“Revenge travel” is an unusual phrase that evoked all sorts of untold creative interpretations in my mind (and they’d better go untold). But Next Vacay, one of those online “best flight”-type platforms, defines revenge travel as the massive increase in online searches in the United States for vacations following the loosening and then lifting of lockdown restrictions. Searches for revenge travel have, according to Next Vacay, increased 1025% since last June as travelers have embraced the concept of comeback-cation.
“People are craving for a change of scenery and a first post-covid trip that exceeds expectations as people embrace the freedom to travel,” Next Vacay’s CEO and founder Naveen Dittakavi told me.
But where are the top destinations for revenge travel? Dittakavi shared some search results, which I will highlight for you with my tips on how to best enjoy and enhance your trips based on my personal experiences. I took revenge and gorged on visiting a number of these sought-after spots.
Gulf Coast, Mississippi
There is plenty to enjoy throughout the 62 miles along the Gulf of Mexico comprising what is called the “Secret Coast,” including Biloxi and Gulfport, without using the c-word: casino. Hotel Legends, a creative, Hollywood-themed property is right across the street from the Hard Rock Casino, and at Hotel Legends I enjoyed fountains and a glamorous swimming pool setting in sight of the sea without my wallet being engulfed in the gambling. By day I walked right past the casino, stayed in the sun, and climbed aboard Captain Mike Moore’s Biloxi Shrimping Trip experience to see, at sea, how it’s done!
The shrimp boat ride provided laughs and a life-sized “ship in a bottle” added wonder and the nearby Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum which worked up my appetite. Over two days I satiated my hunger at diverse, gulf-to-table restaurants other fruits of the sea from the French Hermit Oyster Company: Blind Tiger Biloxi Beach; White Pillars; Chimneys in Gulfport; Patio 44; Mosaic in quaint Ocean Springs; and a fresh-made pimento cheese biscuit at Greenhouse Biloxi.
