local
High gas prices and airfare are changing summer travel plans for millions of Americans
By Caresse Jackman at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
(InvestigateTV) — A new LendingTree survey finds transportation costs are taking a toll on summer travel plans, with 75% of consumers saying expenses like gas and airfare have affected their decisions.Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the impact is significant.“Almo...
Key takeaway “Almost 40% of Americans say that they’re not going to travel between May and September of this year,” Schulz said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The impact of high gas prices and airfare on summer travel plans is likely to be felt in Nashville , where many residents often take road trips or fly to nearby destinations. With 40% of Americans opting out of travel between May and September, local businesses that rely on tourism, such as hotels and restaurants, may see a decline in revenue. On the other hand, Nashville's own attractions, like local state parks and outdoor recreational areas, may benefit from the trend of swapping long-distance trips for closer destinations. Residents who do decide to travel may look to nearby spots like Radnor Lake or Edwin Warner Park for a more affordable and convenient getaway. As travelers prioritize flexibility and long-term financial health, they may also consider exploring Nashville's own cultural and entertainment options, supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy in the process.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (InvestigateTV) — A new LendingTree survey finds transportation costs are taking a toll on summer travel plans, with 75% of consumers saying expenses like gas and airfare have affected their decisions.Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree, said the impact is significant.“Almo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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