The Biggest 2021 Spring Break Travel Trends for U.S. Travelers

Ready, set, travel!

With the vaccine roll-out underway (1 in 4 Californian’s have already received their shot), people are starting to look beyond their couches and are busy planning their next getaway.

However, that’s not the case worldwide. Some popular destinations like France and the U.K. are still under strict lockdowns, and the world isn’t officially open for travelers with itchy feet.

While this may seem disheartening, all hope is not lost. Americans are making the most of where they can travel, leading to some exciting spring break travel trends. But before you leave for your trip, learn how to burglar proof your windows and doors! Surely you would not want to witness any unfortunate accident when you come back home.

Here are some of the biggest Spring Break trends you’ll want to watch if you’re in the hospitality industry.

The Biggest Spring Break Travel Trends for U.S. Travelers

Wondering where U.S. travelers are going in 2021? Here are the top trends I’m predicting will disrupt the travel industry as the world slowly opens up to tourism.

Travel Trend #1: 2021 is The Year of Road Trip Travel

Without a doubt, the biggest 2021 Spring Break travel trend is road trips.

With the risk of boarding a plane and contracting Miss Rona higher, travellers have taken to the roads in droves.

Whether it’s couples, families, or solo travelers renting out R.V.s to explore the U.S. or weekend getaways, it’s one of the most popular ways to scratch the travel bug itch.

For the most part, I’ve seen people generally travelling within a 300-mile radius of where they live. These people also tend to buy cars (mostly by checking prices using websites such as Invoice-Pricing.com) to catch the roads, maybe because they wish to travel in the comfort of their own space. No wonder why there seems to be a rise in the sales of new cars, including sedans and SUVs!

It’s not just me who has seen a growing trend around road trips. Pinterest reports a 40% increase in searches around “R.V. accessories.”

What does this mean? People are on the move for Spring Break!

The great thing is, no matter where you live, there is always a vacation destination a few hours away.

Travel Trend #2: Outdoor Destinations Are Trending

If there is one thing lockdown made us all appreciate a little bit more, it’s the Great Outdoors.

Compared to 2019, there has been a massive spike in outdoor travel.

If we take a look at Pinterest’s Trend feature, we can see:

A 150% increase in searches related to national parks.
A 30% increase in searches related to hiking.
A 65% increase in searches related to surfing.

People are sick of their four walls and want to explore safely. Expect outdoor destinations to continue to be massive 2021 spring break travel trend.

According to Pinterest, some of the trending national park destinations for 2021 are:

Yellowstone National Park
Zion National Park
Utah National Park
Glacier National Park

For travel planners, take advantage of this travel trend by crafting Spring Break itineraries around the national parks and suggesting adventurous and exciting activities.

Think surfing the North Shore of Oahu, hiking to Havasu Falls in Arizona, and the Sahale Glacier Camp in the North Cascades.

Travel Trend #3: Home Rentals for The Ultimate Socially Distant Getaway

With travellers wanting to respect social distance guidelines, people are opting to rent entire homes for their getaways.

Why?

The space.

You can get resort-like amenities (private pools, saunas, even gyms!) without having to stress about bumping into other guests.

How do you find these fabulous rental homes?

Use sites like Homes and Villas by Marriott make it easy to search a curated collection of home rentals that are only a few hours away.

Marriot has a neat “Near Me” feature to help you find the option closest to your home. And, if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn and redeem points, so you may have more buying power than you think!

Some of the most popular U.S. destinations for home rentals include:

Jacksonville, Florida: Homes start at $287 per night
San Diego, California: Homes start at $253 per night
Charlotte, North Carolina: Homes start at $300 per night
Charleston, South Carolina: Homes start at $141 per night
San Antonio, Texas: Home start at $500 per night

Another tip to consider: Work with the property manager of the home to arrange for other amenities. They can often pre-stock the fridge, arrange for a chef to make food, so much more to make your trip unique to you and your family.

Travel Trend #4: Multigenerational Travel

Since lockdown, families have been separated from each other – longer than predicted.

With 65+ year-olds receiving their shots, it’s predicted multi-generational travel will boom as families reunite for the first time in over a year.

What does that mean?

