Expedia’s Top 2021 Destinations for Island Escapists and Urban Returners

First we rounded up travel trends and predictions for 2021 with help from Pinterest, Forbes and a few other trusted sources, and now we’re rounding up trending 2021 destinations and tips from Expedia’s latest report.

While staycations and road trips remain popular trends for 2021 as travelers continue to navigate traveling during COVID-19, Expedia’s search data in The Next Big Trip: Top-Searched Destinations for 2021 and Beyond section shows bucket list, top-notch trips are taking the lead. It seems as if vacation-deprived Americans fall into one of two categories: an island escapist or an urban returner.

1. Cancun

Cancun is home to hundreds of hotels outlining its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal blue water in the hotel zone. The destination is well known for its Mayan ruins, top-notch hotels and resorts and water activities and adventures, attracting nearly four million visitors every year. This Mexican hot spot has everything you’re looking for to live unique experiences. Cancun is the most-shopped destination on VAX for 2021 travel and the most-common length of stay shopped on VAX for Cancun is seven nights, with five nights a close second. You can book the following hotels on VAX for your clients and they’re sure to feel relaxed, pampered and at peace in renowned Mexican hospitality:

• Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort is a AAA Four Diamond award-winning, adults-only, all-suite resort perfect for an island escapist’s romantic getaway. It’s located 35 minutes north of Cancun International Airport (CUN) and only 10 minutes away from downtown Cancun.
• Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort is a brand new, contemporary family resort in the exclusive gated community of Puerta del Mar. Each room or suite features breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea or nearby Isla Mujeres. This must-stay resort features a world-class Dreams Spa by Pevonia, and the chance to explore an exclusive rooftop pool, two surf pools, fitness center and more for the entire family.

2. Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum

The Riviera Maya coastline stretches from southern Cancun to the north, down south to ancient Mayan Ruins in Tulum, and in the center of the Caribbean coastline in Playa del Carmen. Ancient archeological ruins in Tulum, eco-tourism parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha, and smaller villages and resorts spread along less-crowded beaches are popular attractions for visitors to this region. Like Cancun, seven nights is the most-shopped length of stay on VAX, followed by five nights. The region’s newest tropical getaway is bookable on VAX:

• Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun is newly renovated with minimalist architecture and décor both in and outdoors. This hotel is filled with brand-new amenities – there is a brand-new water park, a brand-new sparkling indoor and outdoor wedding space facing the Caribbean Sea, and a brand-new gym located in front of the main pool. Choose from beachfront swim-out suites, family suites with connecting rooms and master suite room categories. This tropical hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from Cancun International Airport (CUN) and just 2 miles from Puerto Morelos Town.

3. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a city built on adult freedom that provides low-cost luxury to all. Las Vegas Boulevard, the famous five-mile strip, is home to over 500 restaurants; 50 nightclubs and bars; 25 spas; 30 shows and attractions; and more. Don’t forget about the replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Roman Colosseum and Egyptian pyramids. It’s safe to say Sin City is unlike any other city in the world, perfect for urban returners. Agents on VAX shop for short stays for Vegas, with the most-shopped length of stay being three nights, followed by four and then two. For travelers looking for the ultimate Vegas vacation, this hotel offers just that and can be booked on VAX:

• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. This luxury resort offers elegant 65- to 720-square-foot suites that are almost double the size of average Vegas hotel rooms. Plus, this resort also features exquisite restaurants, world-class entertainment, shopping and Canyon Ranch Spa + Fitness – a full-service spa offering amazing massages, rejuvenating body treatments, a hair and nail salon and health club. Literally on top of it all, the rooftop five-acre pool and garden deck is where guests can experience spa tubs, cabanas and a 120,000-square-foot casino and poker room.

4. Orlando

Orlando is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular family vacation hot spots in the U.S. It’s also home to the epicenter of amusement parks and a sprawling suburban landscape. From cultural attractions like museums, sporting events and parks to restaurants, theaters and bars, perfect for every type of family vacation style. And because there’s so much to do in Orlando, it makes sense that the most common length of stay shopped on VAX is four nights, with five nights a close second. Book the following hotel with VAX for the five-star experience:

• Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is inspired by the famous seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Urban returners travelling here will experience the beauty, charm and romance in every room and suite waiting to welcome you. Outdoor cafes, three amazing pools and a soothing spa offer every level of relaxation and authentic taste. This is truly la dolce vita – the sweet life.

5. Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the leisure lover’s ultimate getaway, especially for those travelers that desire adventure and relaxation all at once for all levels of thrill seekers. Located in the Dominican Republic, the eastern region is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Many all-inclusive resorts and boutique hideaways from the northern tip at Uvero Alto the southern at Cap Cana, modern beachfront living is waiting for every island escapist. Travel agents on VAX most-shopped length of stay for Punta Cana is seven nights, perhaps showing that travelers want to have time to take it all in when visiting the DR.

• Now Onyx Punta Cana is the place to be for guests looking for a lavish, limitless experience. There are endless land and see activities, fun and entertainment for every age; from an Explorer’s Club for Kids and Core Zone Teens Club to big screen movies on the white-sand beach and nightly live entertainment at the open-air theater. Plus, endless options of gourmet a la carte dining and top-shelf drinks are just a few available options at the neighboring Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa.

Tell us what your favorite trends from Expedia’s report you’re most looking forward to in the comments below!