Expedia.com unveils the top travel trends and tips for American travelers in 2021

Whether it was by necessity or design, it's clear Americans spent 2020 exploring small towns, scenic drives, nearby lakes, and beaches, or in some cases, their own backyards. Today, Expedia.com® released its 2021 Travel Trends Report, analyzing traveler data to uncover the biggest takeaways from an unprecedented year, and what travelers can expect in the year ahead.
In addition to tapping into its own massive database of search and demand data, this year Expedia partnered with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for a deep dive on the effect of the pandemic on air travel.
"It's no secret that air travel changed this year in ways we have never seen before, but people are still flying, and they will continue to fly. We are keeping a close eye on these changes to help travelers get the most from their journeys," says Chuck Thackston, Managing Director of Data Science and Research for ARC. "Expedia and ARC are teaming up again to get to the bottom of what's changed and equip travelers with new trip-planning insights to use when they do fly again."
Highlights from the report include:
- Air travel trends and hacks
- Traveler priorities in 2021
- The top trending destinations of 2020
- All the islands (and other dreamy destinations) on travelers' 2021 bucket lists
"What we learned by looking at traveler behaviors in a year as unusual as 2020 is that travel will always be an integral part of our lives," says Christie Hudson, Senior PR Manager for Expedia brand. "Travelers responded to the uncertainty and restrictions by finding ways to safely explore closer to home, and the result is a bigger emphasis on flexibility and a list of trending destinations that are inspiring and attainable for the year ahead."
Airfare Booking Hacks for 2021
For six years running, travelers have relied on the annual Expedia ARC report, which analyzes billions of flight segments, to provide insider tips and tricks for getting the most out of air travel. Considering the atypical year, a new cheat sheet is needed now more than ever.
Based on ARC data, average ticket prices (ATPs) for domestic flights hit their lowest in late April 2020 but have since started to recover. From May to October, prices were between 25-35 percent lower year-on-year but followed the usual seasonality curve. Meanwhile, ATPs for international flights briefly spiked in April before normalizing to 2019 levels in mid-June and finally settling between 30-35 percent lower year-on-year during the fall months.
What this means for travelers is that while average ticket prices are historically low for both domestic and international flights, prices rise during peak travel periods such as spring break, summer, and the holidays. To get the best deal, travelers need to know when to book and start their trip.
Best day of the week to book1: Sunday
- For domestic flights, book on Sunday, not Monday to save around 15 percent
- For international flights, book on Sunday, not Friday to save more than 20 percent
Best day of the week to depart2: Thursday or Friday
- For domestic flights, start your trip on Friday, not Monday to save around 20 percent
- For international flights, start your trip on Thursday, not Sunday to save nearly 25 percent
Traveler Priorities in 2021
- Flexibility isn't a "nice-to-have", it's required: In 2021, flexibility will continue to be top of mind for travelers, who booked refundable rates 10 percent more often this year compared to last. Luckily, flexibility is more affordable than ever: Expedia lodging data shows average daily rates for refundable bookings were 20 percent cheaper in 2020 compared to 2019.
- Health and safety advancements: In the year to come, concerns about staying safe while traveling will continue to impact every aspect of trip planning, from what type of accommodations to choose to where to go to who to travel with. Since May, nearly 300,000 properties have added health and cleanliness information on Expedia.com, including enhanced cleaning, contactless check-in, social distancing and other guest safety measures.
- Majority of travelers booking less than a month out: According to ARC data, in 2019, the average U.S. traveler booked flights around 35 days in advance of their departure date, but during the onset of the pandemic, that window lengthened to 46 days. The new normal (since August) is just 29 days out - the average advance purchase dropping below the 30-day mark for the first time in years - and illustrating how travelers have adapted to the rapidly changing environment. However, with airlines eliminating change fees travelers may feel more confident booking further out, knowing they can always change their plans down the road.
