91% of Americans Plan To Travel in 2026—but Should You Stay Home To Afford a House? 

Vacations are a priority for most people. In fact, a survey by Marriott Bonvoy found that 91% of Americans plan to travel in 2026 and almost half intend to do so more than they did in 2025. While this is all good and well, it may be an issue for those who want to buy a home.

Since the median home price is currently $415,000, saving for a down payment might be a better use of their hard-earned money. If you’re in the market for a home but hope to make 2026 the year of travel, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons.

Depending on your situation, postponing your travel plans and putting the funds toward a house might be a better financial move in the long run.

How much would skipping a vacation support your dream of a new home?

The average cost of a U.S. vacation is around $1,991 per person. If you’re a couple who take just one trip annually, you’ll spend roughly $4,000. The 10% down payment on a median-priced home of about $415,000 is $41,500. 

If you funneled $4,000 annually toward savings, that’s almost 10% of a 10% down payment in a single year. Miss out on two vacations in a year, and you could save an additional $8,000, which can be a real game changer for your homeownership goals.

 “While skipping the vacation could be a hard sell to your family, it can also open the doors to more inventive and meaningful time together. Consider taking a summer to explore the community events in your neighborhood, or even a day trip to a nearby state park,” says Alan Becker, president and CEO of RSG Investments in Kansas City, MO. 

Saving that principal vacation fund gives you the benefit of a liquid asset to spring on the right opportunity when it arises.

“The market moves quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on your dream home because you weren’t ready to commit,” explains Becker.

On the flip side, we all need time away. Vacations have their own value in helping us unwind and maintain a greater focus when we return to the grind. Figure out how much that’s worth to you.

Does it make sense to forgo travel?

If you’re a young family or even a first-time buyer, making early sacrifices will pay dividends down the road. After all, homeownership continues to be one of, if not the most, successful avenues to financial comfort for the average American.

“Acquiring a home at a reasonable rate and building on that foundation should be a priority if your lifestyle allows it,” explains Becker.

Becker also points out that if you’re a parent of young children, vacation memories are some of the sweetest you’ll cherish with your loved ones. Perhaps you skip a year to make aggressive financial moves, but you have to consider the positives and negatives of skipping travel. 

“Ask yourself, 'How many years will the kids be in the house?' Where do you dream of taking them before they’re too busy to travel?” says Becker.

Ways to balance fun vs. saving for a house

No matter your situation, balance is key. According to Becker, the true danger is failing to categorize your goals and having no benchmark to understand whether your spending is frivolous or fair.

Don’t set a quota of vacations per year, and don’t avoid making valuable memories because you’re stringent on financial efficiency. 

“Your sanity has its own value. If taking a vacation is how you relieve stress and stay focused, make sure it’s part of your plan,” explains Becker.

Most importantly, if you have kids, realize they’re watching you. If they see you skipping vacations, they may do the same down the line. 

If you’re worried about going off course, consider speaking with a financial professional to weigh your options.

“Your young ones will notice that decision as well, and there’s immeasurable value in passing down financial wisdom,” adds Becker.