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Humor and Quirks
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Humor and Quirks
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No trip, no shame: Why skipping summer travel might be smart

Should I Cancel My Summer Vacation?

As the summer of 2025 approaches, travelers across the United States and beyond are grappling with a familiar dilemma: Should I cancel my long-awaited vacation? With headlines dominated by escalating climate events, lingering economic uncertainties, and a resurgence of travel disruptions, it's no wonder many are second-guessing their plans. I'm Christopher Elliott, your travel columnist here at USA TODAY, and I've been fielding questions like this for years. In this piece, I'll dive deep into the factors at play, weigh the pros and cons, and offer practical advice to help you decide whether to hit pause on that beach getaway or mountain retreat.

Let's start with the elephant in the room: climate chaos. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record, according to meteorologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Wildfires in the Western U.S. have already scorched millions of acres, forcing evacuations in popular destinations like California's Yosemite National Park and Colorado's Rocky Mountains. In Europe, where many Americans flock for summer escapes, heatwaves have led to unprecedented closures of historic sites, from the Acropolis in Athens to the beaches of the French Riviera. Just last week, a massive heat dome over the Mediterranean prompted Italy to issue red alerts for tourists, warning of health risks for the elderly and young children. If your vacation involves outdoor activities, these conditions could turn a relaxing trip into a hazardous ordeal.

But it's not just the weather. Economic pressures are biting hard. Inflation, while cooling from its 2022 peaks, continues to inflate travel costs. Airfares have surged by an average of 15% compared to last year, per data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, driven by fuel prices and airline staffing shortages. Hotel rates in prime spots like Orlando or Las Vegas are up 20%, and that's before you factor in the hidden fees for everything from resort amenities to checked baggage. For families, this means a week-long Disney vacation could easily top $5,000 – a tough pill to swallow amid rising grocery and utility bills back home. I've heard from readers like Sarah from Chicago, who emailed me saying, "We saved for months for a trip to Hawaii, but with mortgage rates climbing, it feels irresponsible to go."

Then there's the specter of health and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic may be in the rearview mirror for many, but new variants and other illnesses like the ongoing mpox concerns in parts of Africa and Europe are reminding us that travel isn't risk-free. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued advisories for several destinations, including parts of Southeast Asia where dengue fever cases are spiking due to monsoon rains. Add to that geopolitical tensions – think the unstable situation in the Middle East affecting flights to Israel or Turkey, or civil unrest in parts of South America – and suddenly your dream vacation could involve rerouted flights, border closures, or worse.

So, why not just cancel? There are compelling reasons to do so. First, financial prudence: Canceling now could save you thousands, especially if you have travel insurance that covers trip interruptions. Policies from providers like Allianz or Travel Guard often reimburse non-refundable deposits if you cancel for covered reasons, such as illness or natural disasters. Environmentally, staying put reduces your carbon footprint – a transatlantic flight emits as much CO2 as an average person's yearly output in some countries, according to the International Energy Agency. And personally, opting out might lead to rediscovering local gems. Why fly to the Grand Canyon when you could road-trip to a nearby state park? It's a chance to support your community and avoid the stress of crowded airports, where delays have averaged 45 minutes this season due to air traffic control shortages.

On the flip side, there are strong arguments for pushing forward. Travel is more than leisure; it's a mental health lifeline. After years of pandemic isolation, studies from the American Psychological Association show that vacations significantly reduce stress and boost overall well-being. Canceling could mean missing out on irreplaceable family memories or that bucket-list adventure you've been dreaming about. Economically, the travel industry is counting on you: Tourism employs millions, and boycotts or mass cancellations could devastate local economies in places like Maui, still recovering from the 2023 fires, or New Orleans, rebuilding after recent hurricanes.

Experts I spoke with offer nuanced views. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a climate scientist at Stanford University, advises assessing destination-specific risks: "Check tools like the NOAA's climate outlook or apps like TripIt for real-time alerts. If your spot is prone to fires or floods, consider alternatives like cooler northern destinations." Travel advisor Mark Feldman from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) emphasizes flexibility: "Book refundable options and monitor airline policies. Many carriers, including Delta and United, have waived change fees for summer 2025 bookings." And for those worried about costs, budget expert Lisa Chen from NerdWallet suggests: "Look for deals on shoulder-season travel or use points from credit cards like Chase Sapphire to offset expenses."

If you're leaning toward cancellation, timing is key. Most airlines allow free changes up to 24 hours after booking, but for hotels and tours, policies vary. Airbnb, for instance, has strict cancellation windows, often requiring notice weeks in advance for full refunds. Always review your travel insurance – does it cover "cancel for any reason" (CFAR)? That's a premium add-on but worth it in uncertain times. If you do cancel, repurpose those funds: Invest in home improvements for a staycation, or donate to relief efforts in affected areas, turning disappointment into positive action.

For those determined to go, mitigate risks proactively. Pack essentials like N95 masks, portable fans for heat, and emergency kits. Choose sustainable travel: Opt for electric vehicle rentals or carbon-offset programs offered by companies like Expedia. Diversify your itinerary – mix indoor museums with outdoor hikes to adapt to weather whims. And stay informed: Follow apps like the State Department's STEP program for U.S. citizens abroad, which sends safety updates.

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal circumstances. Are you high-risk health-wise? Is your budget stretched thin? Do the joys of travel outweigh the potential pitfalls? I've canceled trips myself – like a planned European cruise in 2020 – and while it stung, it led to unexpected delights closer to home. Conversely, powering through a rainy vacation in Scotland last year created some of my fondest memories.

In 2025, summer travel isn't about blind optimism or blanket avoidance; it's about informed choices. Weigh the data, consult experts, and listen to your gut. Whether you cancel or carry on, remember: The best vacation is one that leaves you refreshed, not regretful. If you're still unsure, drop me a line – I'm here to help navigate these turbulent travel waters.

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Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/columnist/2025/08/04/should-i-cancel-my-summer-vacation/85438507007/ ]