Are you ready for the hottest travel period of the year? The travel experts at Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo share data and tips that travelers need as we head into summer travel.

What you’ll find in this Summer Travel Update includes:

1. It’s going to be busy. What do you get when you combine pilot strikes and record numbers of travelers? Read on for Expedia’s tips on navigating summer airport chaos below.
2. Sticker shock. Airfare is up compared to last summer, and flights to European destinations are especially pricey. Meanwhile, average hotel daily rates are pretty flat year-over-year and car rental rates are down. But will roadtrips make a comeback?
3. Hot destinations. Searches are skyrocketing for cities near and far, including Kyoto (Japan) and Messina (Sicily).
4. Affordable and available. We promise there are still some good options.

Expedia Summer Travel Update
According to the latest Expedia flight data, searches for summer getaways are currently up more than 10% compared to last year. Here’s where travelers are headed, and what they can expect.

Tokyo

Hot Destinations

• ‘The White Lotus’ sparks set-jetting to Sicily: Expedia flight searches to Messina (+335%) and Palermo (180%) are up triple digits for summer.
• Asia Pacific continues to rebound: Searches are up for Kyoto (290%), Osaka (+190%), Tokyo (+195%), Auckland (+240%)
• Top U.S. destinations: New York, Los Angeles, Orlando
• Top-booked INTL destinations: Cancun, London, San Juan

Airfare Outlook

• Airfare is up compared to last summer, and where travelers are seeing the most sticker shock is for flights to European destinations. The cheapest (average ticket price under $1,000) European destinations are Barcelona, Lisbon, Reykjavik and Amsterdam.
• Domestic airfare deals: (destinations showing lower-than-average ticket prices compared to last summer)

o   Orange County

o   Fort Myers

o   San Antonio

o   Orlando

o   Las Vegas

Navigating “Sold Out Summer” Travel Chaos:

With talk of pilot strikes and busy airports looming, here’s how travelers can prepare for smooth travels:

• Book direct, depart in the AM: Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks report found that flights that leave prior to 3pm are 50% less likely to be cancelled, so take the early flight. Flying direct also reduces the chance of disruptions.
• Pack light: Millions of bags are mishandled every year – avoid the headache and carry-on.
• Tackle delays/cancellations like a pro: Download your travel apps so you can make changes to your booking, receive flight delay notifications, and so have all your itinerary details at your fingertips. If delayed, be sure to notify your car rental agency so you don’t miss your pick-up window.

Planning Help

• ChatGPT travel assistant to the rescue. According to Expedia’s recent 2023 Vacation Deprivation report, nearly three-quarters of travelers find the planning process incredibly stressful. Whether you’re at the idea stage or putting the finishing touches on your trip, the ChatGPT travel assistant in the Expedia app makes planning fun again. Just ask a question and it’ll serve up personalized recommendations and info – and save it all to your Trips so you can revisit it later.

Nashville

Vrbo Summer

• According to Vrbo, less than 40% of vacation homes are still available in some of the most popular summer VR destinations, including Outer Banks, North Carolina; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Miramar Beach, Florida.
• City breaks are hot right now with places like San Diego, Seattle and Nashville offer incredible private homes in the middle of all the action.
• Top tip – Book in advance: Private vacation homes book up earlier than hotels. Make your reservation early for the best selection. And stay safe – always book through a trusted travel app. Vrbo’s Book with Confidence Guarantee includes payment protection against fraudulent listings and round-the-clock customer service.

Hotels Summer Outlook

• Get your passports ready! Searches for international hotels up by more than 300% on Hotels.com app compared to last year.
• Domestic travel is also heating up. Hotels.com reports a 240% increase in searches for summer stays in the US.
• And there’s good news for travelers looking to save. Hotels.com data shows that summer lodging prices are about 15% cheaper in the US than abroad this year. The following destinations are some of the most affordable to book (average $150/night or less) within just a few weeks or less on the Hotels.com app.

o   Little Rock, Arkansas

o   Greenville, South Carolina

o   Chattanooga, Tennessee

o   Las Vegas, Nevada

o   Birmingham, Alabama

o   Twin Cities, Minnesota