Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook predicts the week before July 4 will be the busiest and most expensive time to travel this summer, with the highest ticket prices on the Friday before the holiday. Here’s what travelers need to know to navigate the holiday weekend like a pro:

• Book Now: Save 15% on flights by booking 21–60 days in advance. The window to save on July 4th travel closes around June 13.
• Avoid flying on Saturday, June 29: This is the busiest travel day ahead of the Fourth of July.
• Travel Monday or Tuesday when flying for the best airfare and lightest crowds at the airport. Traveling on the holiday itself can also be cheaper and less crowded.
• Depart Wednesday morning if you plan to drive to avoid holiday traffic. Avoid hitting the road on Sunday, July 7, when most people are returning home.

Independence Day Stays
New York, Los Angeles, Cancun, Orlando and Las Vegas are this summer’s hottest destinations based on Expedia flight bookings. Some of the top-searched destinations are Amsterdam (+110%), Tulum (+80%) and Tokyo (+50%).

For those looking to travel to these trending Fourth of July destinations, check out these great stays still available to book that weekend:

Hotels.com

Arlo Williamsburg

• The Arlo Williamsburg, in Brooklyn, New York, offers a clear view of the city’s famed annual fireworks show. Guests can enjoy the fireworks on the rooftop terrace, or take a dip in the outdoor pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
• The Prospect Hollywood, in Los Angeles, California, where guests can enjoy the outdoor pool or take a 5-minute drive to the Hollywood Bowl’s annual fireworks-filled summer bash with Harry Connick, Jr. and backed by the LA Phil.
  

  Castle Hotel

• The Castle Hotel, an Autograph Collection, in Orlando, Florida, is a quick drive to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. This Fourth of July, guests can enjoy the nightly fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT with added patriotic magic.

Vrbo 

• Sunset on Gardiners Bay in East Hampton, NY, is a waterside home featuring an infinity pool and two large decks. Guests can also enjoy access to the private bay beach with lifeguards and picnic areas, a playground and Bocce court.
  

  The 908 Bungalow

• The 1908 Bungalow in Venice Beach, CA, is located on a “walk street” steps away from the beach, the Venice Canals, and within walking distance to Abbot Kinney restaurants and shops. The property includes an outdoor shower, private garden, barbecue, four bicycles, a steam shower and an amazing bathtub.
• Boho Vacation Home in Kissimmee, FL, is fitting with five spacious bedrooms, perfect for a big group or family. Travelers can enjoy a private swimming pool, vibrant living area, and access to amazing resort amenities. This home is also just 10 minutes from Disney World.

Paris Stays for Last-Minute Olympic Getaways
According to Hotels.com, about 30% of hotel rooms are still available in Paris to book during the Olympics. Check out these great hotels and Vrbo rentals still available during this year’s games:

Hotels.com

9Confidentiel

9Confidentiel, Hôtel Baume, Hotel Rochester Champs Elysées, Victoria Palace Hotel Paris, Quinzerie Hotel

Vrbo

Left Bank Apartment, Quiet And Airy Luxury Studio In The Upper Marais, Wooden Beams duplex , Charming apartment Le Marais/ Place des Vosge, Quiet 2BR/1BA in Le Marais with character, Modern Bright Apartment, Luxurious on the Champ de Mars, A Stunning 2-BR/2BA in Reuilly-Diderot

Americans are the Most Vacation Deprived 

Expedia’s 24th annual Vacation Deprivation Report, which launches June 20, reveals that Americans receive the fewest days off globally. Request an early look at the report and find out why U.S. workers aren’t taking their time off and what they can learn from Japan, France and other places around the world where vacation is non-negotiable.

Save 25% or More on Hotels
Expedia and Hotels.com’s Summer Sale starts June 20, and One Key™ members can save up to 25% or more on thousands of hotels, such as:

• Pendry West Hollywood (Los Angeles)
• Silverado Resort Napa
  

  Kyoto Brighton Hotel

• Kyoto Brighton Hotel (Kyoto)
• Casa Velas Adults Only All Inclusive (Puerto Vallarta)
• The Oasis at Grace Bay (Turks and Caicos)
• Hotel Nikko (San Francisco)
• ParkRoyal Darling Harbour (Sydney)
• Mercure Bordeaux Château Chartrons (Nice)
• Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver
• The Ned (London)
• Viceroy Chicago

10 Most Maximalist Hotels 
This summer’s fashion is all about more. More colors, more patterns and more vibrance. Maximalism is taking over this summer, and that extends to vacation stays as well. With bold colors and patterns and whimsical decor, these hotels embrace the idea that a hotel is more than a vanilla place to stay the night.

Proper Hotel

Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels (Los Angeles, CA); The Prospect Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA); The Ryder Hotel (Charleston, SC); the goodtime hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Miami, FL); The Pontchartrain Hotel (New Orleans, LA); Hotel Saint Vincent (New Orleans, LA); Lafayette Hotel & Club (San Diego, CA); citizenM Austin Downtown (Austin, TX); Hotel Genevieve (Louisville, KY); Ulysses (Baltimore, MD)

Hot Summer Homes for a Hot Girl Summer
To help make the most out of summer ’24, Vrbo’s got you covered with a list of exclusive vacation rentals where the vibes are immaculate. These homes provide the ultimate backdrop for your summer content, from poolside pics with your summer essentials to capturing the best tennis-core photos for your feed. Here’s a look at some of the stunning properties that set Vrbo apart:

• Redfish Cove – Galveston, TX
• Canal Home – Galveston, TX
• Cape May Cove – Cape May, NJ
  

  The Preserve

• The Preserve – Bethany Beach, DE
• Bethany Dunes Home – Bethany Beach, DE
• Exceptional Beach Home – Miramar Beach, FL
• Sweet Traditions Cabin – Pigeon Forge, TN