traction, up 25% year over year, offering tropical beaches and rich culture at 40% lower hotel rates than Honolulu, averaging $195* nightly, without leaving the U.S. 

International Destination Dupes² 

• Punta Cana → Curaçao 
  Up 30% year over year, Curaçao blends Caribbean beaches with colorful architecture and cultural depth. Average hotel rates are 10% lower than Punta Cana, at $345* per night. 

• Cancun → Belize 
  Belize is up to 20% year over year, drawing travelers with Caribbean beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and a relaxed, nature-forward feel. Average daily hotel rates are $269* per night, about 36% lower than Cancun.
• London → Dublin, Ireland 
  Dublin is up 10% year over year, delivering walkable neighborhoods, historic pubs, and easy coastal escapes, with hotel rates 10% lower than London, averaging $330* nightly. 

• Rome → Naples, Italy 
  Naples is up 25% year over year and offers iconic Italian cuisine, historic streets, and access to the Amalfi Coast — at 30% lower hotel rates than Rome, averaging $225* per night. 

• Paris → Brussels, Belgium 
  Brussels is up 40% year over year, drawing travelers with historic squares, elegant architecture, and a well‑known food and beer scene, with hotel rates 40% lower than Paris, averaging $229* nightly.  

Best Times to Save This Summer³ 

• Cheapest Days to Fly Domestically: June 3 and 4 
• Cheapest Days to Fly Internationally: August 11 and 17 

Bundle and Save with Packages 

As families look for ways to manage rising travel costs, package deals that combine flights and hotels into one booking can help stretch budgets further. Bundling flights and hotels can help travelers save hundreds of dollars on average compared with booking separately, making it easier for families to plan complete summer vacations without compromising the experience. Travelers can also unlock additional savings by adding a hotel after booking their flight, turning a standalone reservation into a more cost‑effective trip. 

Sample summer packages⁴ on Expedia include: 

• Houston: A 3 night-stay at The Moran CITYCENTER averages $602 per person, including round‑trip airfare and hotel.  
• Puerto Rico: A 4-night stay at Ola Boutique Hotel averages $624 per person, which by booking a package is $334⁵ cheaper per person and includes the round-trip airfare.  
• Belize: A 4-night stay at Grand Resort & Residences, averages $902 per person, a 13% savings and includes one-night free stay at the hotel and the round-trip flight.

Smart Summer Travel Tips 

• Look Beyond the Obvious Destination: Swapping a high‑profile city for a nearby alternative can unlock lower rates and fewer crowds. 
• Bundle & Save: Booking flights and hotels together can deliver significant savings per person and earn OneKeyCash™ for future trips. 
• Be Flexible with Dates: Traveling in early June or mid‑August can significantly reduce both hotel and airfare costs. 
• Price Tracking: Find the right time to book a flight and get alerts when the price of a flight changes. 
• Consider Alternate Airports: Nearby or secondary airports can offer lower fares during peak summer weeks. 
• Book Early for Peak Travel: Lock in pricing before demand spikes around the busiest summer dates. 

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Notes to Editors 

¹ Source for US Travel:  U.S. Travel Association, Travel Price Index, April 2026.

² Based on lodging searches made on Expedia.com between December 22, 2025 to March 22, 2026 for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2026 compared to same travel period in 2025. 

³ Based on average daily ticket price on Expedia.com for travel between June 1 and August 31, 2026. 

⁴ Search made July 25 – 29, 2026 for summer packages, with NYC as home airport.

⁵ Savings are for Expedia members only.  

* Pricing is inclusive of taxes and fees.