Are your Trips Worth the Price?

A recent Atlantic article explored how Millennials are rethinking travel, and the financial themes are striking. This week, we’ll look at why so many people—parents and non-parents alike—stretch their budgets (and sometimes even go into debt) for vacations. Next week, we’ll explore the alternatives: how to build meaningful experiences without blowing your savings.

The Pull Toward Experiences

For many Millennial parents, vacations are framed as investments in their kids’ growth—opportunities to teach adaptability, resilience, and global awareness. That often means international flights, family-friendly hotels, or juggling strollers and rental cars in unfamiliar cities.

But even for those of us without kids, the mindset is familiar. As an elder Millennial myself, I came of age when homeownership was becoming less accessible but flights were getting cheaper. Instead of pouring money into long-term stability through property, many of us leaned into experiences. Travel became not just a leisure activity, but a core part of identity and fulfillment.

That generational trade-off—prioritizing experiences over asset-building—still shapes how we think about vacations today. Trips aren’t just about rest; they’re about meaning, connection, and values, even if they come at a cost.

Debt, Affordability, and Inequality

The tricky part is affordability. A March 2024 Bankrate survey found that:

💡 29% of U.S. adults planned to take on debt to travel this summer.

Millennials were the most likely to admit they couldn’t afford their trips—and also the most likely to book them anyway. And while some travelers can pay for international adventures in cash, others feel pressure to “keep up,” even if it means swiping credit cards or borrowing to cover the cost.

The financial strain often lasts longer than the glow of the trip itself. Still, many travelers see the trade-off as worth it—choosing experiences now, while the opportunity is here.

Curious to hear from you:

As you look back on your summer, did your travels stretch your budget more than you’d planned? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your reflections.

Resource Corner

📌 The Atlantic – The New Family Vacation
📌 Bankrate: Nearly 3 in 10 Americans will take on debt to travel