Summer travel demand this year is shifting away from long-distance tourist hotspots toward destinations close to home where travelers can enjoy their hobbies. The shift reflects growing demand to cut travel costs while still enjoying active experiences such as golf, surfing, and lakeside getaways.
In its "2026 Summer Travel Trends" report released Thursday, Airbnb identified "playcation," "short-distance travel," and "nostalgia-driven travel" as the key themes for this summer. Playcation, a portmanteau of "play" and "vacation," refers to trips centered on hobbies and leisure activities.
According to Airbnb, the United States has seen high booking growth rates for accommodations near golf courses, lakes, and surfing spots. The trend suggests travelers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the activities they want to enjoy rather than on sightseeing at famous tourist attractions.
Demand for short-distance travel is also growing. Airbnb said one in three travelers is now vacationing close to home. A recent Focaldata survey found that 86% of all travelers and 94% of Generation Z travelers expressed interest in traveling to small regional towns.
This trend is also driving demand for travel to lesser-known small towns. Such destinations offer lower lodging costs than major tourist hubs and allow travelers to experience natural landscapes and local character. Airbnb listed small towns across the United States, as well as Surat Thani in Thailand; Folegandros and Lefkada in Greece; Ubatuba and Fortaleza in Brazil; and Zaragoza and Santander in Spain among the destinations drawing Gen Z attention this summer.
Another notable feature is that destinations favored by millennials in 2016 are resurging among Gen Z travelers in 2026. However, rather than simply revisiting past hotspots, travelers are expanding their itineraries to include lesser-known surrounding areas.
The FIFA World Cup, set to be held in North America next year, is also influencing summer travel demand. Airbnb is promoting accommodations and local experience products together for travelers heading to host cities. According to Airbnb, 77% of available accommodations in World Cup host cities are priced at $500 or less per night, and experience products are also offered at less than $100 per person.
"Travelers this summer are looking for nearby destinations where they can enjoy their favorite hobbies," an Airbnb official said. "Lesser-known destinations are also drawing attention as places where travelers can have special experiences within a reasonable budget."
