Vacations are supposed to be a break from stress, a chance to relax and make memories. However, lately, with prices skyrocketing, taking a trip has started to feel more like a luxury than a simple getaway. From quick weekend escapes to family adventures at Disney World, the rising cost of travel is prompting many families to reevaluate whether vacations remain financially viable.

To explore this question, students from Communications High School shared their personal experiences with the rising travel costs. Senior Ishika Pondicherry of Marlboro described how her family’s plan to visit relatives in India this summer hit a major roadblock. 

“My family was planning on going to India this summer, and we wanted to visit family for the first time in years… We were looking at plane tickets for the summer, and for my entire family, it would have been over $8,000, maybe even close to $9,000 if you include the amount that we would have paid for extra luggage,” Pondicherry said. “That’s the amount I’m paying for housing for an entire year of college.”

Pondicherry pointed out that flights, which used to be cheaper than hotels, have now become the biggest expense, driven up by factors like airline strikes and government cuts affecting airport workers. Although the issue used to be finding a place to stay, making one’s way there has turned into the most considerable roadblock.

Sophomore Sofie Grodman of Sea Bright echoed the struggle with flight prices. 

“In my family, there are four of us, so just paying for plane tickets sometimes costs over $4,000,” Grodman said. 

Grodman connected the increased expenses of travel to financial uncertainty caused by political decisions affecting tariffs and the economy. According to KRBA, as a result of the recent tariffs, airline prices are projected to increase by 10%. Still, Grodman believes some vacations are worth the splurge.        

“Visiting my grandparents in Florida? Definitely worth it. But going to a rodeo in Texas? Not so much,” Grodman said. 

These stories highlight a growing reality: vacations are becoming increasingly expensive, especially due to rising airfare, automobile, food, and lodging costs. For reference, according to NerdWallet, since 2019, flights have increased by 2.6%, car rentals by 39.3%, restaurants by 29.3%, and lodging by 16.3%. For many families, this means tough choices—cutting back, postponing or skipping trips altogether.

Despite the financial challenges, vacations remain important. They offer a chance to step away from daily life, experience new places and build lifelong memories. With careful budgeting and realistic expectations, even local trips can provide meaningful breaks without breaking the bank.

In the end, vacations remain a possibility; however, families must weigh their budgets and priorities carefully. The true value of a vacation isn’t just in the dollars spent but in the experiences and connections made along the way.