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Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This summer’s travel is shaped by three things: playcations, nostalgia, and the allure of what’s close to home. We’ve seen a notable increase in domestic travel this summer in the US—travelers are exploring nearby destinations to enjoy their favorite active hobbies, while hidden gems are offering budget-savvy explorers experiences at a fraction of the cost.¹ Globally, Gen Z is reimagining the iconic destinations of 2016 through a fresh lens, and gearing up to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026^™ fever.
Action-packed adult “playcations” are defining summer travel in the US, with travelers seeking out nearby destinations to partake in their favorite activities. Listings near golf courses, lakefronts, and surf spots have seen some of the highest booking growth, reflecting a growing desire to center travel around play and adventure.² This summer, surfers, golfers, sailors and boaters are putting these domestic adventure destinations on the map:³ 
Travelers are looking for short-haul escapes, with a third of people choosing to stay closer to home.⁴ Airbnb offers access to affordable retreats across the US in hidden gem destinations that deliver similar character, natural beauty, and experiences as popular summer spots. It’s an option travelers are open to—86 percent of travelers, and 94 percent of Gen Z travelers—say they’re interested in rural getaways, according to a recent Focaldata survey.⁵ From the rocky shores of Maine to the mountain passes of New Mexico, there are under-the-radar towns where the average nightly rates are under $250:⁶
The destinations that defined Millennial travel in 2016⁷ are making a powerful Gen Z comeback—but this time, they’re being rediscovered through a whole new lens. Fueled by a wave of nostalgia travel, Gen Z travelers aren’t just returning to Millennial classics, but uncovering lesser-known pockets within them this summer. From Thailand, to Spain, these trending destinations are seeing an over 20 percent growth by Gen Z travelers and are inspiring a new generation of travel:⁸
With just over a month to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off across North America, the tournament is set to be the biggest event ever on Airbnb with millions of fans preparing for the trip of a lifetime. For fans looking to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through a local lens without breaking the bank, 77 percent of available stays cost under $500⁹ a night and many experiences run less than $100 per person. To help travelers kick-start their plans, we’re highlighting available stays in some of the most affordable host city neighborhoods, as well as wallet-friendly, unique foodie experiences to add to their itineraries:
¹Based on Airbnb internal data on Q1 2025 searches/bookings for June 22, 2025 – September 23, 2025 vs Q1 2026 searches/bookings for June 21, 2026 – September 22, 2026 by US travelers.
²Based on Airbnb internal data on listing categories with the most booking growth in 2025 compared to the last 3 years.
³Based on Airbnb internal data on Q1 2025 searches for June 22, 2025 – September 23, 2025 vs Q1 2026 searches June 21, 2026 – September 22, 2026 by US travelers; Based on destinations with the highest share of lakefront, near golf course destinations, and surfspot  listings.
⁴Based on Airbnb internal data on Q1 2025 searches/bookings for June 22, 2025 – September 23, 2025 vs Q1 2026 searches/bookings for June 21, 2026 – September 22, 2026 split by domestic travel over 300 miles and within 300 miles by global travelers.
⁵Survey data is based on a nationally representative online survey commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by Focaldata in January 2026 of 2,000 US adults. All additional survey data originates from this survey.
⁶Based on Airbnb internal data on rural destinations with an ADR of $250 for June 21, 2026 – September 22, 2026 as of April 27, 2026. Prices are set by the hosts and are subject to change.
⁷Based on Airbnb internal data on global bookings for 2015 vs. 2016.
⁸Based on Airbnb internal data on Q1 2025 searches for June 22, 2025 – September 23, 2025 vs Q1 2026 searches for June 21, 2026 – September 22, 2026 by global Gen Z travelers.
⁹Based on Airbnb internal data analysis of active available listing prices around the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament (June 11 – July 19, 2026), as of May 3, 2026. Prices are set by the hosts and are subject to change.
The Airbnb Newsroom is aimed at journalists. All Homes and Experiences referenced on the Airbnb Newsroom are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home or Experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

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