The Biggest Airbnb Travel Trends For Summer 2021

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published Mar 20, 2021

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After over a year in quarantine, travelers are aching to safely explore and hit the open road once again. President Joe Biden’s plan to get all Americans vaccinated by May 1 and push the nation closer to normal by July 4 just might make this a reality soon enough, too. With this glimmer of light at the end of a dark tunnel, Airbnb anticipates a summer of wanderlust as people reconnect with friends, family, and loved ones. As such, the vacation rental company released a new report to determine the top travel trends this spring and summer.

Airbnb surveyed 2,000 adults in February to determine the top destinations and rental types. The top destinations are also based on growth in searches for trips between March and August. The key findings indicate a preference for the great outdoors, including warm weather beach towns and places with access to national parks, and more unique lodging preferences, such as treehouse views. Below are more insights from the report.

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Warm weather locations, small beach towns, and access to state and national parks will be big this spring and summer. From the grandiose rock arches at Zion National Park in Utah to the historic Outer Banks town in North Carolina, travelers are gravitating towards the earth’s natural wonders and the great outdoors this summer. Based on the search data, Airbnb determined the top 10 destinations on respondents’ wishlist, too:

1. Southern Maine

2. Cape May, New Jersey

3. Round Top, Texas

4. Lake Powell, Arizona

5. Cape San Blas, Florida

6. Orderville, Utah

7. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

8. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

9. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

10. Whitefish, Montana

Credit: Courtesy of Airbnb

Cabins ranked as the top choice in lodging. 84% of respondents cited an interest in unique, unconventional lodging for future trips. Cabins were the most-searched lodging preference, followed by treehouse views (80% increase since last March) and barn views (63% increase since last March).

Outdoor amenities are important! Searches for outdoor amenities this year surged in comparison to the previous year. The top three amenities include patios and balconies, gardens or backyards, and outdoor barbecues — because, really, what’s summer without outdoor barbecues?

Visit Airbnb’s blog for more trend insights and popular listings.

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