Key Takeaways

  • One-third of summer travelers are booking destinations closer to home instead of far-flung vacations.
  • Cloudcroft, New Mexico made Airbnb’s trending list as Gen Z drives 94 percent interest in rural getaways.
  • Operators in secondary markets with low hotel density should monitor whether proximity travel trends persist beyond summer.

A third of summer travelers are choosing destinations closer to home, and Cloudcroft, New Mexico is one small town that landed on Airbnb’s national summer travel report as a trending short-term rental destination for proximity-based getaways.

The small mountain village offers the same alpine escape appeal as Taos at a lower price point.

Airbnb data shows 86 percent of travelers are interested in rural getaways, rising to 94 percent among Gen Z, according to a company report.

Cloudcroft sits high in the Sacramento Mountains above White Sands desert and offers a cool mountain escape with a charming village feel.

Here are some of the other lesser-known hotspots that made the list:

Bellingham, WA – Bellingham brings a laid-back Pacific Northwest mix of trails, breweries, waterfront views, and easy ferry access to the San Juan Islands.

Eastport, ME – Eastport offers dramatic Bay of Fundy tides, a walkable artsy downtown, and a quieter coastal feel than busier Maine vacation spots.

Marfa, TX – Marfa delivers wide-open West Texas desert, slow-travel energy, and some of the best stargazing in the country.

Westfield, NY – Westfield pairs Lake Erie shoreline views with historic charm, local vineyards, and an easygoing wine-country feel.

Pinedale, WY – Pinedale gives travelers a taste of Wyoming ranch country with direct access to the Wind River Range, alpine lakes, hiking, fishing, and big mountain scenery.

Hot Springs, SD – Hot Springs blends Black Hills beauty with hiking, natural mineral springs, and a historic downtown built for a slower, wellness-focused getaway.

Salmon, ID – Salmon has that rugged mountain-town feel, with rafting, fly-fishing, and deep Idaho wilderness right outside the door.

Paonia, CO – Paonia mixes orchards, wineries, mountain biking, and a relaxed farm-to-table vibe without the Boulder crowds.

Blanding, UT – Blanding puts travelers close to red rock canyons, ancient Puebloan sites, dark skies, and wide-open scenery without Moab-level crowds.

Why proximity matters for STR investors

In 2025, approximately 64 percent of all Airbnb guests in the US came from within 300 miles of the destination. Across the country, 63 percent of US Census tracts are home to active Airbnb listings but no hotels.

Related: World Cup cities see Airbnb price crash

Average nightly rates in many of the highlighted under-the-radar towns sit below $250, making them accessible alternatives to overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Operators in secondary markets with strong local demand and lower hotel density should watch whether this shift toward proximity travel extends beyond summer booking windows.