Few things are more iconic of the American experience than summer vacation. For kids and adults alike, it conjures feelings of nostalgia, anticipation and unbridled bliss. Most remember taking family car rides to a favorite campsite, beach motel or hidden-away local gem on the road less traveled. Despite rainy days or sibling arguments, people look back on their summer escapades with enchantment – recalling the adventure, history and beauty that awaited, just around the corner.

In thinking about a society’s collection of most-coveted trips, there are a great many parallels between the wants of then and now. The appeal of time well-spent with family and close friends endures – indulging in the simple comfort of a familiar place, long bike rides, relaxation, connecting to nature and of course, cannon balls into the pool.

Consider the recent results from a study conducted by the online national travel publication, Fifty Grande. Out of the 450+ eager travelers surveyed; 25% are planning a trip to see family, while 24 percent are using travel for relaxation, and 22% are dedicating their time to road tripping. In addition, national parks and mountains are the most popular places to visit, with beaches following close behind.

Not only is the hospitality industry on track to experience a great uptick in domestic revenue growth due to the popularity of close-to-home vacations, but RV shipments have also increased. In addition, weekend-long stays are gaining more traction, allowing for the enjoyment of resort-style pools and waterplay along with health and wellness amenities without completely breaking the bank. This renaissance of the ‘staycation’ and ‘mini-cations’ will force hospitality hosts to make operational changes that appeal to new demand and maintain guest loyalty through a range of outdoor experiences, remote escapes and programming in support of local communities.