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This summer, Americans are increasingly planning trips around hobbies, outdoor activities and childhood passions, with “playcations” emerging as one of the “defining” trends of 2026.
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That’s according to Airbnb’s summer travel trends report, which reveals that travellers are choosing short-haul domestic escapes built around surfing, golfing, boating and other active pursuits, rather than traditional sightseeing breaks or long-haul itineraries.
“This summer’s travel is shaped by three things: playcations, nostalgia, and the allure of what’s close to home,” the accommodation booking platform said.
“We’ve seen a notable increase in domestic travel this summer in the US – travellers are exploring nearby destinations to enjoy their favourite active hobbies, while hidden gems are offering budget-savvy explorers experiences at a fraction of the cost.”
The company says listings near golf courses, lakefronts and surf spots have seen some of the highest booking growth this summer, highlighting a growing appetite for travel that feels immersive, hands-on and experience-led.
The trend is also putting lesser-known US destinations in the spotlight.
Along North Carolina’s coast, surf towns such as Holden Beach, Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills are seeing renewed interest from travellers chasing laid-back beach culture and beginner-friendly waves.
Airbnb describes Holden Beach as a “barrier island break that delivers mellow surfing conditions and a laid back vibe”, while Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills continue to attract visitors thanks to their long-standing surf culture and classic Outer Banks scenery.
Golf tourism is also expanding beyond America’s better-known resort destinations.
Rather than heading exclusively to Florida or Arizona, travellers are increasingly seeking out quieter golf escapes in states such as Michigan, Wyoming and Idaho. Ann Arbor is emerging as an unexpected golf hotspot thanks to its mix of public and private courses, while Cheyenne and Victor are drawing players with dramatic Rocky Mountain and Teton Valley backdrops.
For boaters and lake lovers, waterfront destinations across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are also booming. Airbnb highlighted places such as Saugatuck, known for its marina culture and inland waterways, alongside Osage Beach and Chelan, where travellers are embracing boating holidays, dockside dining and long summer days on the water.
Hobbies become the centrepiece of holidays
The rise of play-focused travel reflects broader changes in how people want to spend their free time.
Rather than ticking landmarks off a checklist, many travellers are now prioritising experiences that feel nostalgic, social and physically engaging. Experts say hobbies once considered weekend pastimes are increasingly becoming the centrepiece of holidays themselves.
Travel companies are responding by building packages and experiences around niche interests, from padel retreats and cycling escapes to creative workshops and wellness adventures.
The trend also ties into the growing popularity of “kidult” travel, where adults embrace experiences traditionally associated with childhood, summer holidays and carefree recreation.
That nostalgia-driven shift is already reshaping other parts of the travel industry.
One such trend includes the rise of adult summer camps, where travellers swap luxury hotels for cabins, campfires, canoeing and communal activities.
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