#United States #New York #Trustpilot #Consumer Insights #Summer Spending

Navigating Summer Fun in a Tight Economy

As summer approaches, many Americans are gearing up for the season of sun, fun, and relaxation. However, with financial constraints weighing heavily on consumers, the 2025 Summer Spending Survey conducted by Trustpilot reveals a significant shift in how people plan to partake in their summer activities.

A Cautious Approach to Summer Spending

The survey uncovers that nearly 55% of American respondents are aware of the need to budget and save for summer leisure activities. Notably, about 42% of consumers expect to reduce their expenditure on summer outings like concerts and vacations compared to the previous year. Interestingly, a substantial 46% of the surveyed individuals plan to keep their summer spending below $500. This apparent caution underscores a widespread feeling of economic uncertainty, compelling consumers to adopt a more frugal mindset for the season.

In fact, many are prioritizing local activities. 37% of respondents revealed they are cutting back on travel expenses and summer spending to preserve their savings, while 20% are shifting their focus to low-cost or completely free activities in an effort to maintain a summer vibe without breaking the bank.

The Staycation Trend

When it comes to travel, only 24% of Americans are ready to prioritize an out-of-town trip, leading to a noticeable trend toward staycations. Over a third of participants (37%) indicated they are infrequently traveling this summer and will instead explore local attractions. Meanwhile, around 19% of individuals remain adamant about maintaining their travel plans, showcasing a divide in consumer priorities.

Adjusting Spending Across the Board

The financial strains of the summer season are reflected not only in travel but also in various other spending habits. Consumers reported cutting back in areas like shopping (35%), streaming services (18%), pre-summer vacations (17%), and even groceries (13%), displaying a broad commitment to sustainable spending. To avoid accruing debt, 17% are turning to credit cards for summer spending, while only 7% plan to engage in Buy Now Pay Later services, opting instead to rely on saved funds or regular earnings.

Maintaining a budget during the summer won't come without challenges, but U.S. consumers exhibit a willingness to forego certain activities to stay on track financially. The survey indicates that 18% of respondents have already declined at least one planned summer activity, and 29% have postponed several due to financial constraints.

Smart Spending Strategies

To ensure they enjoy their summer while adhering to a budget, 49% of those surveyed commit to purchasing only products they are certain they will appreciate and are inclined to check reviews before making decisions. Furthermore, 21% plan to set up price alerts and monitor for discounts—an intelligent strategy ensuring they do not miss out when budget-friendly options arise. Other money-saving tactics include refraining from succumbing to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) approach and coordinating with friends or family to split costs on shared experiences.

Conclusion

Summer fun does not appear to be on hold, though a trend of mindful spending has emerged. Consumers are learning to navigate their enjoyment in a way that emphasizes experiences over possessions in a time of economic prudence. As Dana Bodine, Vice President of Marketing at Trustpilot puts it, “Summer fun isn't slowing down, but with tighter budgets, consumers are becoming more intentional.” Reviews and ratings are poised to play a crucial role in guiding spending decisions as Americans focus on what truly matters: building memories with loved ones while maximizing their financial resources.

Through survey insights into summer spending shifts, Trustpilot emphasizes the evolution of consumer habits in response to economic realities. As we head into summer, the key takeaway remains clear: value experiences, stay within budget, and ensure time spent is enriching and enjoyable.