- Growth in alternative accommodations: While the most popular lodging type in 2020 was hotels, the types of accommodations showing the biggest growth compared to last year were castles, ranches, cabins, chalets, and cottages.3 These types of retreats, typically found outside of big cities, were the perfect getaway spots for travelers in search of wide-open spaces, nature, and privacy. This trend is expected to continue as people look to travel safely amid the pandemic. Whether it's a hotel, vacation rental, or chalet, Expedia lodging data shows the cheapest days to stay are Sunday through Tuesday, so try scheduling a long weekend trip at the start of the week instead of the end.4
- Maximizing the trip: During a lockdown, many travelers relied on virtual tours and activities to satisfy wanderlust. But once able to roam again, whether it was just within their own cities or on a proper getaway, travelers resumed looking to activities as a way to get the most out of their trips. These are a few of the top trending activities booked on Expedia.com: the nation's largest and longest-running flower show, this boat tour in Miami's Biscayne Bay and this ATV and ziplining adventure in the Cenotes.
2020's Trending Destinations
This year's list5 might look a bit different than last year's, with backyard beaches and outdoorsy escapes taking the place of exotic international destinations. Still, these domestic gems are proof there's plenty to explore even when travelers are staying closer to home.
- Lake Havasu, Arizona
- New Bern, North Carolina
- The Hamptons, New York
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
- Panama City, Florida
- South Padre Island, Texas
- Lincoln, New Hampshire
- Sun Valley / Central Idaho
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Next Big Trip: Top-searched destinations for 2021 and beyond
While nearby escapes and road trips are likely to remain popular as travelers navigate the ongoing realities of life amid a pandemic, search data6 proves that aspirations persist for grander, far-flung vacations. More specifically, it seems vacation-deprived Americans dreaming of their next trip fall into one of two categories:
Island escapists. Looking at the top 20 destinations, half are islands and another third are popular beach resorts. After a year like 2020, it's not hard to imagine why so many travelers want to escape to an island the next chance they get.
- Cancun (#1)
- Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum (#2)
- Punta Cana (#5)
- Oahu (#6)
- Maui (#7)
- Los Cabos (#9)
- French Polynesia (#10)
- Maldives (#11)
- Montego Bay (#12)
- Aruba (#13)
- Puerto Vallarta (#14)
- Key West (#16)
- Nassau (#18)
- Bali (#20)
The urban returner. Larger cities haven't seen their usual tourist bustle over the past year, but search results make it clear that travelers are eager to return and enjoy all the culture, activities, and experiences that you can only find in these iconic U.S. cities.
- Las Vegas (#3)
- Orlando (#4)
- Miami (#8)
- New York (#15)
- Los Angeles (#17)
- New Orleans (#19)
With COVID-19, it's important to stay safe and up to date on the latest travel guidance and restrictions. Find out what to expect, how to find flexible travel, and other information on the Expedia COVID-19 travel guide.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) Minister: Google searches for Cyprus reached 1.5 million per week in April
- 2) Registration for the annual Greek Canadian Games on June 4-5 is open
- 3) Travel agents report strong demand by U.S. travelers for Europe despite Ukraine war
- 4) Ecumenical Patriarch protests to Turkey regarding desecration of Sumela Monastery
08/08 14:12
Greek Tourism Minister: This year sector proved that is Greece's heavy industry
07/08 13:57
28 lighthouses to open for the public in Greece on August 21
04/08 14:16
Protection and recording of rare biodiversity of 20 archaeological sites in Greece
03/08 23:18
Restoration works to historic Syntagma square of Athens almost completed
03/08 23:10
Greek Tourism Minister meets Ambassadors of Sweden and Norway
03/08 19:13
Greek Prime Minister says record tourism money can’t buffer country’s economic slide
03/08 14:07
Samos Young Artists Festival at Pythagorio Ancient Theatre on August 7-13
03/08 13:21
Greece offers Saudi Prince royal treatment: 350 limos and Athens Acropolis tour
02/08 23:26
Greece records 122,230 new Covid-19 cases and 355 fatalities on July 25-31
02/08 09:50
