Kimberly Wilson Wetty Recommends July 4 Trips

With July 4 falling right in the middle of the week, traditional holiday vacations will be a bit more difficult this year.

Kimberly Wilson Wetty of Valerie Wilson Travel told Travel Agent that most people are adding two days to either the weekend before the holiday or the weekend after to create a five-day escape. For the most part, she adds, people are choosing the second weekend so that the festivities kick off the vacations rather than end them. “They want to be somewhere for July 4,” she says. “People are trying to maximize having the holiday in the middle of the week. It’s hard.”

And then there are those who can only take Wednesday off—but, Wetty says, even they can make the most of the day and visit a nearby beach or go to the mountains.

“The nice thing in general is that travel is picking up,” she says. “People have booked their stays, and we’re not getting so many last-minute trips.” For the most part, she says, booking windows of four to six weeks are becoming increasingly normal, making it easier to make each trip exactly what the customer wants. “It’s not so reactive,” she says. “You can have thoughtful conversations [with the client]…It’s not about clearing space or negotiating and compromises. You can get the rooms and flights that you want.” In addition, longer booking windows provide rate integrity, and several cruise lines offer better prices the further out the trip is booked. 

Wetty recommended the following domestic destinations for July 4 escapes, whether for a single day or a longer trip:

Plaza Athenee New York July Fourth Package
July 4
Accommodations for one night in a Deluxe Guestroom, American Breakfast for two, Plaza Athenee 50 Minute Massage for two, Fourth of July inspired films, and complementary transfer to the West Side Piers to view the fireworks on the Hudson River.
 
The Point Fourth of July Celebration
July 3-6
An afternoon clambake, a hike of the local Adirondack Mountains, a game of croquet on the lawn, a seven-course black tie affair dinner, private fireworks display from the terrace, and a bonfire.
 
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando Enchanted Evening
June 30- July 7
Ice cream social, champagne check-in, family s’mores night, horse and carriage rides, and the release of lit “make a wish” lanterns on Friday and Saturday evening.
 
The Breakers, Palm Beach Fourth of July Celebration
July 3-7
All American Buffet Extravaganza at the Beach Club, All American Children’s Buffet and Children’s Carnival (with arcade games, face painting, bounce-house), and a special viewing station on hole #12 with lawn chairs and cocktails for the West Palm Beach fireworks.
 
The Homestead July 4th Holiday
June 29- July 8
Week long celebration, grand family cookout on the lawn, regional wine, craft beer and artisan spirit tastings, all-American cookout, live music, movies, bingo, magic shows, sporting clays, and horseback riding.