Labor Day to continue US travel streak after 4 July weekend

US: Short-term rental management platform Guesty has outlined its latest travel data, with the Fourth of July weekend outperforming pre-Covid numbers and the upcoming Labor Day weekend [6 September] looking set to continue the strong streak in advance bookings.

According to Guesty, US short-term rental bookings for the Fourth of July weekend netted out strong, illustrating that 2021 travel continues to be a top priority for consumers.

• Reservation volume across the US for 4 July weekend was up 44 per cent compared to 2020 and up 32 per cent compared to pre-Covid 2019 volume.
• Stays came at higher prices. Travellers paid an average of 38 per cent more this 4 July weekend compared to 2020 prices and 24 per cent more compared to 2019.
• The average nightly rate for 2021 was $277 per night, compared to $200 per night in 2020 and $225 per night in 2019.

Meanwhile, Labor Day weekend reservation volume is 100 per cent higher compared to the bookings seen in 2020 and a 35 per cent increase from pre-Covid 2019.

• Prices are also outperforming 4 July weekend. The average nightly rate this year for Labor Day weekend is already $362 per night, a 23 per cent increase from 2020 pricing and 33 per cent increase compared to pre-Covid 2019 rates.
• Average trip length for this summer holiday weekend has decreased by half a day to about 3.5 days on average per trip compared to last year’s four days on average per trip. This is positive news as shorter stays [such as long weekends] signal that travellers no longer feel the need to shelter in place for longer periods of time.

In anticipation for the rest of the holiday season, Guesty is providing the following tips for travellers eager to get away this summer:

Act now: With pent up demand for travel, many are booking in advance. Last-minute deals are a thing of the past – at least in 2021. Reserve now before there is little inventory and before prices skyrocket further. In fact, US summer reservation volume [July through September 2021] is 270 per cent higher than 2020 and 80 per cent higher than 2019, pre-Covid, with the volume of reservations risking week over week.

Budget more: US travellers will pay on average 30 per cent more per night this summer compared to 2020 and 28 per cent more compared to pre-pandemic 2019 prices. Book your trip in advance to lock in lower rates, and seek out flexible cancellation policies in case you need to nix your stay closer to the reservation dates.

Be flexible: Consider holiday cottages / private rentals over traditional hotel stays. Vacation rentals on Airbnb and other booking channels can be more remote in nature, enable you to avoid crowds, and have amenities including full kitchens, backyards, comfortable working from home [WFH] setups and more. This is ideal for families with unvaccinated children who want to avoid crowded common areas like hotel lobbies.