HomeToGo, the marketplace with the world's largest selection of vacation rentals, today released findings from its 2023 Summer Travel Forecast, revealing how Americans are planning their vacations for the sunny summer season.

Travelers are packing their bags, checking the weather forecast, and setting their sights on a bright summer ahead, full of relaxation and restoration. Charged up about what is typically the busiest travel season of the year, HomeToGo has gathered extensive research to uncover the trends that will define the summer of 2023. These include where travelers are finding their inspiration, where they are heading, and how they plan to spend their time and money while traveling this summer.

Executive Summer-y ☀️

• Bargain hunting, not budget cutting - Travelers are becoming more budget savvy, showing an increased appetite for travel deals and paying extra close attention on where they choose to spend their money.
• Recharging with relaxing retreats - Visiting familiar destinations, sights, and activities are on many traveler’s itineraries this year. More are choosing relaxing wellness vacations over exciting adventures, and hidden gems over iconic destinations.
• Exploring eco-friendly options - More are paying attention to the environment and social impact of their travels, but many are still uncertain of how to make the jump to traveling more sustainably.
• Film-spiration across the ages - Regardless of traveler age, blockbuster films and television series are inspiring summer travelers to visit the incredible sets and destinations they’ve seen on screen.
• Return of vacation 'Vorfreude' - After three years of planning uncertainty brought about by travel restrictions and cancellations, travelers are once again embracing vacation ‘Vorfreude’—joyful anticipation and excitement for trip planning.

With inflation and high fuel prices on many people's minds, more travelers are looking to get savvy with their budgets this summer. According to HomeToGo's survey, 9 in 10 U.S. travelers expressed an increased desire to find discounts and travel deals for this summer compared to previous years. However, people are not giving up on their travel dreams—92% of U.S. travelers see travel as a worthwhile expenditure this summer, and 85% already starting planning at least one trip.

When asked about where they are are most eager to look for savings while traveling this summer:

Affordable beach getaways for less than $100/person per night

Fantastic Destinations for Film Buffs

Here's a closer look at where many of these happily excited travelers are looking to stay this summer:

Most Searched Summer 2023 Getaways by U.S. Travelers

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Search Rank: #3

Median Nightly Prices: $93.84 per person

Ocean City, Maryland

Search Rank: #4

Median Nightly Prices: $114.68 per person

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Search Rank: #5

Median Nightly Prices: $118.05 per person

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Search Rank: #8

Median Nightly Prices: $122.40 per person

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Search Rank: #9

Median Nightly Prices: $122.94 per person

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Search Rank: #10

Median Nightly Prices: $93.21 per person

Methodology

Survey insights are based on research conducted by HomeToGo among a general population sample of 500 respondents in total. To participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 and 65 and based in the United States. The survey was conducted on 6 March 2023.

Search trends are based on a year-over-year comparison of traveler searches for vacation rentals during the summer season using HomeToGo.com with following parameters: 

Search Period 1: 21 March 2022 - 21 March 2023 with check-in dates between 21 June 2023 - 22 September 2023

Search Period 2: 21 March 2021 - 21 March 2022 with check-in dates between 21 June 2022 - 22 September 2022

Accommodation Prices are shown in USD and are based on median nightly prices per person for accommodations available through HomeToGo.com between June 21, 2023 and September 22, 2023.