British Museum offers only to loan Athens Parthenon marbles to Greece
02/08 09:37
UNWTO: Global tourism consolidates strong recovery amidst growing challenges
02/08 09:29
Culture Minister: At least 16,000 people visit Athens Acropolis daily this summer
01/08 20:54
Medical Tourism: Personal Doctor platform opens in Greece on Monday
01/08 09:47
Undated wreck of exploded ship found off Kythnos island in Greece
29/07 14:02
Spain imposes minimum spending for Non-European Union tourists
29/07 00:38
Greek government announces subsidy programme for purchase of e-vehicles
28/07 23:32
Media: Electric aircraft to revolutionize travel and protect ecosystem in Greece (video)
28/07 19:23
Impressive copy of Aphrodite of Milos statue revealed on the Greek Island
28/07 18:40
Greek island of Corfu hosts Prince Edward and British royals
28/07 17:20
German Foreign Minister: Greece one of our closest partners in Europe
28/07 12:28
7th International Documentary Film Festival 2022 'Beyond Borders' on Castellorizo island
28/07 11:49
10th consequent Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Athens Walking Tours
28/07 00:46
UNWTO sets out shared goals and opportunities for sector in Paraguay
28/07 00:26
IATA: States progress towards long term aspirational goal on aviation emissions
28/07 00:15
Sinking averted: Grounded luxury yacht safely anchored in Greek island of Mykonos (videos)
28/07 00:13
Greece and Saudi Arabia ink 16 business deals in Athens on Wednesday
28/07 00:02
Bank of Greece: Higher tourism receipts in 2022 to lead to improved economic growth
27/07 23:48
Travel Market Report: Why shoulder season is the next big tourist trend
27/07 14:20
Fewer asylum seekers but more refugee arrivals up in Greece during June 2022
27/07 00:08
26/07 17:18
Greece records 136,077 new Covid-19 cases and for July 18-24
26/07 15:23
Signing of business deals between Greek and Saudi companies on Wednesday
25/07 21:15
Special climate envoy addresses meeting on 'Our Ocean - Greece 2024' in Athens
25/07 17:08
Athens metro stations to close on selected dates this summer
25/07 15:50
Authentic Marathon Swim | Swimmers from 14 countries supported North Evia
25/07 14:23
Wildfires contained on the Greek island of Lesvos and Ilia prefecture
23/07 00:43
International Air Transport Association issues statement on Dublin Airport charges
23/07 00:09
'Saristra' festival returns to the Greek island of Kefalonia on July 29-31
22/07 21:58
Four-month-old roe deer, named 'Emilios' rescued in Xanthi of Northern Greece
22/07 19:53
Media: Furor in Greece over plan invading protected environmental Natura sites
22/07 15:49
22/07 15:06
Greece's Thessaloniki Urban Transport staff continue mobilisations during August
21/07 21:53
21/07 20:50
21/07 19:40
Media report: Greece rakes in tax and tourist receipts but won’t cut food tax
21/07 18:33
Minister: Duration of Greek passports doubled from five years to ten
21/07 17:44
Greek government adopts 12 measures for fire-stricken households and firms
20/07 23:11
Cyprus Agriculture Minister welcomes win-win deal on halloumi cheese
20/07 19:26
European Union sanctions against Russia push Greece’s fur business toward end
20/07 19:22
AP: Fire subsides in Penteli but reaches people’s yards in Megara of Greece (video)
20/07 17:22
Molecular tests against COVID-19 to record possible mutation at five Greek airports
20/07 14:07
Bus routes changed due to destructive fires in Attica Region
20/07 10:34
Sick air traffic controller draws attention to shortages at smaller airports in Greece
19/07 21:02
Dozens of international celebrities choose Greece again for vacations this year (video)
19/07 19:22
Medical Tourism: Greek parliament approves assistive reproduction bill
19/07 18:21
Greece records 148,435 new Covid-19 cases between July 11-17
19/07 18:13
Organic olives and olive oil from Sparta in Greece studied by American universities
19/07 16:17
US Ambassador to Athens visits Greek village of Diplatanos Thermou
18/07 09:39
Very high risk of fire again on Monday in five Greek regions including Attica
17/07 21:48
Prime Minister: Greece and France stand united against global climate crisis
16/07 13:25
Government: Greece in 12 countries worldwide with full legal equality of women and men
16/07 13:01
IATA: Canadian government urgently needs to remove COVID-19 travel restrictions
16/07 11:34
Greek FinMin pressures banks and servicers for more private debt settlement deals
16/07 10:21
Tourist swept out to sea in Northern Greece saved by holding beachball