People are looking to spend time together and knock off some bucket list items, especially after a year of doing nothing.

Expect to see an uptick in multi-room family vacations, destination weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and large group getaways for Spring Break.

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are rowdy at the best of times, but when this event has been long overdue, you should expect to see these groups go all out. This will especially be the case if they’ve decided to look at ideas in Gatlinburg – see website here https://www.gatlinburgbachelorparty.com/ for more information.

It is important to remember, however, that they are just there for a good time like you are. After all, this will be their last few days of freedom.

With more people on the itinerary, we’ll probably see multi-generational travellers opting for destinations closer to home like the Caribbean or Mexico.

When it comes to accommodation, it’s more economical for families to rent villas and invest in a longer stay rather than opting for hotels.

Travel Trend #5: Scenic Train Travel Around The U.S.

Yup.

Train travel is making a comeback, and I am here for it!

A few years ago, cheap flights pushed trains to the side.

But with people avoiding planes and searching for unique adventures, it’s led to an uptick in this travel trend for 2021.

This year, for Spring Break, ditch the beach and swap it for a spectacular train ride through Yellowstone National Park.

You’ll get to experience the mountains from a unique vantage point and stay in various accommodation options which meet your budget.

Amtrak Vacations is my favourite tour operator offering these scenic train trips around the U.S.!

You can explore various national parks, states, and even Canada with their sightseeing train rides.

Travel Trend #6: Workcations

If there is one positive from the pandemic, it showed the world remote work is possible.

Companies were forced to try a business model freelancers, start-ups, and digital nomads have been raving about for years.

While some people will be returning to brick and mortar offices, it doesn’t mean travel is off the table.

One of the biggest travel trends in 2021 is workcations. Hotels and resorts worldwide are offering exclusive packages to professionals who want the best of both worlds: play and work.

You’ll have access to lightning-fast internet to get your work done in the day (whether it’s in your suite or by the pool) and access to countless activities once you’ve clocked out for the day.

The best part? You don’t need to put in leave to scratch your travel itch.

Travel Trend #7: Last-Minute Trips

With vaccinations on the rise in the U.S., people are ready to get out of the house and explore!

In 2020, we lost bookings on flights and trips we had been planning for years. Dates were pushed back, and some destinations still have strict entry requirements.

The restriction on movement has sparked a spring break trend of last-minute trips. Travelers are hopping on planes and jumping into cars at the drop of a hat in case lockdown regulations change. A few airlines might even be providing affordable flights at a discount. Looking into websites that compare flight rates and itineraries could lead to finding special deals. One such website is Flight Factory, with personalized offers based on your requirements.

And, you don’t have to prebook it months before!

Gone are the days of planning a trip a full year in advance. People feel anxious it might not happen and are seizing the day while borders and states are open.

Trending Spring Break Destinations for 2021

Need a dose of travel inspiration? Here are the top spring destinations for U.S. travellers in 2021!

Kauai, Hawaii: The Best Destination for Adventures Couples

Escape the city, and fly to the island paradise of Kauai, Hawaii. It’s the ultimate romantic retreat, home to unspoilt beaches and the spectacular hiking trails of Na Pali State Park.

Vail, Colorado: The Best Getaway for Families

Swap out the hot California sun for the chilly slopes of Vail, Colorado. Attempt to conquer the 5,000 skiable acres, and warm up with a hot cup of cocoa around the fireplace after a long day on the slopes.

Yosemite National Park, California: The Best Escape for Nature Lovers

You don’t need to splurge to have an unforgettable spring break vacation. Drive up to the campsites of Yosemite, and spend a week exploring the hiking trails, picnicking beneath waterfalls, and eating your weight in smores.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: The Best Spring Break Destination for Solo Travelers

Is no one keen to go on an adventure with you? No problem! Flyy to Santa Fe and discover one of the best solo travel destinations in the U.S. The city is famous for its nearby national parks, walkable city centre, and renowned chili!

Start Planning Your Spring Break Adventure!

Need help planning an unforgettable spring break trip? As an award-winning concierge, I can help take all the stress out of curating an experience the whole family (or group of friends) will enjoy.

All you need to do is simply show up on the day of departure, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Book a travel planning session with me.