{"id":965890,"date":"2026-05-21T09:03:20","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/unpack-26-summer-travel-trends-domestic-demand-rises-as-travelers-take-a-more-measured-approach\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T09:03:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T13:03:20","slug":"unpack-26-summer-travel-trends-domestic-demand-rises-as-travelers-take-a-more-measured-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/unpack-26-summer-travel-trends-domestic-demand-rises-as-travelers-take-a-more-measured-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"UNPACK \u201926 SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS: DOMESTIC DEMAND RISES AS TRAVELERS TAKE A MORE MEASURED APPROACH"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

UNPACK \u201926 SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS: DOMESTIC DEMAND RISES AS TRAVELERS TAKE A MORE MEASURED APPROACH<\/b><\/p>\n

Travel\u2019s go-to data-based trend report releases a first-ever summer edition \u2014 Unpack \u201926 Summer: The Trends in Travel<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nToday, <\/b>Expedia Group released Unpack \u201926 Summer: The Trends in Travel<\/a>, the latest edition of its industry-leading report, revealing how travel behavior is shaping summer travel decisions.<\/p>\n

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260521316521\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Expedia<\/p>\n

Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26 Summer Trends Report reveals domestic demand rising as travelers choose closer-to-home getaways, value trips and event-led escapes for summer vacation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\nDemand for domestic travel is dominating summer vacation planning. Social conversation about domestic vacations has increased by 77% year-over-year globally, doubling in the U.S. in particular, and 63% of U.S. travelers are planning a domestic trip this summer.* From major sporting events and concerts to reading escapes and screen-inspired travel, Unpack \u201926 Summer builds on insights from the flagship Unpack \u201926: The Trends in Travel\u2122<\/a> report to highlight where travelers are headed this summer. Each trend is backed by first-party data from Expedia\u00ae, Hotels.com\u00ae, and Vrbo\u00ae, as well as insights from travelers and social listening.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cThis summer, travel isn\u2019t slowing down \u2014 it\u2019s being reshaped,\u201d said Melanie Fish, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Expedia Group. \u201cAs major global events and rising costs influence decisions, travelers are either staying closer to home or seeking out destinations where they can get more for their money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expedia \u2014 Destinations of the Summer<\/b><\/p>\n

\nDomestic travel is shaping up to be the season\u2019s unexpected but understandable travel trend. Rather than far-flung destinations, more travelers are gravitating towards nearby escapes, from beach towns to mountain trails only a short drive or quick flight away. \u200bSearches for Florida and California beaches are up 50% this summer, and interest in local outdoor hotspots like lakes, mountains, and national parks has spiked 65% year-over-year.<\/p>\n

\nFour of the Destinations of the Summer also meet the criteria for Expedia\u2019s Smart Travel Health Check, which was first introduced in 2025. This check is a first-in-travel framework from Expedia, inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), to recognize destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences while proactively managing tourism in a sustainable way.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

2026 Destinations of the Summer \u2013 The Stay-Here Summer (<\/b>\u2714 = Smart Travel Health Check)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Destination<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

% Search Increase<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Key Draw(s)<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nSt. George, Utah<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n125%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nRed-rock hiking<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nTacoma, Washington \u2714<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n120%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nMount Rainier & Olympic National Parks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nAsheville, North Carolina<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n80%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nBreweries & Blue Ridge mountains<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nBradenton, Florida<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n75%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nAnna Maria island gateway<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nSanta Cruz, California \u2714<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n65%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nSurf & boardwalk vibes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nSiesta Key, Florida<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n50%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nPowder-white beaches<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nTruckee, California \u2714<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n40%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nLake Tahoe base<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nBozeman, Montana<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n30%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nYellowstone National Park & fishing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nPrescott, Arizona<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n30%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nLakes, pines, granite dells<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

\nProvidence, Rhode Island \u2714<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\n25%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

\nRiverwalk & arts institutions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

\nExplore the Destinations of the Summer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Hotels.com <\/b>\u2014 Hotel Hop Summer<\/b><\/p>\n

\nHotel Hopping \u2014 booking multiple hotels on a single trip \u2014 is gaining momentum as travelers look to experience more of the destination and make the most of the stays, with demand increasing during the summer season.<\/p>\n

\nThis summer, key motivations for hotel hopping include:<\/p>\n