More Americans are opting for international travel rather than domestic trips, largely in response to rising costs and hidden fees in the U.S. One user on Reddit posed the question, “Am I the only one, or does the U.S. feel so far away now?” They noted that while international flights can be pricey, the overall expenses tend to be lower compared to popular domestic destinations like New York City or Disney World.
Many fellow Redditors agreed, mentioning that vacations abroad often seem to be more economical. One person from Boston shared, “I’m in Thailand now, and I’m literally saving money on vacation.” Another mentioned that instead of planning a trip to Colorado, they ended up booking an overseas vacation because domestic travel costs were stacking up too high.
A common point of frustration discussed was the tipping culture in the U.S., which some believe makes traveling domestically more costly than trips to Europe or Asia. One user questioned why hotels are starting to charge extra for facilities that used to be included, igniting a conversation about various additional fees for things like parking and gym access.
This trend of extra charges isn’t going unnoticed. Another Redditor highlighted, “I think resort fees have become quite sneaky in the past. Regular hotels aren’t really upfront about the additional costs.” Meanwhile, there’s a growing sentiment that this has become the norm in travel—much like with airlines, where it’s easy to miss what’s included in the fine print.
According to Mallory Dumond, a supervisor at Travelmation, there’s a noticeable hike in hotel rates, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Cities like New York, particularly during holiday seasons, really see demand-driven price increases. However, there are tips to sidestep some of these charges—like making use of credit card perks or consulting travel advisors.
Dumond remarked that international hotels often bundle services, which can add value. “You typically get breakfast, transportation, and access to amenities included in the room rate,” she explained. Additionally, cruises are another option many travelers consider for an all-inclusive experience.
