Trending domestic destinations
You don’t need to leave the country to get that away-from-home feeling. Take a look at this summer’s trending domestic locations for a trip that won’t require a passport.
Where to go
#1 Trending domestic destination
Sarasota, Florida
Hacker tip
For a pre-beach activity, take a morning or early afternoon tour of the Ringling Museum – here, you’ll be able to admire gorgeous art with a view of the coast. Since many of the art exhibits are outside, going early on is a good way to beat the Florida heat. Then, make your way to Siesta Key Beach for a dip in the clear blue surf.
Median flight price by month*
May
$377
June
$331
July
$331
August
$305
September
$295
Median hotel price by month*
May
$289 / night
June
$285 / night
July
$277 / night
August
$256 / night
September
$256 / night
Median rental car price by month*
May
$84 / day
June
$83 / day
July
$94 / day
August
$87 / day
September
$88 / day
Best day to fly? Wednesday.
Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly domestically – flights are on average 13% cheaper.**
Best day to fly? Wednesday.
Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly domestically – flights are on average 13% cheaper.**
#2 Trending domestic destination
Bozeman, Montana
Hacker tip
Though Bozeman is known for being a winter destination, there’s quite a lot to do here during the warmer seasons. If you’re seeking a water activity, we’d recommend trying a rafting excursion. Opt for white water rafting for something fast-paced or simply grab an innertube to go for a leisurely float down the Madison River.
Median flight price by month*
May
$603
June
$558
July
$548
August
$462
September
$456
Median hotel price by month*
May
$231 / night
June
$284 / night
July
$317 / night
August
$296 / night
Median rental car price by month*
May
$131 / day
June
$148 / day
July
$175 / day
August
$168 / day
September
$150 / day
#3 Trending domestic destination
Knoxville, Tennessee
Hacker tip
Going for a hike in the Smoky Mountains is a right of passage when visiting Knoxville in the summer. There’s a variety of trails and plenty of nature to admire along the way. Plus, you can cool off after your hike with a swim at Mead’s Quarry Lake or rent a kayak for a refreshing paddle from the Ijams’ River Landing.
Median flight price by month*
May
$428
June
$388
July
$381
August
$331
September
$357
Median hotel price by month*
May
$206 / night
June
$179 / night
July
$164 / night
August
$156 / night
September
$254 / night
Median rental car price by month*
May
$101 / day
June
$99 / day
July
$112 / day
August
$100 / day
September
$96 / day
Take off on the later side.
Not super late, though. Domestic flights taking off between 10am and 10pm are 12% less expensive.**
Take off on the later side.
Not super late, though. Domestic flights taking off between 10am and 10pm are 12% less expensive.**
#4 Trending domestic destination
Panama City, Florida
Hacker tip
Wine? On vacation? Obviously. No one in Panama City Beach does it quite like – you guessed it – Panama City Beach Winery. If the heat is too much for a beach day, make your way to this local winery for an afternoon tasting. Here, all the wines are made from 100% Florida fruit and you can sample anything from king kiwi to key lime.
Median flight price by month*
May
$518
June
$483
July
$460
August
$420
September
$407
Median hotel price by month*
May
$286 / night
June
$317 / night
July
$374 / night
August
$248 / night
September
$332 / night
Median rental car price by month*
May
$108 / day
June
$112 / day
July
$128 / day
August
$117 / day
September
$97 / day
Book a month and a half out.
Plan to book your flights about six weeks before your trip in order to save some money.**
Book a month and a half out.
Plan to book your flights about six weeks before your trip in order to save some money.**
#5 Trending domestic destination
Asheville, North Carolina
Hacker tip
Asheville is an up-and-coming summer destination on the East Coast. This eclectic town is filled with funky shops, understated boutiques and many local breweries. The Biltmore Estate and Wicked Weed Brew Pub are two spots that you cannot miss – just rent a car during your trip to take the guesswork out of getting around.
Median flight price by month*
May
$399
June
$368
July
$344
August
$336
September
$319
Median hotel price by month*
May
$281 / night
June
$282 / night
July
$299 / night
August
$274 / night
September
$300 / night
Median rental car price by month*
May
$109 / day
June
$116 / day
July
$121 / day
August
$104 / day
September
$126 / day
Looking to travel far this summer?
Check out our international destinations
Looking to travel far this summer?
Check out our international destinations
*Median prices for airfare, hotel rates and car rental rates were determined using searches from 1/1/22 – 3/27/22 for travel between 5/26/22 – 9/6/22. For flight prices, KAYAK considered roundtrip, economy flight searches originating from the US and excluded price outliers based on certain criteria.
**KAYAK considered searches from 1/1/22 – 3/27/22 for travel between 5/26/22 – 9/6/22. To compare year over year, we considered searches from 1/1/21 – 3/27/21 for travel between 5/26/21 – 9/6/21.