15/07 22:35
Village of Melabes in Rethimno of Greece evacuated as widlfire approaches
15/07 21:35
Tourism statistics inform United Nations reports on sustainable development
14/07 23:20
IATA: Premature return to pre-pandemic slot rules risks prolonged disruption
14/07 21:42
"Wolf of Wall Street" Jordan Belfort parties in Greek island of Mykonos
14/07 14:14
14/07 00:12
Thousands of olive trees donated to restore groves of Ancient Olympia in Greece
13/07 20:14
13/07 20:05
Young tourists surprised to meet Greek Prime Minister at Athens International Airport
13/07 16:51
High risk of fire forecast in five Greek regions on Thursday
13/07 14:30
13/07 11:43
OAG survey: U.S. travel demand remains strong for 2022 despite inflation
13/07 09:55
Greek Minister discusses natural gas contingency plan with US Ambassador
12/07 22:37
12/07 21:50
Greece records 13,623 new Covid-19 cases per 1 million people in July 4-10
12/07 21:00
Greek parliament approves amendment to cap profit margins in home appliances
12/07 00:20
UNWTO: Advancing safe mobility for stronger travel sector recovery
11/07 21:32
American ethnomusicologist Christopher C. King receives honorary Greek citizenship
11/07 21:15
11/07 15:19
The first Japanese park of the Greek capital of Athens opens its gates
10/07 21:28
Chinese head of OLP: Piraeus port a significant international hub in all areas of activities
10/07 19:35
Greece records 13,306 new Covid-19 cases and 28 fatalities on Sunday
10/07 18:32
Media report: “Most contagious” COVID-19 wave sweeping across Greece
10/07 16:23
AP report: On Greece’s Santorini, 13 cloistered nuns pray for Mankind
10/07 14:18
08/07 22:53
08/07 22:42
UNWTO chief: Young people must be active participants in tourism sector restart
08/07 00:24
Global air cargo buoyed by easing of Omicron restrictions in China during May
07/07 17:51
18,297 Covid-19 cases and 28 fatalities recorded in Greece infections on Thursday
07/07 15:43
Severe weather forecast issued for Friday and Saturday in parts of Greece
06/07 17:25
Culinary festival 'Taste of Athens' opens its doors on Thursday
05/07 17:29
Peace and international solidarity marked as first Global Youth Tourism Summit ends
05/07 15:47
Greek Shippping Minister urges ferry passengers to wear protective masks
05/07 14:21
Passenger traffic in Athens International Airport approaching 2019 levels in June
05/07 12:36
Conde Nast Traveller: Patmos and Lipsi an enchanting experience for tourists
04/07 17:24
Campaign for Athens metro and tram reminds passengers that masks stay mandatory
04/07 17:17
Didier Drogba connects sport and tourism in UNWTO Youth Summit mastercalss
Greek Tourism Minister: This year sector proved that is Greece's heavy industry
28 lighthouses to open for the public in Greece on August 21
Australian Embassy's spox notes strong friendship between Greece and Australia
New Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyannis visits Paris to observe city's sanitation methods
First submerged high-voltage cable to boost Green Energy use in Greece
Archbishop of Australia on pastoral visit to Adelaide on August 31
Greek Public Power Corporation's rescue package of €500 million announced
Greek Prime Minister says record tourism money can’t buffer country’s economic slide
AP report: Pilots Union announces dates for British Airways strikes
Professor Ioannis Lianos nominated for Competition Committee chief in Greece
New tender by central government for Athens and Thessaloniki bus systems
Investments on agenda of Greek and French leaders meeting on Thursday
Protection and recording of rare biodiversity of 20 archaeological sites in Greece
Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Al Thani's ultra-luxury yacht in Greek island of Skiathos
Update on proposed recapitalisation plan for Thomas Cook at £ 900 million
The secret natural wonders of Nemouta village in Southern Greece
Greece records 122,230 new Covid-19 cases and 355 fatalities on July 25-31
British Museum offers only to loan Athens Parthenon marbles to Greece
Greek Tourism Minister meets Ambassadors of Sweden and Norway
Restoration works to historic Syntagma square of Athens almost completed
Greece offers Saudi Prince royal treatment: 350 limos and Athens Acropolis tour
Research: One in 10 Brits missed out overseas holiday due to Brexit uncertainties
Greek PM receives head of US House Appropriations Committe Nita Lowey
Samos Young Artists Festival at Pythagorio Ancient Theatre on August 7-13