Why 1 in 3 Travelers Are Ditching Famous Sights for Nearby Hobbies

Translation resultAirbnb: “One in three travelers prefers nearby trips” — demand grows for hobby-focused travel like golf, lakes, and surfingThis summer, travelers are choosing destinations closer to home so they can pair a getaway with hobbies like golf, surfing, and lake vacations—opting for affordable, activity-driven experiences over long-haul trips to famous sights.On the 27th, Airbnb released its Summer 2026 Travel Trends report, highlighting three big themes for the season: “playcation,” “nearby travel,” and “nostalgia-driven trips.” A playcation—part play, part vacation—is all about centering a trip around leisure activities and hobbies.Airbnb reports sharp increases in bookings near golf courses, lakes, and popular surf spots across the U.S. That shift suggests people are picking destinations for the activities they love rather than for traditional sightseeing.Demand for nearby travel is also rising. Airbnb found that one in three travelers is taking vacations close to home. A recent FocalData survey showed 86% of all travelers—and 94% of Gen Z—are interested in exploring smaller regional towns.That interest is fueling visits to lesser-known small towns, which often have lower lodging costs than major tourist hubs and let visitors experience local character and natural scenery. Airbnb called out U.S. small towns alongside international spots that Gen Z is eyeing this summer, including Thailand’s Surat Thani; Greece’s Folegandros and Lefkada; Brazil’s Ubatuba and Fortaleza; and Spain’s Zaragoza and Santander.Interestingly, destinations that were popular with millennials in 2016 are resurfacing among Gen Z in 2026. But travelers aren’t simply repeating old itineraries—they’re expanding trips to include nearby, lesser-known areas.Next year’s FIFA World Cup in North America is also shaping summer travel demand. To attract visitors to host cities, Airbnb is pairing accommodations with local experience packages. The company says 77% of available listings in World Cup host cities are under $500 per night (approximately 666,667 KRW per night), and many experience packages are priced under $100 per person (approximately 133,333 KRW per person).An Airbnb spokesperson said, “This summer, travelers are choosing nearby destinations to enjoy their hobbies. Lesser-known places are standing out as affordable spots where people can have special, memorable experiences.”