As the world's largest vacation rental search engine with over 5 million properties available in over 100,000 different locations, Tripping.com has uniquely comprehensive data on what's hot in the vacation rental industry. We put our data to work and figured out the biggest travel trends for this Labor Day weekend.
1. Summer Prices Are Up For Labor Day
The average vacation rental for Labor Day 2015 costs $377.26, and is 2.5 times the cost of a vacation rental outside of the holiday weekend.
2. Fun in the Sun: Small Towns Near the Water Hit it Big
When examining the search volume index for Labor Day weekend, the most popular locations for travel include:
Inclement weather may have stopped the beach town's Fourth of July fireworks, but Labor Day visitors will get a special treat with their rescheduled time of September 5th. It's a great way to cap off a day of late-summer sunbathing and ice cream slurping.
Cabin lovers would never want to miss a last weekend boating or swimming in placid Deep Creek Lake. The weather will still be warm, but the chill in the night air and the first tints of orange in the tree line says autumn is on its way.
The City by the Bay is hardly one to let a holiday go uncelebrated, and visitors for 2015 Labor Day can enjoy fun on Fisherman's Wharf, Billy Joel in concert, and the Sausalito Arts Festival. Whatever you choose, a San Francisco Labor Day is guaranteed to be wild, weird, and wonderful.
This idyllic New England town on the shores of Lake Hebron is perfect for a family who wants to get in some watersports or do a bit of hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Labor Day in Monson will offer pubs, antiquing, or simply sitting on the dock, enjoying the late summer sun.
Ocean City's reputation as a perfect summer getaway for families is well-earned, and Labor Day is an excellent time to experience the off-beach activities available. The holiday weekend will feature the Wings and Wheels classic car expo, the annual Arts and Crafts Fair, and for those looking to reel in the big one, the Flounder Pounder Fishing Tournament.
3. For the Best Deals, Head to the Sunshine State
The top 6 most affordable vacation rentals for Labor Day 2015 are all in Florida, listed here with average room price per night:
Davenport ($36.70)
It may be a quiet Florida town, but at only a 45 minute drive from Orlando and a little over an hour to Tampa, Davenport could be just the ticket for budget-conscious travelers who want to be close to the action. Labor Day in Davenport will comprise of the usual celebrations, and those with a real appetite are encouraged to experience the annual Big Belly Barbeque Battle.
Kissimmee ($36.84)
Families rejoice: Kissimmee offers short drives to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World at only a fraction of the cost of staying at the parks. Labor Day activities can include enjoying the parades and fireworks in the theme parks, or spending some time in nature at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Citrus Ridge ($37.05)
Citrus Ridge is another Central Florida area particularly close to Walt Disney World. Those heading into the park for Labor Day can enjoy plenty of summer parades and special events, including a Frozen Fireworks Spectacular and Sing-a-long Celebration.
Four Corners ($43.07)
Stay close to the parks or just enjoy the sunshine at this Central Florida destination. For families traveling to Universal Studios Florida, the Superstar Parade will feature all your favorite Nickelodeon animated characters, while little ones may appreciate the playful fun of Seuss Landing, where characters from the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss come to life.
Cape Coral ($45.92)
For those craving Florida beach time, the cool waters of Cape Coral will fit the bill nicely. The city is adjacent to Ft. Meyers, so visitors can enjoy both areas' Labor Day activities. Things to do include seeing beautiful colors up close at the Ft. Myers Butterfly Estates or squeezing in one last float down the lazy river at Sunsplash water park.
Orlando ($51.58)
Orlando may be the most expensive option in this list, but at only a little more than fifty dollars a night per room on average, it can still be in many vacationers' budgets. Famous for the amusement parks, this city also claims world-class shopping and dining. True adventurers should head to the Screamin' Gator Zip Line at Gatorland, which goes right over some of the alligator enclosures. Don't look down!
It's not too late to book your dream Labor Day getaway, but time is running out! Head to Tripping.com and find the perfect vacation rental for you!