How Americans are hacking summer travel costs amid inflation

How Americans are hacking summer travel costs amid inflation highlights how households are adjusting travel plans as prices rise. The article cites a Hotels.com report saying Americans are trying to avoid canceling trips by changing how they book and pay. It links higher airline ticket prices to a global jet fuel shortage tied to the Trump administration’s war in Iran. Hotels.com attributes the shift to “deal strategists” using points and perks, timing bookings, and choosing bundled packages. The report says budget-filtered hotel searches are up more than 1,800%, rewards usage surged 820%, and travelers can save up to 23% by booking closer in, starting stays on Sundays, or looking beyond the U.S. It also notes last-minute bookings averaged 23% savings versus four-plus months ahead, and Sunday check-ins were 15% cheaper than Fridays.