Americans are still planning to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, but new data from Expedia and Vrbo shows they are making more deliberate, budget-conscious choices about how they book.
Travelers are prioritizing savings while still committing to holiday plans, the two brands found. On Expedia, searches using budget filters have surged 1,265 percent year over year, while interest in economy fares has climbed 120 percent and searches for all-inclusive stays have grown 50 percent. OneKeyCash — Expedia Group’s rewards currency — redemptions are up 35 percent, a sign that travelers are actively using rewards to offset costs.
Vrbo is seeing a similar pattern in vacation rentals. Discounted properties account for 37 percent of summer rental bookings, and reservations made within 14 days of check-in are up 16 percent, suggesting more travelers are waiting for deals before they commit. Group trips also remain popular as a way to split costs and get more value out of a rental stay.
Both brands are tracking demand for value-driven destinations. Expedia’s trending Fourth of July value spots include Moab, Gatlinburg, Flagstaff, Mariposa, and Bozeman. Vrbo is highlighting Cherokee, Melbourne, Phoenix, Fort Myers, and Rochester, where travelers can still book vacation rentals for under $250 per night.
The data points to affordability reshaping summer travel behavior, with budget-first planning on the rise and travelers waiting longer to lock in their trips in pursuit of a better deal.
Related Stories
Geoff Cox Named New President of KHM Travel Group
Bass Pro Shops Acquires Florida Keys’ Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Korean Air, Delta Add Seamless Baggage Transfer at Seattle, L.A.
Source link
