Family travel and long-term stays trend across the US this Independence Day

Key Takeaways

  • From February to March, searches for stays over July 4th increased by nearly 50 percent.
  • Last year’s Independence Day yielded the biggest payout for US Hosts in 2021 compared to other holiday weekends, a major moment for Hosts to earn.

Key Takeaways

  • From February to March, searches for stays over July 4th increased by nearly 50 percent.
  • Last year’s Independence Day yielded the biggest payout for US Hosts in 2021 compared to other holiday weekends, a major moment for Hosts to earn.

The Fourth of July is nearly upon us – and as we look ahead to the holiday, many will be taking advantage of the end of the school year and the long weekend to reconnect with family in a new place, or even extend their travel to live and work from a home away from home. From February to March, searches for stays over July 4th increased by nearly 50 percent, with guests looking to lounge poolside or even take part in one of the big birthday blowout events hosted by destinations nationwide. 

Here’s how Americans are planning to mark this Independence Day – and how everyday Hosts from sea to shining sea can earn big by welcoming guests traveling for the holiday.

Hosts stand to earn this Fourth of July

The Fourth of July weekend has long been a major opportunity for Hosts to earn extra income by welcoming guests: Since 2013, online search interest in Airbnb has peaked every July, reflecting consumer demand for stays. In turn, the holiday yielded the biggest payout for US Hosts in 2021, far outpacing other three-day holiday weekends – with Hosts nationwide earning more than $410 million, and a typical Host bringing in nearly $1,000 in one weekend.

As the income from hosting proves to be an essential way for US families to make ends meet at this time, some may even be planning to begin their hosting journey this holiday. For anyone now interested in hosting for the Fourth themselves, there is still time: New listings that were activated and booked in Q1 2022 are getting booked faster compared to a year ago. Those interested in getting started can visit airbnb.com/host.

Holiday travel leads to living on Airbnb

With long-term stays at an all-time high globally – more than doubling in size from Q1 2019 – guests are not only traveling for this July 4th weekend, but also extending their trip, taking advantage of the new flexibility created by remote and hybrid work to live on Airbnb. Holiday travelers are searching for amenities for living, with pools, Wifi, kitchens, free parking and washers all making up the top five most searched filters.

And along with staying for longer, we are continuing to see guests spreading out to thousands of places for the holiday. Over Independence Day alone, more than 13,000 destinations nationwide will welcome Airbnb guests, ranging from natural retreats to cities and towns that will host iconic annual celebrations. The top destinations with the most nights booked over the holiday weekend include:

  • Orlando, Florida
  • New York, New York
  • Los Angeles, California
  • South Florida Gulf Coast
  • San Diego, California
  • Central Florida Gulf Coast
  • Seattle, Washington
  • North Carolina Coast
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • North Carolina Mountains

Families hit the road for the holiday as well

With school out for summer, many families may be kicking off their summer vacation plans with the Fourth of July. Continuing a trend that began this spring, family bookings over the holiday weekend are up by more than 50 percent compared to the same period in 2019. 

Discover Historical Homes this July 4th

Airbnb has introduced a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories, making it easy to discover millions of unique homes you never knew existed in places you may have never known to exist – including Historical Homes. If you are looking for places to stay steeped in American heritage for the Fourth and beyond, search no further.

The Captains Cottage (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Tower House Inn King Suite (Eureka Springs, Arkansas)
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