‘Playcations’ are becoming a major summer 2026 travel trend

Everyone loves a good summer “playcation.”

Apparently, so much so that more travelers are looking to take a “playcation,” or a trip closer to their home, for their summer 2026 travel plans.

According to Airbnb, one-third of summer travelers are choosing to stay closer to home this summer, as more folks are learning that rural retreats offer memorable experiences at a much lower price point. Many people are

Listings near golf courses, lakefronts, and surf spots are seeing some of the highest booking growth on Airbnb this summer as travelers center trips around active hobbies instead of destinations, the platform giant has revealed.

Golfers are flocking to Ann Arbor, Cheyenne, and Victor, Idaho, while surfers are booking Holden Beach and Kill Devil Hills in North Carolina.

These low-key vacations are organized around activities like surfing, golf, sailing, and boating rather than traditional sightseeing.

Related: Gen Z search jumps 20 percent for short-term rentals in Greek Islands

Early summer 2026 travel trends revealed

“This summer’s travel is shaped by three things: playcations, nostalgia, and the allure of what’s close to home,” Airbnb said in a press release.

“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,” the company added.

Here are some of the domestic destinations the travel platform has singled out:

• Wave chasing: Airbnb says travelers are showing growing interest in laid-back surf destinations along the Carolina coast and North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where smaller beach towns continue attracting visitors looking for classic East Coast surf culture.
  
• Par for the course: Lesser-known golf destinations across the Midwest and Mountain West are gaining popularity this summer, particularly markets offering scenic public courses and resort-style experiences outside traditional golf hubs.
  
• Anchors away: Lake towns and waterfront destinations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are seeing increased travel demand as vacationers look for boating access, marina communities, and outdoor-focused summer trips.