Adult 'playcations' emerge as top trend for summer 2026
As summer 2026 gets underway, the primary theme dominating the narrative thus far has been the impact of soaring airline ticket prices and how that development is shaping travel plans and decisions.
With tickets to popular Western European destinations as much as 20% higher this summer, domestic travel in the United States is surging. Travelers are increasingly opting to explore nearby destinations to save money. What's more, they're building domestic trips around favorite active hobbies, according to a new summer trends report from Airbnb.
Those are just a few of the developments revealed by the Airbnb report. Here are some of the additional travel styles and trends on tap for summer 2026.
Short-Haul Adult "Playcations"
Whether it's an early-morning tee time or catching the perfect wave, adults are planning "playcations" around the activities they love most, putting golf towns, surf breaks, and lakefront escapes on the map, according to Airbnb. As adults pursue of these play-themed getaways, a few key U.S. destinations are trending.
When it comes to surfing, it seems North Carolina is dominating the field with Holden Beach, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head the top trending locations.
"Holden Beach in North Carolina is a barrier island break that delivers mellow surfing conditions and a laid back vibe, while Nags Head boasts a deep local culture as one of the East Coast's oldest surf towns," says the Airbnb report. "Kill Devil Hills rounds it out with steady swells and a classic Outer Banks surf scene."
Among adults who love nothing better than a golf getaway, the top choices this summer are Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Victor, Idaho.
"This summer, golfers are flocking to hidden gem courses across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains regions," the report explains.
Ann Arbor is an under-the-radar golf destination with well-regarded public and private courses, according to Airbnb, while Cheyenne and Victor have standout backdrops from high-plain vistas to the sweeping peaks of Teton Valley.
If sailing is your idea of a perfect summer activity, consider these trending locations: Saugatuck, Michigan; Chelan, Washington; Osage Beach, Missouri.
"In the Midwest, waterfront living thrives-from Saugatuck, with calm inland waterways and a charming marina culture, to Osage Beach, with miles of shoreline and lively waterfront dining," the Airbnb report explains.
Further west, Chelan winds 50 miles through a glacier-carved valley surrounded by Pacific Northwest landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
Budget-Friendly Rural Retreats and Escapes
Since President Donald Trump took office and the American-Israeli attack on Iran, the cost of living has skyrocketed for average Americans. In April, the U.S. annual consumer inflation index posted the largest gain in three years. Everything from energy prices to the cost of food and airfare has surged.
While some relief may be on the way with regard to international airfare, Americans for now are focused on short-haul escapes to cut costs: One-third of people are opting to stay closer to home this summer, says Airbnb.
The good news, according to the home-sharing platform, is that there are plenty of "hidden gem" destinations across the country that deliver similar character, natural beauty, and experiences as popular summer spots, but for a fraction of the price.
Some of the alternative locations to consider include: Bellingham, Washington; Eastport, Maine; Marfa, Texas; Westfield, New York; Pinedale, Wyoming; Hot Springs, South Dakota; Cloudcroft, New Mexico; Salmon, Idaho; Paonia, Colorado; Blanding, Utah.
Gen Z Turns to 2016 Millennials' Most Loved Destinations
Fueled by a wave of nostalgia travel, Gen Z explorers are romanticizing the past and bringing the destinations that defined 2016 back into the spotlight - with searches for those destinations up over 20%.
Rather than heading to the obvious, buzzy locales, they're uncovering lesser-known pockets within them, says Airbnb. Some of the trending international locations that are part of this development include: Surat Thani, Thailand; Folegandros, Greece; Lefkada, Greece; Ubatuba, Brazil; Fortaleza, Brazil; Zaragoza, Spain; Santander, Spain.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 1:50 AM.