Airbnb just released its 2026 travel trend predictions and, this year, it's all going to be about spontaneity an travel that dives deep. For Gen Z travelers in particular, short, sweet and action-packed is key.
According to Airbnb’s data, one- to two-day international trips are growing faster than extended vacations are, a shift that's been building for the last three years. Gen Z travelers are inspired by TikTok day-trip videos that make jetting off to another country for a single night look not just doable, but smart. These young explorers are finding ways to experience rich culture and high-energy adventures in layover-length trips.
Where they're going is also worthy of attention: rather than laid-back beach towns, Gen Z is choosing cities packed with music, nightlife and culinary traditions worth crossing time zones for. Buenos Aires, Marrakesh, Ko Samui, Mexico City, Busan, San Juan, Stockholm, Nakano and two Brazilian favorites—Maceió and João Pessoa—are trending for these kinds of getaways.
Airbnb gives a nod to the generation for teaching "a masterclass in how to maximize PTO" by focusing on quick trips to vibrant cities and lively urban destinations. For older travelers, the idea of spending 20 hours in transit for a 40-hour trip might sound exhausting, but Gen Z is embracing the thrill of it.
The rest of Airbnb’s predictions paint a picture of a year shaped by big moments and offline adventures. Travelers continue to seek out nature and the great outdoors. Searches for stays near U.S. national parks are up 35 percent, with a majority of travelers looking for stays near the Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Shenandoah, Acadia and Jackson Hole.
Events will drive travel planning this year as well. Sixty-five percent of the top-searched dates for 2026 align with huge moments like the winter Olympics, Coachella, Carnival and the FIFA World Cup. Cities already seeing demand include Indio, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Houston, Miami, Toronto, Rio, Guadalajara and Milan.
Solo travel is also continuing to surge as well. Spots like Idyllwild, La Altagracia and Tromsø are seeing sharp increases in interest as travelers chase quiet landscapes and a slower pace with mountain cabins, long walks and no pressure to coordinate with anyone else.
And, finally, trips built around food are expected to trend. Searches for wine regions and those with rich baking traditions are on the rise. Paris croissants, Tokyo mochi, Lisbon cakes and wineries from Bangalore to the Finger Lakes are high on wishlists.
This coming year in travel is gearing up to be another one focused on rich cultural experiences and quick trips are gaining traction as a way to see the world with limited time.