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This summer, playcations (a mash-up of “play” and “vacation”), short local getaways, and nostalgia-fueled trips are leading travel trends.
Global home-sharing platform Airbnb says activity-focused playcations are driving U.S. travel this summer.
Travelers are opting for nearby destinations so they can dive into the activities they love. Rentals near golf courses, lakes, and surf spots have seen the biggest booking increases, signaling rising demand for activity-centered trips.
Many people now prefer short, low-stress escapes—about one in three travelers spends their vacation close to home. On Airbnb, you can find affordable stays in charming, lesser-known small towns across the U.S.
These towns deliver their own distinctive charm, beautiful natural scenery, and plenty of things to do—on par with popular summer hotspots. A recent Focaldata survey found that 86% of all travelers and 94% of Gen Z travelers are interested in visiting provincial small towns.
Destinations that defined millennial travel in 2016 are getting a fresh second look from Gen Z in 2026. The difference this time is that Gen Z is rediscovering them with its own unique perspective.
Riding a wave of nostalgia, Gen Z this summer isn’t just revisiting millennial-era favorites—they’re branching out to explore nearby, lesser-known spots. Bookings by Gen Z travelers have jumped more than 20% in destinations from Thailand to Spain, helping shape this new travel trend.
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