- USA - Travel Dates: July 4 - July 10, 2025
Red, White & Booking Fast: Where Americans Are Heading This Independence Week
Updated: June 24, 2025
What’s Fueling the Surge?
1. Drive-To Destinations & Regional Travel
With the 4th falling on a prime summer week, Americans are favoring road-trip-friendly spots within a few hours’ drive of major metros. Destinations like Zanesville, OH, Dothan, AL, and Lafayette, IN are likely to benefit from their proximity to larger cities, offering an easy escape without the high costs or crowds.
2. Value-Conscious Travel
In the face of inflation and rising airfare, travelers are turning to more affordable destinations where their dollar stretches further. Markets like Lima, OH, Topeka, KS, and Erie, PA offer low-cost accommodation and access to local events, parks, and regional attractions—perfect for family getaways on a budget.
3. Local Festivities & Events
Many of these destinations host popular Independence Day events that attract locals and regional visitors alike. For example:
- Charlottesville, VA is home to historic July 4th celebrations, including those at Monticello.
- Erie, PA draws crowds with its “Lights Over Lake Erie” waterfront fireworks.
- Biloxi-Gulfport, MS combines Gulf Coast relaxation with beachside celebrations and casino entertainment.
4. Alternative to Overcrowded Hotspots
Destinations like Baltimore, MD and Syracuse, NY are likely benefiting as alternatives to pricier, overbooked metros nearby. With strong fireworks shows and urban appeal, these cities offer an easy-to-navigate experience without compromising on festive atmosphere.
5. Access to Nature and Adventure
Some travelers are trading city lights for natural light. Fairbanks, AK is gaining interest as a summer adventure hub, offering unique celebrations under the midnight sun. Similarly, Greensboro, NC and Springfield-Holyoke, MA attract those seeking a mix of small-town charm and outdoor recreation.
Top Destinations by Y-O-Y Growth
Destination | YoY Booking Growth |
Topeka, KS | +76% |
Charlottesville, VA | +66% |
Zanesville, OH | +49% |
Springfield-Holyoke, MA | +47% |
Lafayette, LA | +40% |
Erie, PA | +37% |
Baltimore, MD | +35% |
Fairbanks, AK | +33% |
Lafayette, IN | +31% |
Dothan, AL | +28% |
Syracuse, NY | +27% |
Greensboro, NC | +25% |
Baton Rouge, LA | +24% |
West Palm Beach, FL | +24% |
Lima, OH | +24% |
Biloxi-Gulfport, MS | +24% |
Source: Adara, a RateGain Company
As we head into one of the busiest holiday weeks of the year, travelers are making intentional choices—seeking comfort, affordability, and authenticity. For destinations outside the usual top 10 lists, this is an opportunity to shine. If this trend continues, expect regional tourism to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of domestic travel.
About World on Holiday
World on Holiday is a real-time travel insights hub, powered by Adara, sharing important worldwide travel trends, as well as real-time booking and search data. This hub is powered by hundreds of first-party data sources, and are based on observed consumer activity.
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About Adara
Adara, a RateGain company, is one of the world’s largest data exchanges, providing access to ethically-sourced consumer data. With more than 270 global partners who supply aggregated, comprehensive traveler data, Adara delivers actionable insights and predictive intelligence to drive higher marketing ROI. For more information, visit https://adara.com/
About RateGain
RateGain is a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel & hospitality that works with 3200+ customers—including 26 of Top 30 Hotel Chains, 25 of 30 Top OTAs, 3 of Top 4 Airlines, & all the top car rentals including 15 Global Fortune500 companies—& 700+ partners in 100+ countries helping them accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, & wallet share expansion.