If you want to keep up with travel trends, that is, not feel that doom-scrolling FOMO come winter, now's the time to plan your next trip. And a new report from Airbnb reveals the most popular travel trends this upcoming holiday and winter season.
By looking at search data, Airbnb found some of the top destinations of interest in 2023, particularly for American travelers. U.S. travelers are looking to go abroad, but not far. Top trending searches this year for American travelers include Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; San Salvador, El Salvador; Oaxaca, Mexico; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Havana, Cuba; La Fortuna, Costa Rica; Nassau, The Bahamas; Cali, Colombia; Culebra, Puerto Rico; and São Paulo, Brazil.
The search data shows where folks are looking to travel, not necessarily booking getaways, so you can get ahead of the game and find an awesome place to stay in one of the most sought-after cities.
Another trend Airbnb picked up on: smaller U.S. cities are trending for winter travel, including Colorado Springs, Colorado and Ludlow, Vermont. This may be part of Airbnb's campaign to help disperse travel globally (and thus help prevent overtourism), as more and more people opt to visit and vacation in smaller cities and towns, beyond major cities and traditional tourist locations. Syracuse, New York; Galena, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Eugene, Oregon; Saint Paul, Minnesota; and Tulsa, Oklahoma are just a few secondary and tertiary cities trending between the coasts.
Most importantly, Americans are looking to relax. Airbnb found leisure categories the most searched for by U.S. travelers. Potential bookers prioritized amenities including pools, beach, amazing views, golf, surfing, countryside and more laid back categories that signify stateside travelers really just want a breath of fresh air (seemingly, outside the country).
In worldwide travel searches, Brazil is also a top destination. Airbnb found the most popular destinations globally range from Japan (the borders reopened in 2022) to New Zealand for traveler. Top markets include Osaka, Japan; Hong Kong; Québec City, Canada; Taipei, Taiwan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Hanover, Germany; Wānaka, New Zealand; São Paulo, Brazil' Muang Pattaya, Thailand; and Tokyo, Japan.