Most of the Pesach programs are within 2-3 hours driving of NYC
The reason they have become more popular is the dark side to Chumras, Everyone thinks how great Chumras are, but they dont realize the negative consequences they can have. By making people (read Women) clean every nook and cranny in the home and cook for 20-30 guests it becomes to make the holiday very unplesant for many especially for those who are unable to handle these things. Not every woman is able to clean every nook and crany in the house and cook for so many especially over an extended period of yom tov (1 Meal is hard enough, now try for 4-6 meals or more) and usually this work is placed on the Bubies who might be in their 60’s or 70’s or even higher. The Bubbies might love their grandchildren, but it doesnt mean they can cook for 20-30 of them along with children and spouses (and sometimes spouses of grandchildren)
With enforced Gebroachs (Meaning beacause many avoid Gebraochs, the companies are forced to make Gebrachs free items instead of cheaper matza meal stuff and you are forced to buy it
One can easily spean one to two thousand dollars making Pesach at home , people just say, whatever Ill go to hotel for a little more and let someone else do the work, that way I can really enjoy the holiday