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🌎 Travel Prices Drop & Weekly Travel News
Published 27 days ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go - Travel Planning Briefing July 27, 2026
Happy National Crème Brûlée Day- a day that celebrates the classic French custard dessert with a hard caramel top.
We're back from camping in the Eastern Sierras. We camped at Creekside RV - it's located at a high elevation, over 8,000 feet, so we had some altitude adjustment. Our road trips from base camp took us to Bodie State Historic Park, a tour of lakes in the Mammoth Mountain area, and lots of fishing, where Julie caught trout, and we had a tasty fresh fish dinner.
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Are you a frequent traveler or planning to take a trip soon? Don't forget to check the expiration date on your TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership!
It's easy to overlook, but renewing these programs can save you time and hassle at the airport. With shorter security lines and expedited customs clearance, you'll be able to breeze through the airport with ease.
If your membership is expiring soon, be sure to renew it before your next trip for a stress-free travel experience.
Travel costs eased in June, with the Travel Price Index falling 2.0% from May—the largest monthly decline since July 2022—largely because gas prices dropped 9.6%. Hotels also became 2.8% cheaper month over month, while airfares were nearly unchanged.
Still, travelers should not expect broad bargains: overall travel prices remained 8.1% higher than in June 2025, with gas prices up 27.2% and airline tickets up 26.5% year over year. The latest figures suggest some short-term relief for summer travelers, especially on fuel and lodging, but transportation costs remain well above last year’s levels.
Travelers planning a last-minute summer escape may find the best value by targeting late August, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and comparing nearby airports. According to the provided travel data, shifting a trip to late summer could save about $120 per ticket, while midweek departures may cost 15% to 25% less than weekend flights.
Chicago stands out for low domestic fares, Mexico City for affordable daily expenses, and Montréal for an international getaway that may remain under $400 round-trip.
Travelers should compare hotel prices, transportation, baggage fees, and daily costs before booking, since a cheap flight does not always mean an inexpensive trip. Fare alerts, including services such as Dollar Flight Club, can also help travelers move quickly when prices drop.
Travelers dreaming of Hawaiʻi may find some of the year’s best airfare deals this fall. According to KAYAK data, round-trip economy fares are down 19% to Kailua-Kona, 16% to Honolulu, and 15% to Lihue compared with peak summer prices, offering average savings of up to $125.
Hawaiʻi fares also remain close to 2025 levels despite a 20% year-over-year rise in domestic airfare overall. With average fall flight and hotel prices down 11% and rental car rates down 19% from summer, the shoulder season gives flexible travelers a chance to spend less while enjoying milder weather and a more relaxed experience.
Travelers hoping to experience Yellowstone National Park by snowmobile without a commercial guide can apply for the 2026–2027 winter permit lottery from August 1 through August 31 on Recreation.gov.
Selected applicants may enter the park for up to three days with groups of no more than five snowmobilers. Permits cost $40 per day, plus a $6 application fee, and successful applicants will be notified in early September.
Any unclaimed or canceled permits will become available beginning October 1 on a first-come, first-served basis, giving winter adventurers additional chances to secure this unique Yellowstone experience.
Utah’s newest art museum has opened inside the beautifully restored B’Nai Israel Temple in downtown Salt Lake City, becoming the state’s first museum dedicated entirely to Utah art and artists.
The Salt Lake Art Museum launched with five exhibitions, including landscapes by Albert Bierstadt and a thought-provoking exhibit about Julia Reagan, whose memorial billboards became a local pop-culture phenomenon after her death in 2024. For travelers, the museum offers a new way to experience Utah beyond its national parks—through local creativity, regional history, architecture, and stories that reflect the state’s evolving cultural identity.
Why Visit? Sacramento, California may not be as well-known as other major cities in the state, but it has a unique charm that makes it stand out. With a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty, there is something for everyone to explore and experience in this hidden gem of a city.
Top Things To Do:
Old Sacramento State Historic Park: Step back in time and wander through the historic buildings and cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento. With museums, shops, and restaurants nestled within its preserved 19th-century architecture, this area is a must-visit for history buffs.
Sutter's Fort State Historic Park: Immerse yourself in the pioneer days of California at Sutter's Fort, a living history museum that recreates life in the 1840s. Explore the fort, interact with costumed guides, and participate in hands-on activities to get a taste of what life was like for early settlers.
American River Bike Trail: Rent a bike or go for a leisurely stroll along this scenic 32-mile trail that follows the beautiful American River. With stunning views and numerous spots to stop and enjoy a picnic, this is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Travel Tip: If you're planning to visit Sacramento, the best times to go are during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The city can become very hot during the summer months and is often crowded during tourist season, so plan accordingly.
Plan Your Visit: Check out our blog post on Sacramento for more ideas and tips on how to plan your trip.
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on January 2027, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
Crash My Playa, Cancún, Mexico - An annual four-day all-inclusive country music vacation hosted by Luke Bryan at the Moon Palace Cancún resort in Mexico. (January 13-16, 2027)
✈️ Don’t miss out on incredible travel savings.
Sign up for FareDrop's Limited plan and receive top flight deals straight to your inbox.
August 8-9, 2026: Walking the 6th annual Serra Walking Pilgrimage from Santa Barbara Mission to Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. This year's hike has a record 400 walkers registered! (35-mile route)
November 2026: Every Hockey Arena road trip continues with a stop at Climate Pledge Arena to watch the Seattle Kraken vs. the Anaheim Ducks
December 2026: Exploring near Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park in California
January 2027: The NHL Winter Classic in Utah (pending ticket affordability)
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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