FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – HomeToGo has combed through its extensive database of travel behavior to release a 4th of July Travel Forecast sharing new insights and travel predictions for the upcoming holiday weekend. With restrictions lifting in many U.S. states and the return of travel coming in at full force, travelers are looking to go big with their 4th of July getaways this year. For 4th of July 2021, U.S. travelers are booking out up-and-coming destinations in the South and planning longer and farther trips to take full advantage of the holiday.
“This 4th of July marks a significant shift in how travelers are planning to spend the holiday as so much of America celebrates new freedom with recently loosened COVID-19 restrictions. We’re seeing travelers book out vacation homes for the full week in up-and-coming destinations and travel farther and longer to make the most of the holiday,” said Caroline Burns, Head of PR and Travel Expert at HomeToGo. “Instead of typical tourist, urban hotspots, many Americans are looking to escape the crowds and celebrate in emerging summer destinations across Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Missouri and more.”
Key Findings from HomeToGo’s 4th of July 2021 Travel Forecast
HomeToGo analyzed its vast search data to identify major travel trends for this 4th of July compared to pre-pandemic travel in 2019, revealing that travelers are:
- Heading South: According to HomeToGo’s search data, top trending regions include Florida (+455%), North Carolina (+399%), Georgia (+344%), Tennessee (+236%) and Texas (+230%), based on search demand compared to pre-pandemic travel in 2019.
- Hitting the Beach: HomeToGo’s top-searched beach destinations this 4th of July include Destin, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Panama City, Florida.
- Extending Their Stays: Long weekends have turned into long weeks, as the average duration of trips over the 4th of July is 8.8 days, +27% from 2019.
- Going the Distance: Travelers are hitting the roads and skies with the average search distance for vacation rentals on HomeToGo being 1,054 miles (+27% vs. 2019).
Top Five Up-And-Coming Destinations for 4th of July
From sunny beachside getaways to serene mountain retreats, HomeToGo examined the top five up-and-coming destinations travelers are considering for their 4th of July trips, based on search demand compared to 2019:
Pensacola, Florida (+562%): Famous for its white sand beaches, Pensacola is holding a Fourth of July fireworks display along the lively Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Located in Florida’s panhandle, Pensacola offers stunning blue waters, sunset cruises and plenty of museums and parks in the area.
Average Daily Rate: $263.78
Gatlinburg, Tennessee (+495%): Located in the majestic Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg holds the famous “First Independence Day Parade in the Nation,” an annual Midnight Fourth of July Parade. This city gives travelers the opportunity to explore the great outdoors with hiking, ziplining and horseback riding.
Average Daily Rate: $459.91
Branson, Missouri (+434%): In Branson, travelers can experience Branson Landing’s annual Liberty Light Up Celebration, featuring a concert and fireworks over Lake Taneycomo at the end of the evening. The perfect lake getaway, Branson offers fun for the whole family with watersports, theaters and amusement parks.
Average Daily Rate: $272.25
Davenport, Florida (+394%): A quaint town just an hour outside of downtown Orlando, Davenport is hosting a family friendly Fourth of July Celebration with live bands, food and craft vendors, and the county’s largest fireworks display. Davenport offers more than just close access to theme parks with activities like hang gliding, golfing and fishing.
Average Daily Rate: $394.77
Canyon Lake, Texas (+347%): Nicknamed “The Jewel” of Texas Hill Country, Canyon Lake is located on the serene Guadalupe River. Travelers can spend their 4th of July trip enjoying float trips, tubing, kayaking and opportunities to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer and foxes.
Average Daily Rate: $347.40