Many airlines have said they will permit fee-free changes and cancellations throughout 2021, and HomeExchange has extended its COVID-19 guarantees and cancellation policy, meaning people can make travel plans for the upcoming year with little risk.

Travel search site Kayak released a list of the top destinations where Americans are looking to travel in 2021, offering a peek into the trending destinations for the year ahead.

Here are five of the trending destinations on Kayak's list and budget-friendly accommodations in each location. Start dreaming about where your 2021 vacation will take you!

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Hawaii HomeExchange

The beautiful town of Kailua-Kona is surging in flight search interest, up 35% this week compared with 2019. Kailua-Kona is located on the west coast of the Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island) and is famous for its deep-sea fishing and Kona coffee.

The town's calm, clear waters make it an ideal destination for snorkeling, diving, sailing, and spotting turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. The town also boasts a rich variety of historic sites, seafood restaurants, nightlife.

Cancún, Mexico

Mexico , Cancun - travel with HomeExchange

If you crave a warm, beach getaway, Cancún, Mexico may be the spot for you to vacation! Searches for flights to Cancún are up 20% from this time in 2019, and it's not hard to see why. Long stretches of virgin beaches, white sand and coastal sunsets await, plus of course authentic Mexican food and margaritas.  

The city, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, is also known for its nightlife, so you're in for a fun vacation when you choose Cancún! HomeExchange members Scott and Erica just visited Mexico and saved $1,200— learn how they did it.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix AZ

Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, has the advantage of sunny, warm weather all year. If a desert vacation with ample opportunities for nightclubbing, golfing, and hiking sounds like a dream, Phoenix may be your ideal 2021 destination.

Flight searches for Phoenix are closing in on pre-pandemic numbers. In Phoenix, you can marvel at the natural desert beauty at the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and majestic Camelback Mountain. You can also look forward to some of the best Mexican food you'll find north of the border; Phoenix is particularly known for its chimichangas.

Fort Myers, Florida

Travel to Fort Myers Florida with HomeExchange

Fort Myers is currently the most trendy search destination in Florida, closely followed by Tampa, Miami, and Orlando. Fort Myers offers beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, and ample shopping. Don't miss Manatee Park, where you can rent a kayak and see manatees up close. While in Fort Myers you can also tour the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, beautiful gardens and the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Click here for more tips on planning a budget-friendly Florida vacation.

Anchorage, Alaska

travel to Anchorage Alaska

If cooler temperatures appeal for your summer vacation, Alaska's largest city has tons to offer. Cultural sites, nearby wilderness, fishing, dog sledding, and the arts tempt travelers to venture to the Last Frontier for an unforgettable vacation. Whether you pan for gold with the kids, grab some binoculars and look for moose and bears, or learn the state's rich history, you won't be bored in Anchorage!

2021 travel on a budget with HomeExchange

2021 travel on a budget with HomeExchange

Feeling inspired by these dreamy destinations? Start planning your next vacation without breaking the bank by using HomeExchange for your accommodations.

The principle of home exchanging is simple: swap your home with someone else and enjoy the wonders of each other's city! HomeExchange also has a points exchange system, offering even more flexibility to members and facilitating non-reciprocal exchanges. Learn more about GuestPoints here.

Signing up for HomeExchange is free, so you can start communicating with members as you organize your next vacation. You are only required to pay the annual membership fee when you're ready to finalize your first exchange.

With the membership, whether you are a host or a guest, you can be sure that you will be supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and covered in the event of unforeseen events with our guarantees.

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