Vacation rentals are still reaping the benefits of their success from pandemic travel, with the demand for short-term rentals on the rise, despite the looming colder temperatures. According to data from HomeToGo, a marketplace for vacation rentals, it has seen a 28% annual increase in rental searches by U.S. travelers for fall vacations.
The vacation rental company also conducted a survey and found more than one-third of their U.S. respondents are planning overnight travel during Thanksgiving and are gravitating towards peaceful coastal towns, mountain villages, and laid-back cultural gems.
“Instead of having a family feast in their homes, many are opting to celebrate in the comforts of a getaway in a vacation rental,” said Caroline Burns, travel expert and Director of PR at HomeToGo, in an email to Travel Off Path.
HomeToGo crunched its data of thousands of vacation rentals and discovered that the below five U.S. destinations have more than doubled in searches for the Thanksgiving period. Conveniently, they all fall under $250 a night on the website and still have plenty of availability.
Killington, Vermont
Situated in the Green Mountains in central Vermont, this ski town has the largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America. The snow season officially kicks off as early as November 11, and you won’t be disappointed by the slopes, which have some of the best views of the Northeast.
Spend a day skiing the historic Pico Mountain and follow it with some live music at the Wobbly Barn. This adventure capital also offers stunning hikes along the Appalachian Trail and converts into a mountain biking wonderland when the season changes. The average price per night is $239.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
This quiet beach town boasts the perfect coastline for surf fishing or cast your reel on a private charter in the deep sea. Wander around town and view the local-painted murals celebrating the island’s culture and enjoy a craft brew in a beer garden.
The town is also known for some excellent bird watching, especially at Carolina Beach State Park. Make sure you catch the sunset on Carolina Beach’s boardwalk, which also offers plenty of entertainment along the walk. The average price per night is $198.
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida’s capital is home to a rich history, delicious cuisine, award-winning parks, and beautiful scenery with over 700 miles of trails. Stop by Bradley’s Country store to taste the famous smoked sausage and grits, or hit up the many bars with craft cocktails.
For college football fans, Tallahassee will host one of the biggest rivalries of the season when Florida State University takes on the University of Florida the day after Thanksgiving at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. The average price per night is $120.
Greenville, South Carolina
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just under two hours from Charlotte, Greenville is the mecca for culture and entertainment in the Upstate. With an award-winning downtown and a major performing arts center, this town’s growing art and music scene has something for everyone all year-round. With a buzzy food scene serving up delicious barbecue and local favorites, make sure you bring your appetite. The average price per night is $138.
Corpus Christi, Texas
This windy coastal city has been considered one of the best cities for kiteboarding, windsurfing, kite flying, and sailing. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in Southern Texas, it has been nicknamed the “Sparkling City by the Sea.” Go back in time on the WW2 aircraft carrier docked in the bay or see some giant fish at the Texas State Aquarium. With nine unique beaches and delicious Tex-Mex and seafood, this city boasts plenty of historical monuments, museums, and natural surroundings. The average price per night is $168.
