HomeToGo, the world’s largest vacation rental search engine, released its Summer Travel Forecast 2021, revealing summer travel trends starting to heat up and exotic destinations travelers seek to cure their travel urge.

Based on an analysis of internal HomeToGo data, the study also reveals interesting booking models as well as the most popular summer destinations for luxury travelers and budget travelers, both of which show a strong preference. for national getaways.

“While the travel landscape is radically different this year, travelers are yearning for a change of scenery and are looking to outdoor destinations to take advantage of the warmer months ahead,” said Caroline Burns, head of public relations and Travel expert at HomeToGo. “We’re already seeing an upward trend in summer bookings in the United States, especially in areas on the East Coast that offer quiet escapes from their counterparts in the neighboring city. While travelers mostly stay in the United States, they still dream of future getaways to distant places.

Key findings from HomeToGo’s 2021 summer travel forecast include:

• Early planning: Vacation rental bookings this summer in the United States are already up 27%.
• Travelers are staying in the United States: 86% of summer travel searches concern national destinations (+ 15%), with searches for spots on the East Coast recording the greatest lift (+ 95%).
• The rural reigns over the urban: Only 12% of searches relate to urban destinations (-35%).
• Longer road trips: Travelers are ready to go the extra mile and search for vacation rentals within 397 miles (+ 32%) of home.
• Entire properties preferred over shared spaces: Cabins, chalets and single-family homes are the most popular accommodation option (bookings up + 35%).

While travel plans are on hold for now, that hasn’t stopped American travelers from dreaming of lavish pools, stunning beach houses, and luxurious weekend getaways for the warmer months to come.

This summer’s most popular destinations

HomeToGo’s study shows that most travelers to the United States are currently looking for national getaways, such as escapes to sunny Florida beaches and secluded Idaho cabins. While many choose to travel to the United States, according to HomeToGo research data, travelers are also starting to consider destinations like Aruba, which tops the global list in terms of searches followed by: Gulf Coast, United States ; Tulum, Mexico; Reunion, Florida; Bali, Indonesia; North Captiva Island, Florida; Lido Key, Florida; The Maldives; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Priest Lake, Idaho.

Luxurious summer destinations in the United States

From the playground for New York’s elite to a laid-back seaside town in South Carolina, HomeToGo has taken a look at the 2,000 Most Popular Destinations to reveal the places travelers are looking for more extravagant getaways. this summer. Here are the best places for travelers looking to splurge on a flawless, budget getaway. Topping the list are the Hamptons, NY ($ 1,066 avg price per night), Nantucket, MA ($ 1,038) and Montauk, NY ($ 957), Seaside, Florida ($ 780)

Most affordable destinations in the United States

With schools on vacation and temperatures on the rise, the summer period is usually one of the most expensive times to book a vacation home. HomeToGo researched the top 10 most affordable places for travelers looking to get away from it all on a budget. Some planned budget trips include Orlando, Florida ($ 201.60), Upper Peninsula, Michigan ($ 222), New York, New York ($ 234), Fort Myers Beach, Florida ($ 261.60)

“In the wake of the countless trips canceled in 2020, Adventurers seek revenge for the year that robbed them of a vacation and eagerly await a change of scenery and more escapes,” says Burns. “We expect this upward trend to continue throughout the year with travelers seeking quiet getaways to reconnect with nature and those close to them. Cottage rentals in particular continue to be in demand for a home away from home. We imagine this will be an extremely popular option in the fall, and overall bookings are already up almost 30% for the fall season. “

She adds: “Summer is of course the peak tourist season, especially for the seaside destinations which dominate the most popular destinations in terms of searches on HomeToGo.com. We are already seeing a big increase in bookings for the summer of 2021 as travelers are eager to have something to look forward to and to book vacation rentals with good value for money and higher ratings. The sooner travelers start choosing their accommodation, the better. They’ll be able to find the best price and filter amenities, size, and prime location to find the perfect escape they’ve come to expect. It’s never too early to start planning a dream vacation, and after this past year, we all deserve one.