More than half of Americans (53%) are planning on traveling this spring (March 1-May 31), with more than a third (39%) planning on taking two or more trips, according to Tripadvisor’s Spring Travel Index. This is up significantly from the 35% who reported traveling this winter (Dec.1-Feb. 28).
Tripadvisor’s Spring Travel Index used a combination of search and sentiment data to reveal what is hot this spring, and where. After a slower winter with new variants curbing many vacation plans, travel is in full bloom this spring.
On top of more travelers, travelers are also planning to splash more cash. Of Americans who traveled last spring and plan to do so again, 51% plan to spend more than they did in 2021, including 23% planning to spend “significantly more.” In fact, Tripadvisor site data shows that the average spend per booking for U.S. travelers this spring is up 87% year-over-year (YOY).
Tripadvisor search data shows that the most popular travel dates for Americans this spring are March 31, March 11 and March 12, respectively.
Where are they headed?
Although domestic travel is still most common for Americans, as 77% say they’ll travel within the U.S. between March and May this year, interest in travel internationally is bouncing back in a big way. Nearly a quarter of Americans (23%) plan to travel internationally this spring. In fact, seven of the top 10 fastest growing destinations this spring (based on places with the greatest YOY growth) are outside the U.S. It’s the iconic European cities of Paris, London and Rome that make up the top three trending international destinations for travel this spring.
In the U.S., destinations in Hawaii are seeing the greatest growth YOY, likely a result of the state recently relaxing its travel restrictions. As for what destination may welcome the most visitors overall this spring, it’s Orlando, a perennial popular spring travel destination for families on vacation. Meanwhile, Cancun, Mexico, is the most popular international destination Americans are planning to visit this spring.
The 10 most popular spring travel destinations are Orlando; Las Vegas; Cancun, Mexico; Key West, FL; Miami Beach; New York; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Nashville; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and Honolulu (pictured above).
The 10 fastest-growing spring travel destinations (based on YOY growth) are Honolulu; Paris; Lahaina, HI; London; Rome; Wailea, HI; Barcelona; Lisbon, Portugal; Amsterdam; and Venice, Italy.
Top spring travel activities
Unsurprisingly, given the toll of the pandemic over the past two years, Americans cited rest and relaxation as the most popular purpose for their trips this spring (51%). This is followed closely by escaping day-to-day life (49%) and visiting family and friends (44%).
Nearly half (45%) of Americans said that they’re looking to experience something new and unique on their next trip. The top five trending experiences categories Americans are booking for spring 2022 include a mix of cultural activities and adventure: 4WD, ATV & off-road tours, day trips, cultural tours, snorkeling and wine tasting & winery tours.
