local
High gas prices and airfare are changing summer travel plans for millions of Americans
By Caresse Jackman at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
For Laredo residents, the surge in gas prices and airfare may mean rethinking summer road trips to popular Texas destinations or opting for staycations instead. Local state parks and outdoor recreational areas could see an influx of visitors as people seek closer, more affordable alternatives to long-distance travel. This shift in travel plans may also impact local businesses that rely on summer tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. As consumers prioritize flexibility and budget-friendly options, Laredo's tourism industry may need to adapt by offering special promotions or discounts to attract visitors from within the region. Additionally, the city's own events and festivals may become more appealing to residents who are staying close to home, providing an opportunity for local organizers to showcase the city's culture and attractions to a potentially larger audience.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more Laredo News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caresse Jackman at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter