Vacasa’s 2020 holiday travel trends & destination best bets

Published November 2020

Are people traveling for the holidays this year? What are our safest options? And where can we still book a vacation rental? We have answers to all that, and more.

It’s hard to imagine the holidays without the festivities that typically mark our calendars or the large gatherings that may not be possible this year. So what are people planning? With the season fast approaching, time is winding down to make decisions on whether or not to safely travel, how to celebrate, and if that includes or forgoes family traditions.

We teamed up with Allison+Partners and surveyed more than a thousand Americans above the age of 18 to get insight into what’s in store for the 2020 holiday travel season. And for the 2 in 5 who plan to pack up and head to a vacation destination, we have a few getaway ideas that still have availability and offer socially distanced activities for both snowy and sunny celebrations. Just remember to review current CDC recommendations, which offer best practices and list road trips, preparing your own meals, and staying in vacation rentals with your household among the lower-risk travel options. Here’s to a safe and happy holiday.

Let’s start with the facts . . .

man unloading his trunk after he arrived at his vacation rental

‘Tis the season to road trip

On average, most U.S. consumers—or 43% of those surveyed—will be traveling for 4–6 hours to get to their holiday destination, with more than three quarters planning to travel by car.
While more than half of U.S. consumers plan to travel to their hometown for the holidays (or that of a significant other or a friend), 2 in 5 plan to travel to a vacation destination.
More than 80% of those traveling over the holidays plan to meet family and/or friends at their destination.
Waterfront destinations reign supreme even in winter, with more than 45% of those vacationing looking for a beach house or condo rental over the holidays, and 34% seeking lake or waterfront accommodations.

group of four friends hang out in living area of vacation cabin

Craving the gift of quality time

Consumers’ top reasons for traveling for the holidays this year are: to spend quality time with friends and family (52%); rest and relaxation (38%); and to have an adventure or discover a new place (29%). A quarter say their biggest motivator is that they have been unable to see their family and friends recently due to the pandemic.
If there is a COVID-19 spike in or near the area they are traveling to for the holidays, nearly three quarters of people say they will change their travel plans. Only 14% say they will keep plans as is, even if a spike occurs.

chef gabriel's family dishes up their holiday inspired meal

Keeping holiday spirits bright

Many Americans’ holiday spirit seems to have stayed strong, despite the disruption caused by the coronavirus this year: 66% say they will definitely be decorating for the holidays, and 56% say that they’ll even be giving more gifts this year compared to the 2019 holidays.
While almost 40% of U.S. consumers have had to adjust their holiday traditions due to COVID-19, 35% say that the holidays are more important now than ever.

Popular destinations you can still book for the 2020 holiday season

If you’re looking for a destination that will imbue your winter with a dash of holiday spirit, we have nine spots to put on your radar. We used Vacasa data to evaluate occupancy of our U.S. markets during Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve. Then, rather than point you toward the highest-occupancy destinations where Vacasa vacation rentals may be hard to come by, we had our travel experts curate this list of popular locations where you’re likely to find availability over the holidays.

Vail, Colorado

Featured Vacasa home: East Vail Escape

With international travel limited this year, Vail is your domestic answer to a European holiday. The mountain air and glamour of this resort community will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Alps, as you stroll the cobblestone streets or sip an après-ski beverage. Vail’s ski resorts are bar none and a few of them are already taking reservations, but there are an abundance of other activities if snow biking or simply a spa day is more your speed.

View all our vacation rentals in Vail >

Winter Cabin Travel Trends and Destinations

Black Butte, Oregon

Featured Vacasa home: Aspen Lodge

The picturesque resort community of Black Butte is nestled below the sun-soaked and snow-dusted peaks of Central Oregon. There are miles of trails within Deschutes National Forest to snowshoe between the Ponderosa pines, or you’re also within an easy drive of the popular city of Bend, where the Old Mill District comes alive with menorah lightings and Santa sightings.

View all our vacation rentals in Black Butte >

big sky, mt vacation home with large stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows

Big Sky, Montana

Featured Vacasa home: Moose Meadows Lodge

If you’re seeking a mountain adventure for the holidays, Big Sky and Southwest Montana offer a winter wonderland of recreation options, from downhill and Nordic skiing to dog sledding. Big Sky Resort has more than two acres of terrain, making it easier to adhere to new safety protocols, and some of the best snowfall in the Rockies with 400+ inches annually. You remembered to ask Santa for new skis, right?

View all our cabin rentals in Big Sky >

Lahaina, Hawaii

Featured Vacasa home: Honua Kai - Hokulani 829

To the relief of many, Hawaii has reopened for tourism with travel safety protocols in place. If you’ve dreamed of spending your winter break lounging on the sunny beaches of Maui, please proceed. Located in the island’s largest town, our Lahaina condos give the gift of beach access and signature sunset views. And when you’re tired of swimming in the Pacific Ocean (if that’s possible), spend the rest of your trip touring the area’s epic waterfalls and hiking in Haleakalā National Park.

View all our vacation rentals in Lahaina >

The hot tub at a vacation rental overlooking the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Featured Vacasa home: The Preserve Resort: Big Sky

It’s tough to beat the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains that comes with a visit to Pigeon Forge. But aside from the unbeatable natural beauty, the town also serves up an impressive amount of holiday sparkle. Starting November 7, guests can purchase advance tickets to Dollywood’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas, where the theme park decks its halls and shines bright with more than 5 million twinkling lights.

View all our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge >

mammoth lakes vacation home with big comfy couch and large flat screen

Mammoth Lakes, California

Featured Vacasa home: Timbers 1003

With flights into Mammoth Yosemite Airport resuming this winter, the crystal clear lakes and mountains of Mammoth Lakes are ideal for a holiday getaway of any length. You’ll want to pack your thermals when visiting the alpine community, because whether you’re taking a snowcat tour or speeding down the tube park, the powder is sure to be your playground. And if you’re out for altitude, Mammoth Mountain is California's highest lift-served peak at 11,053 feet.

View all our vacation rentals in Mammoth Lakes >

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Featured Vacasa home: Cooper’s Run

Tucked in the northeastern corner of Maryland, Deep Creek Lake offers the best of both winter worlds: lakefront views and mountain access. The serene setting is the perfect place to escape the typical buzz of festivities in favor of a more remote celebration. One event not to miss, though, is the annual Boxing Day Cookie Tromp Snowshoe on December 26, which includes a guided hike to Swallow Falls and—as the name suggests—cookies and hot cocoa.

View all our lake house rentals in Deep Creek Lake >

Crystal Beach, Texas

Featured Vacasa home: Cake by the Ocean at Seagrass

This small beach community, along the Gulf Coast of Texas, is just a short (and free!) water taxi ride from Galveston, where you’ll find annual traditions like Dickens in the Squares—reconfigured this year for social distancing—as part of the Galveston Bay Holiday. Prefer to keep it low-key? Not a problem. Stick to the sandy shores of Crystal Beach and watch the ships cruise by, often bedecked in holiday lights.

View all our beach rentals in Crystal Beach >

Kissimmee, Florida

Featured Vacasa home: Pelican Cove

Fewer crowds may just be the perfect excuse to spend the holidays in sunny Central Florida. Because, honestly, who brings the magic like Disney? Located less than 30 minutes from the world-famous theme park and dotted with fairways, this town provides a quaint and jolly home base so you can frolic and play the Kissimmee way.

View all our vacation home rentals in Kissimmee >