This summer, Americans are increasingly organizing their trips around their hobbies, outdoor activities, and childhood passions, and “playcations” are emerging as one of the key trends of 2026.
This is revealed in Airbnb’s latest travel trend report, which shows that travelers are opting for short domestic getaways focused on surfing, golf, boating, and other physical activities rather than traditional long-haul trips or discovery itineraries.
“Travel this summer is shaped by three elements: playcations, nostalgia, and the appeal of staying close to home,” according to the accommodation booking platform.
The company highlights a significant increase in domestic travel in the United States this summer, with travelers exploring nearby destinations to enjoy their favorite active leisure pursuits, while undiscovered gems offer budget-conscious explorers experiences at a fraction of the price.
According to the company, listings near golf courses, lakesides, and surf spots are seeing some of the highest reservation spikes this summer, underscoring a growing appetite for immersive, experiential, and locally guided trips.
This trend is also bringing lesser-known American destinations into the spotlight.
Along the coast of North Carolina, surf towns like Holden Beach, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills are attracting renewed interest from travelers seeking a laid-back beach culture and beginner-friendly waves.
Airbnb describes Holden Beach as “an ideal barrier-island escape with gentle surf conditions and a relaxed atmosphere,” while Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills continue to draw visitors with their long-standing surf culture and iconic Outer Banks landscapes.
Golf tourism is also expanding beyond the well-known American resort destinations.
Instead of just heading to Florida or Arizona, travelers are increasingly seeking quieter golf getaways in states like Michigan, Wyoming, or Idaho. Ann Arbor emerges as an unexpected golf destination with a mix of public and private courses, while Cheyenne and Victor captivate players with spectacular views of the Rockies and Teton Valley.
For boating and lake enthusiasts, waterfront destinations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are also booming. Airbnb highlights places like Saugatuck, known for its marina culture and inland waterways, as well as Osage Beach and Chelan, where travelers embrace boating vacations, dockside dining, and long summer days on the water.
Leisure takes center stage on vacations
The rise of play-centric travel reflects a broader shift in how people want to spend their leisure time.
Instead of just ticking off landmarks on a list, many travelers now prioritize nostalgia-filled, socially engaging, and physically stimulating experiences. According to experts, leisure activities once confined to weekends are increasingly becoming the main focus of vacations themselves.
Tourism stakeholders are adapting by offering stays and experiences built around niche interest centers, from padel retreats and cycling getaways to creative workshops and wellness-focused adventures.
This shift is also evident in the growing popularity of “kidult” trips, where adults embrace experiences traditionally associated with childhood, summer vacations, and carefree pastimes.
This nostalgia-driven pivot is reshaping other aspects of the travel industry.
Among these new trends is the rise of adult summer camps, where travelers trade luxury hotels for cabins, campfires, canoe rides, and group activities.
This text has been translated with the help of artificial intelligence. Report a problem: [feedback-articles-fr@euronews.com].
