The Year in Review: Priceline Recaps How Americans Traveled in 2021 and Takes an Early Look at 2022

Rhea-AI Summary

Priceline's annual travel recap reveals a busy 2021 for American travelers, with significant discounts in major cities—up to 27% less in hotel costs. Las Vegas remains a top destination, with Myrtle Beach identified as the most affordable flight destination at $261. Looking towards 2022, hotel costs are forecasted to rise by 18% and flight prices by 32%. Priceline emphasizes its commitment to providing affordable travel options, introducing a VIP Loyalty Program to assist customers amid rising travel costs. The ongoing 'Season of Savings' event offers further discounts until January 2, 2022.

Positive

• Significant discounts on hotel prices, up to 27% less than pre-pandemic rates.
• Myrtle Beach named most affordable flight destination at $261.
• Introduction of VIP Loyalty Program to enhance customer savings.
• Ongoing 'Season of Savings' event providing discounts until January 2, 2022.

Negative

• Average daily hotel costs up 18% and flight prices up 32% compared to the previous year.

NORWALK, Conn., Dec. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the New Year approaching, Priceline analyzed how Americans traveled throughout 2021 for its annual travel recap, and released a forecast on what to expect for early 2022. Reflecting on the state of travel now and over the past year in 2021, one major theme emerges: the western and southeastern U.S. reigned supreme across all types of travel—but that's not all. 

Americans didn't shy away from traveling over the long summer holiday weekends, as the busiest travel days of the year were the Sunday before Fourth of July and the Friday before Labor Day. When it came to deals, travelers could visit major cities for significantly less than pre-pandemic rates—saving up to 27 percent!—with San Jose, San Francisco, New York, Washington, DC, and Seattle having the biggest percentage drops in hotel prices. Las Vegas held strong, remaining the number one destination for both hotel and flight over the last two years, and four hours southwest, Los Angeles regained its spot in the top three for most popular car rentals. To learn more about 2021 travel, visit Press.Priceline.com. 

A Preview of 2022
Looking ahead to early 2022, the biggest trend so far is that travel—and travel prices—are continuing to heat up. For the first quarter of 2022, the average daily cost of hotels is up 18 percent over the same time last year, and average flight tickets are up 32 percent. As prices rise, Priceline has identified destinations across the country where travelers can explore, make memories and find great deals. 

"As both inflation and the returning demand for leisure travel drive up prices, travelers are looking for products that help them identify and book vacations at affordable rates," said Brett Keller, Chief Executive Officer. "Priceline was created to do exactly that. We continue to negotiate great rates and roll out new deals and features, such as our VIP Loyalty Program, so our customers can book the trip they want at a price they can afford."

Where Are The Deals?

• Southeast beach destinations offer some of the best airfares, with Myrtle Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa all landing within the top 10 most affordable, offering average round-trip fares less than $285. 
• Half of the top 10 most affordable destinations for hotels are in the west (Laughlin, NV.; Page, AZ.; Buena Park, CA.; Albuquerque, and Reno, specifically). Across these five cities, the average daily hotel rate comes in under $110 per night. 

Where Are People Going?

• While major entertainment meccas Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York hold the top three spots, Chicago, New Orleans, and Nashville join the top 10 list for most popular hotel destinations. 

Destinations To Watch

• Cape Canaveral: Home to the Kennedy Space Center and other space-themed attractions, Florida's Space Coast is up-and-coming and has a popular port for cruises bound for the Caribbean. 
• Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg: Serving as gateways to the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, both destinations light up in early 2022. Pigeon Forge will host the "Smoky Mountain Winterfest" with five million holiday lights through February 14th, and travelers can experience the famous 200-foot tunnel of lights at "Lights Over Gatlinburg" at Gatlinburg Skylift Park through January 29th.
• Memphis: Tennessee's great outdoors aren't the state's only emerging destinations for 2022. Cultural hotspot Memphis is hosting fun events like a crawfish festival and the Beale Street Music Festival at the city's fairgrounds this spring.

As the New Year arrives—and as the travel industry continues to recover—Priceline is here to help travelers find great deals for their trips. Consumers can save even more during its Season of Savings event. The six-week sale, with deals and discounts on top of everyday savings, runs through January 2, 2022. Visit Priceline.com or download the Priceline App for the latest deals and exclusive discounts on all types of travel.

Connect with Priceline on:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Methodology
Priceline analyzed all hotel, roundtrip rental car, and roundtrip flight bookings for travel from January 1 - December 31, 2021 to determine the findings. 2020 and 2019 comparisons were analyzed with the same travel window for each corresponding year.

Q1 2022 findings were determined by analyzing hotel, rental car, and flight bookings for travel from January 1 - March 31, 2022. 2021, 2020, and 2019 comparisons were analyzed with the same travel window for each corresponding year. 

About Priceline
Priceline, part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a world leader in travel deals. Priceline offers exclusive discounts on hotels, flights, alternative accommodations, rental cars, cruises and packages. We offer more than a million lodging properties, helping travelers find the right accommodation at the right price. We negotiate great deals every day, and put our best pricing on the Priceline app. Our deep discounts on hotels, flights, rental cars and more are also distributed through our partnership brand, Priceline Partner Network. With free cancellation for many rates, 24-hour customer assistance and the option for both pre-paid and pay upon arrival reservations, Priceline helps millions of travelers be there for the moments that matter. For us, and for our customers, every trip is a big deal.

For further information, please contact:
Christina Bennett, christina.bennett@priceline.com 
Stephanie Perry, priceline@mbooth.com 

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SOURCE Priceline

FAQ

What did Priceline's 2021 travel recap reveal about travel trends?

Priceline highlighted that major discounts were available, with up to 27% reduction in hotel prices and Myrtle Beach being the most affordable destination.

How are travel prices expected to change in early 2022?

In early 2022, average daily hotel costs are projected to rise by 18% and flight prices by 32% compared to the previous year.

What is the most affordable travel destination according to Priceline?

Myrtle Beach is identified as the most affordable destination for round-trip flights at $261.

What discounts are available during Priceline's 'Season of Savings' event?

Priceline's 'Season of Savings' event offers various discounts and deals on travel until January 2, 2022.

What new program has Priceline introduced to help customers save?

Priceline introduced a VIP Loyalty Program to assist travelers in booking affordable trips amid rising prices.