Over 126 million Americans and counting have been fully vaccinated, and the CDC says fully vaccinated people can travel in the US at low risk. So with summer around the corner, many Americans are exercising their pent-up vacation demands.
AAA is projecting that travel during Memorial Day weekend — the official kick-off to the summer season — will soar 60% over 2020. And according to TripIt, 97% of their users plan to take a vacation in 2021, with over half planning to fly domestically by June.
So where should you go this summer? CNBC Make It analyzed destination surveys from a number of travel companies to see what places are trending.
To stay safe, if you’re not fully vaccinated, check destination travel restrictions and Covid numbers, consider warnings from the CDC, and take recommended precautions like social distancing and mask-wearing.
From the beach to the mountains, here are five summer vacation ideas.
This destination on the west coast of Florida not only topped trending travel lists from Hopper and Priceline, it’s also home to St. Pete Beach, which Tripadvisor named the best beach in the United States in 2021.
“St. Pete/Clearwater has over 35 miles of coastline and offers an array of outdoor activities, making it one of the most popular destinations in Florida,” says Ben Harrell, CMO at Priceline.
One of the advantages of coming here in summer is that it brings fewer crowds than the spring high season. And there’s so much to do: Kayak with mangrove manatees, go kiteboarding, stroll through the 100-year-old Sunken Gardens, explore the recently expanded Clearwater Marine Aquarium or hang out on the new St. Pete Pier.
The area has no shortage of dining options, including a standout, Crabby’s On The Pass, with the world’s longest waterfront bar. Lodging options include vacation rentals and affordable hotels like The Avalon in downtown St. Pete and the Postcard Inn, a motel-style property on St. Pete Beach.
Another thing going for St. Pete/Clearwater: low flight prices. According to Hopper, airfare here is currently averaging $229 round-trip.
Hawaii has been recognized for its strict pandemic measures and mindful approach to travel —which helped propel Maui onto summer travel lists from Allianz Partners USA and the home rental company Vacasa.
“If you want to spend some time in a tropical paradise, Maui checks that box and then some,” says Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz Partners USA.
Expect a diverse and rich terrain with rain forests, waterfalls and volcanoes. Maui is also a great place to learn how to surf and hang out with exotic fish and sea turtles on a snuba adventure. (Snuba is a snorkeling and scuba diving hybrid.)
One of the best places to base yourself is the town of Lahaina, which Vacasa called a “best bet” for summer 2021. “Lahaina is the quintessential Hawaii destination — it’s a truly magical place with rich history,” says Natalia Sutin, VP of Revenue Management at Vacasa.
An historic whaling village, Lahaina is home to a number of cultural initiatives, which can pay off. If you participate in volunteer work with a group like the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation (a hands-on project to document island history), you can get a free night at many participating hotels. Or really immerse yourself in local culture by glamping at the oceanfront Camp Olowalu and volunteer with Kipuka Olowalu, which includes a day of discovery at one of Maui’s largest cultural sites.
