Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Nampa, Idaho. How about Irmo, South Carolina, or Layton, Utah? These small towns share something significant: they’ve all made it to Expedia’s latest list of top 10 “hidden gems.”
Expedia analyzed booking and search data from the vacation rental site Vrbo and discovered that interest in these unexpected spots has surged by at least 30 percent. It turns out that staying closer to home for vacations wasn’t just a pandemic trend; exploring our local areas is likely here to stay.
The key takeaway from Expedia’s 2022 travel trends report is unmistakable: people are increasingly comfortable doing things their own way. In their statement, the company noted, “Travel in 2023 will be about rejecting the usual, breaking routines, and seeking unique experiences without compromise. People won’t be adjusting to the next new normal; they’ll be crafting their own.”
And it seems the top spot for creating your own reality—or at least for a brief escape from city life—is Nampa, Idaho. Situated in the Intermountain West, Idaho is famous for its breathtaking scenery and unfettered access to nature. It’s conveniently located about a two-hour flight or less from major West Coast cities like Los Angeles and Seattle and just a 30-minute drive from Boise.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the “hidden gem” destinations seeing a rise in traveler interest:
Like you, we wanted to understand who is behind these surprising surges in interest. So, we reached out to Expedia for some insights.
“For the hidden gem destinations on Vrbo, it’s no surprise that travelers heading to these locations are often from nearby areas,” a spokesperson told Tripsavvy. “Based on Vrbo search data, most people interested in traveling to places like Nampa, Spokane, and Missoula are from nearby cities like Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Bozeman. Meanwhile, individuals in East Coast cities like New York, Philadelphia, D.C., and Boston are searching for Vrbo vacation homes in Oneonta, Hampton, and Bristol.”
When you map out these trending destinations, their allure starts to make sense.
“Many of these hidden gems are near lakes or nestled in nature, making them perfect for travelers looking to escape the city for a road trip to discover scenic, off-the-beaten-path locations,” the spokesperson added.
Want to learn more about upcoming travel trends? Check out the full Expedia travel trends report here.
