The Best of Home During Summer Travel Season

It’s the unofficial start of summer in the U.S. and while many people’s vacation plans might look a little different this year, consumers are still embracing the prospect of new scenery, new experiences and new ways to connect. As they get ready to hit the road, the trail or the campsite, it’s a good opportunity for retailers to connect on travel-ready items that can help shoppers make the most of their trips and provide some comforts of home.

The Allure of Travel

According to KPMG’s Summer Pulse 2026 Report, “Despite (economic) pressures, consumers are staking a claim to travel and experiences as an essential part of life — and adjusting their budgets to make it happen. Sixty percent plan to travel this summer, even if that means booking shorter trips, trading down and finding new ways (including AI tools) to optimize travel costs.”

Another recent survey from Numerator shows that 78% of Americans plan to take a summer vacation in 2026, a marked increase from 61% in 2025. Millennials are the most likely to travel (83%), with Gen Z following at 78%, and Gen X and Boomers tied at 75%.

2026 Travel Adjustments

It seems counter-intuitive that summer travel will be up this year in the wake of inflation and fuel prices. But it drives home a point about today’s consumers: People are prioritizing experiences, wellness and quality time with loved ones. And at the end of the day, what else feels better than a good old-fashioned summer vacation?

At the same time, experts agree that summer vacations will likely look different for most in 2026. That might mean driving rather than flying, traveling shorter distances, packing meals instead of eating in restaurants, and/or opting for lower-cost lodging like cabins or tent camping.

“For brands and retailers, this translates to more consumers on the move and more opportunities to meet needs across the journey,” says Numerator. “Travel-ready essentials, flexible pack sizes, and impulse-friendly offerings are likely to see increased demand as spending shifts toward experiences and on-the-go consumption.”

Travel-Ready Solutions and Comforts of Home

For those in the home and housewares space, it’s a good time to emphasize items like car organizers (like this clever backseat entertainment organizer and cooler from Talus – High Road Organizers), portable food and drink solutions, and products that help bring the comfort of home while on the road. Think portable fans, single-serve coffee makers, and novelties like the Nuwave On-The-Go Blender.

Make sure to include items that help support group meals while out and about. That could be picnic baskets, insulated bags, or coolers like the RollR® 60 by RovR, which has all-terrain wheels and can also be turned into a wagon. Taking it a step further is the Timo & Tom Foldable Outdoor Table and Chair by keeeper, which is perfect for a quick roadside meal or day at the beach.

And don’t forget the campers who will be enjoying some quality time off the grid. They’re likely to appreciate a creature comfort or two from home. Just a few suggestions? The attractive collapsible lantern from Illumates and a water filtration system like the ROPOT Travel Portable Reverse Osmosis System by Bluevua.