Despite headlines surrounding a consumer under pressure, Americans continue to shell out money on travel. In fact, 2024 is shaping up to be one for the record books, with new highs expected to be hit this long holiday weekend. 

The Transportation Security Administration says it’s prepared to screen more than 17 million people from Thursday, August 29 through Wednesday, September 4, which would make it the busiest Labor Day travel period in its history. Meanwhile, AAA says domestic travel is forecast to be up 9% this weekend compared with last year. 

Yet, the latest earnings season has pointed to signs that the days of so-called “revenge travel” may be tapering off, with consumers becoming more mindful of how they’re spending. Expedia (EXPE) trimmed its 2024 growth outlook, citing “a more challenging macro environment and a softening in travel demand.” Disney (DIS) called out “demand moderation” in its U.S. theme parks division, a trend that is expected to continue for “the next few quarters.” And AirBNB (ABNB) said its customers are waiting until closer to travel dates to book due to increased uncertainty and caution in spending.

“Consumers aren’t willing to throw out money. They’re deal seeking,” according to Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, a travel website focused on maximizing credit card, airline, and hotel loyalty points. 

The good news for those who want to conserve cash and explore the world? There are ways to leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. In the latest Market Overtime, Kelly offers tips and tricks for the “cash poor” to become “points rich.” “It’s not the golden age of travel, we’re in the platinum age of travel,” says Kelly. “Back in the golden age, you had to be rich to travel.”

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