As we approach the third week of summer, expect a heavy surge of activity inside airports and transportation hubs, as North Carolina residents will eagerly begin to embark on weekend getaways, family outings, and above-all, much-anticipated vacations. Get them in now ahead of the mobile and online launch of sports betting in North Carolina, right?
While international flights might not be the preferred choice for everyone, many residents of the Tar Heel State decide to stay within the US and fly domestically to cities that offer a wealth of attractions and experiences. These destinations offer an opportunity to cross off items on one’s bucket list, but for others, familiarity with these places is why many residents choose to return year after year.
North Carolina residents have a plethora of options to explore throughout the country, but which specific American cities do they tend to favor?
BetCarolina.com utilized Google Trends to determine the most searched cities by each state by utilizing the term “Flights To” and finding the most often searched city at the end of the phrase. After completing the trends over the past 12 months (from June 25, 2022, to June 25, 2023), we were able to find results to get the top three cities for the state of North Carolina.
Please note that any cities within the state were not included.
Evidently, proximity holds significant importance for these residents. The top three cities that North Carolinians prefer to visit are all located on the East Coast. However, Orlando, the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” claims the No. 1 spot.
Known for its world-renown theme parks, driven by the appeal of the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal World Resort, and Sea World, Orlando is the most popular destination for Tar Heel State residents to visit. The year-round warm weather, combined with the diverse range of attractions in the heart of Florida, provides an inclusive tourism infrastructure that caters to North Carolinians and their families. The fact that Tampa Bay, Miami, and Jacksonville are within driving distance also draws further interest.
For residents that seek a serene environment and adult-oriented experiences, Boston is the preferred destination. Coming in at two, Boston consists of iconic, historical landmarks that include the Freedom Trial, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. North Carolina residents are also thrilled to visit and immerse themselves in a winning sports culture like the Red Sox, Bruins and the New England Patriots, an element the Tar Heel State lacks, aside from collegiate programs.
Perhaps some travelers have been placing action on those franchises in the absence of mobile sports betting apps North Carolina bettors could have used the past couple years.
Although Boston is almost the complete opposite of Orlando, it may relate to the city next on this list.
At last, the “city that never sleeps” comes in at third. New York City offers a vibrant nightlife and 24/7 availability to countless services and entertainment options. Home to the renowned Central Park, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center, and much more, the Big Apple provides an energetic and dynamic lifestyle that residents of the Tar Heel State appeal to.
Interestingly, Orlando is perhaps the most visited destination since it is more family-inclined, compared to New York City and Boston.
Author
Felix Veletanga is an experienced reporter who has covered local news, politics, and sports in Northern New Jersey, and now lends his expertise to the North Carolina sports betting market. He previously covered the Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team’s 2022 NCAA Cinderella run for HudPost. Felix specializes in combat fighting and soccer betting analysis with a focus on the Premier League.
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