Consumer travel expenditure report – April 2025

Rising costs and economic uncertainty are driving Americans to postpone major purchases, but many continue to protect travel and experience expenditure. 

The first quarter of 2025 has been marked by sharp global economic swings, fueling a deep sense of uncertainty among Americans as they navigate growing financial pressures and an unpredictable outlook. The Consumer Confidence Index, a measure of consumers’ confidence in the economy and personal finances, saw a 7 point drop last month, one of the most significant single period drops in the last 5 years. Uncertainty is impacting more than just confidence, now materially impacting where and how much Americans are spending. 

A new study released by HTS reveals that 45% of Americans plan to postpone a major purchase or expense this year; things like vehicles, new homes, paying for tuition, and paying for medical procedures or care. Around half of those planning to postpone a major expenditure claim rising costs (48%) are driving their change in plans, while 40% point to a change in their financial situation.