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Family Vacations Becoming Less Affordable: New Study Reveals 35% Cost Increase

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. fordable-new-study-reveals-35-cost-increase.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 18:03 GMT by Journal Star
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Chicago, IL & Peoria, IL - February 2nd, 2026 - The dream of a family vacation is becoming increasingly out of reach for many in Chicago, Peoria, and nationwide, as travel costs continue to surge well beyond pre-pandemic levels. A comprehensive new study released today by the Family Travel Association (FTA) reveals a staggering 35% increase in the average cost of a family vacation compared to 2019, placing significant strain on household budgets and altering travel behaviors.

Beyond Inflation: The Complex Web of Rising Costs

The initial post-pandemic rebound in travel demand was anticipated, but the sustained and escalating prices are proving far more complex than simply a return to normalcy. While inflation remains a contributing factor - impacting fuel costs, food prices, and the overall cost of goods and services related to travel - several other dynamics are at play. Airline capacity, despite increasing, has not kept pace with demand, particularly for popular routes and during peak seasons. This imbalance empowers airlines to implement dynamic pricing strategies, maximizing revenue per seat, often at the expense of affordability.

Furthermore, the lodging sector is experiencing its own pressures. A shortage of hospitality workers in many regions is leading to reduced services and increased labor costs, which are inevitably passed on to consumers. The surge in popularity of short-term rentals, while providing options, has also inflated accommodation prices in many popular destinations, often exceeding traditional hotel rates. Even ancillary costs, such as baggage fees, seat selection, and airport parking, are contributing to the overall financial burden.

Midwest Families Hit Hard: Chicago and Peoria Experiences

The impact is particularly acute for families in major metropolitan areas like Chicago and those in more economically sensitive regions like Peoria. Chicago families, accustomed to utilizing O'Hare and Midway for both domestic and international travel, are facing significantly higher airfares, even for relatively short trips. The convenience of flying is being weighed against the escalating cost, leading many to consider longer drives or staycations.

In Peoria, where driving is already a prevalent mode of transportation for regional vacations, families are acutely feeling the pain at the pump. Increased gas prices are making even nearby getaways more expensive. The FTA report indicates that Peoria families are experiencing a 12% higher cost for road trips compared to pre-pandemic figures, driven primarily by fuel and lodging expenses along the way. This is causing a shift in vacation planning, with families shortening trips or opting for destinations closer to home.

Shifting Strategies: How Families are Adapting

Faced with these financial realities, families are becoming increasingly resourceful in their travel planning. The FTA report identifies several key trends:

• The Rise of Value-Driven Travel: Families are prioritizing experiences over luxury. This means seeking destinations that offer a high return on investment in terms of activities and attractions relative to cost. State parks, national forests, and free community events are gaining popularity.
• Off-Season & Shoulder Season Travel: Avoiding peak travel times - summer vacations, holidays, and school breaks - is becoming increasingly common. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offers a sweet spot of pleasant weather and lower prices.
• All-Inclusive Resorts & Package Deals: While traditionally considered a premium option, all-inclusive resorts are gaining traction as a way to budget effectively. Package deals, bundling flights, accommodation, and activities, can also provide significant savings.
• Vacation Rental Boom Continues: Vacation rentals, offering more space and kitchen facilities, remain a popular choice, especially for larger families. However, consumers are becoming more discerning, carefully comparing prices and reading reviews to ensure value.
• The "Microcation" Trend: Shorter, more frequent trips are replacing the traditional week-long vacation. This allows families to spread out their travel spending and enjoy multiple getaways throughout the year.
• Embracing Road Trips - With Planning: While gas prices remain a concern, road trips offer control over itinerary and potential cost savings, particularly with careful planning of lodging and meals.

The Future of Family Travel

The FTA predicts that the current trend of rising travel costs is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. However, they emphasize that with proactive planning, flexibility, and a willingness to explore alternative options, families can still create memorable vacation experiences. The association is advocating for greater transparency in airline and hotel pricing, as well as policies to address the labor shortages impacting the hospitality industry. The future of family travel will undoubtedly be shaped by these economic realities, demanding a new level of resourcefulness and adaptability from vacationers across the country.