Travel will be more expensive in 2025, says an expert – the reason why may surprise you

Prices are ready to rise.

The Points Guy recently revealed its travel trends report for 2025 – and it’s not looking good for your wallet.

“What remains true, however, is that travelers are as enthusiastic as ever to discover new corners of the globe – but with a renewed focus on getting value for their money (and miles) and the opportunity to to explore their interests and passions,” the report states.

While people are focused on getting the best bang for their buck, that doesn’t mean they’ll spend less.

Travel is expected to be more expensive next year.

In 2024, more than 3 million passengers screened twice through the Transportation Security Administration – a new record.

Perhaps surprisingly, airfare is not what would be expected to increase travel expenses.

“Airline rates are actually going to be flat to start the year,” The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly told “Good Morning America.”

“It’s not the airfare that people should look at when planning that total cost of travel,” Kelly revealed. “Accommodation has increased dramatically.”

The Points Guy report found that accommodation has increased by 10% since 2019, while airfares have actually fallen by 6% in that time.

But nearly every other aspect of travel has increased as inflation rates boosted spending in some areas and overall travel costs are higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Statista.

Some 31% of people said it was too expensive to travel this year, up from 24% in 2023, according to a Deloitte 2024 summer travel survey.

However, people took more trips and spent more money on them throughout the year. They are even resting for longer.

The average length of a trip jumped from 4 1/2 days in 2020 to 5 1/2 days in 2024 – plus, those who booked a trip to Europe or Africa stayed two to three days longer.

And many people took long flights — especially Gen Z and millennials.

Adults aged 18 to 41 were just as likely to book an international flight as to fly domestically, while the same was not true for their seniors.

No matter where they go, people favor authentic experiences and living in the lap of luxury – especially young jet-setters.

Almost half of Gen Z admitted they’d rather save money on flights — like booking a vacation — than splurge on what to do when they finally get to their destination, whether that includes authentic experiences, culture, innovation or history. McKinsey reported.

However, after years of horrific flight delays and cancellations, travelers should be careful when booking cheaper flights or holidays.

The new AirHelp 2024 score reveals the best and worst performing airlines, based on customer complaints, on-time arrival and departure data, plus feedback from passengers from over 54 countries on food quality, comfort and service. crew from January to October. .

Tunisair was rated as the worst airline in the world, ranked at the bottom of the list at number no. 109, while Brussels Airlines was rated as the best company to book your trip with.

For domestic travel, United Airlines and American Airlines topped the list.