This Is The Reason Why Fewer New Jerseyans Plan To Travel This Summer

NEW JERSEY — Fewer New Jersey residents plan to travel this summer, and the reason why is that they simply can't afford it, according to recently released data.

Finance website Bankrate recently conducted its 2025 Summer Travel Survey and found that only 46 percent of adults in New Jersey and other U.S. states are planning to travel this summer, down from 53 percent in 2024.

Many of those not planning to do so — about 65 percent — cite affordability as the reason they're choosing to stay home, according to the survey.

Other than affordability, around 23 percent of people who took the survey said they planned to forego travel due to a lack of interest. Not being able to take time off work and travel being too much of a hassle both came in at 16 percent.

The expense of everyday life tops the reasons people can’t afford to travel. Nearly 7 in 10 people who can’t afford to travel say everyday life is too expensive, while 64 percent say travel is too expensive.

Of those who do plan to travel, nearly 3 in 10 prospective travelers are planning to take on debt to book trips, according to the survey.

"A staycation can be a fun fallback option," Bankrate senior industry analyst Ted Rossman said of those who can't afford to travel. "Don't let your vacation time go unused. If nothing else, take some time off to relax and recharge at home. Play tourist in your local area or just enjoy some downtime with family and friends."

While BankRate's survey reveals a grim outlook for the 2025 summer travel season, a separate survey by Bank of America paints a more optimistic picture.

According to the company's 2025 Summer Travel Trends Survey, more than 70 percent of respondents plan on vacationing this summer, a higher percentage than last year's survey. While lower-income households appear more inclined to vacation within the United States this year, more middle- and higher-income households plan on venturing overseas.