As winter approaches, the travel landscape in the United States is shifting, with new hotspots drawing visitors eager to experience cozy mountain escapes, cultural city adventures, and coastal retreats. According to Airbnb’s winter travel report, published on October 28, 2025, more travelers are seeking out unique and experience-driven destinations rather than traditional winter getaways. This new trend reveals how travel preferences continue to evolve—thanks to remote work flexibility, climate-conscious choices, and the allure of local authenticity.
In this article, we explore the latest insights from Airbnb’s report on trending U.S. destinations for winter travel, highlighting top emerging markets, traveler motivations, and what these patterns mean for the broader travel industry. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a family planner, or a ski enthusiast, this guide will help you discover where Americans are heading this season—and why. To view the original Airbnb-based analysis, visit The Digest Online’s Travel Report or Airbnb’s own announcement.
U.S. Winter Travel Trends: Quick Answers
Where are Americans heading this winter, according to Airbnb?
Airbnb’s report lists 10 trending U.S. winter destinations, split between small ski towns and beach or culture towns. They are Dover, Vermont; Covington, Louisiana; Campton, New Hampshire; Brighton, Utah; McCall, Idaho; Champion, Pennsylvania; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Hermosa Beach, California; Anna Maria, Florida; and Lafayette, Louisiana.
Source: Airbnb newsroom, October 28, 2025, checked October 18, 2026.
Why are families choosing small towns for winter trips?
Airbnb says families are leading domestic winter travel, with 80% of family bookings in suburban and rural, low-density areas. The most popular family destinations were scenic small-town escapes, and bookings of listings with four or more bedrooms have grown, which suits multi-generational groups travelling together for the holidays.
Source: Airbnb newsroom, October 28, 2025, checked October 18, 2026.
Are Americans taking longer winter trips?
Yes, at least among families and older travellers. Airbnb found that a third of U.S. families were travelling for seven nights or more, and that snowbirds aged 60 and over were booking longer stays. Longer stays make kitchens, extra bedrooms and quieter locations more important than being close to big attractions.
Source: Airbnb newsroom, October 28, 2025, checked October 18, 2026.
Where are snowbirds going this winter?
Florida. Airbnb says all of the top 10 trending destinations for U.S. travellers aged 60 and over were in Florida, including The Villages, Fort Myers Beach and Venice. In a survey for Airbnb, nearly half of travellers aged 60 and over said they travel with a partner, and beach houses and condos were the top choice.
Source: Airbnb newsroom, October 28, 2025, checked October 18, 2026.
Which winter season does this Airbnb data cover?
The destination rankings compare searches made in the second quarter of 2025 for stays from December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026 with the same period a year earlier. It is the most recent Airbnb U.S. winter destinations report we found when we checked, so treat it as a guide to trends rather than a forecast.
Source: Airbnb newsroom, October 28, 2025, checked October 18, 2026.
Winter Travel Trends in the United States
The rise in domestic winter travel reflects a growing shift toward personalization and regional discovery. Many Americans now prefer staying within the U.S., exploring small towns or lesser-known regions with rich cultural experiences.
1. Families Head for Small Towns and Longer Stays
Airbnb says 80% of U.S. family winter bookings were in suburban and rural areas, and a third of families were travelling for seven nights or more. Smaller, quieter places are easier to enjoy at a slower pace, especially in uncertain winter weather.
- Nearly half of winter travelers said they would vacation with family, according to an Airbnb survey.
- Visiting family and friends remains the top reason for winter travel.
- Bookings of listings with four or more bedrooms have increased, reflecting multi-generational trips.
2. The Remote Work Effect
Another factor contributing to this winter’s travel surge is work-from-anywhere flexibility. Guests are merging vacation and productivity time in quieter destinations that provide both scenic beauty and reliable connectivity.
Top U.S. Destinations Surging for Winter Travel
According to Airbnb’s report, U.S. travelers are moving away from well-known winter hotspots toward more under-the-radar destinations. These are the trending U.S. winter destinations Airbnb listed, based on searches for stays between December 2025 and February 2026.
1. Smaller Ski Towns Without the Crowds
Airbnb says cold-weather fans are choosing hidden slopes and smaller ski towns over the big-name resorts.
- Brighton, Utah – A small ski area outside Park City, close to Salt Lake City.
- McCall, Idaho – A lake and mountain town with a long winter tradition.
- Dover, Vermont – Home to Mount Snow and within reach of New York and Boston.
- Campton, New Hampshire – A quiet base in the White Mountains.
- Champion, Pennsylvania – In the Laurel Highlands, near Seven Springs.
2. Beach Towns and Warmer Culture Trips
For those seeking milder weather, Airbnb says travelers chasing warmth are heading to artsy and cultural beach towns.
- Anna Maria, Florida – A low-rise island on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Hermosa Beach, California – A classic Southern California beach town.
- Bay St. Louis, Mississippi – A small town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Covington, Louisiana – In St. Tammany Parish, north of New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain.
- Lafayette, Louisiana – The heart of Cajun food and music culture.
Traveler Motivations Behind the Shift
Understanding *why* travelers are heading to these trending locations sheds light on current attitudes toward leisure, sustainability, and connection. The motivations below are our reading of the trend rather than Airbnb figures.
1. Seeking Serenity over Spectacle
More travelers are searching for quiet, restorative experiences, as opposed to bustling urban vacations. The focus on mental well-being continues to shape the travel industry’s offerings—from wellness lodges to digital detox retreats.
2. Value-Driven Decision Making
Economic factors play an essential role as well. With inflation and travel costs rising, many guests are opting for extended stays in smaller markets where they can enjoy luxury at lower prices.
- Longer booking windows allow for better budget management.
- Multi-generational family trips are being planned with cost-efficiency in mind.
- Airbnb says bookings of listings with four or more bedrooms have increased, as more groups travel together.
3. Prioritizing Authentic Local Experiences
In today’s marketplace, experiences are the new currency. Travelers want to live like locals, engaging with regional food, cultural festivals, and community-led tours. This shift benefits local economies and encourages sustainable tourism practices.
Implications for the Travel and Hospitality Industry
The surge in these new winter destinations carries broader implications for both hosts and travel stakeholders. Businesses must adapt to changing consumer behaviors with flexible offerings and improved digital presence.
1. Airbnb Hosts and Micro-Entrepreneurship
Hosts in emerging regions stand to benefit significantly. Airbnb’s report does not publish host earnings for these towns, but hosts in smaller markets are well placed to benefit from the shift. Strategic investment in guest amenities, interior quality, and digital responsiveness is crucial.
2. Destination Marketing Opportunities
Tourism boards should seize this momentum by creating targeted winter campaigns centered on culture, cuisine, and eco-friendly activities. Highlighting niche attractions—rather than oversaturated landmarks—positions destinations more competitively.
3. Sustainable Travel Initiatives
The emphasis on small-town and mid-size destinations aligns with sustainability goals. Reducing pressure on overcrowded tourist hubs preserves natural environments and spreads economic benefits across regional communities.
How Travelers Can Maximize Their Winter Getaways
With diverse destinations on the rise, savvy travelers can enhance their winter experiences through practical planning and local engagement strategies.
- Book Early: Emerging destinations fill up quickly as word spreads online.
- Research Local Experiences: From farm-to-table dining to guided nature excursions, unique seasonal activities define each area.
- Prioritize Flexibility: Weather and travel conditions may vary; flexible booking options ensure smoother journeys.
- Support Local Businesses: Choosing independent accommodations and eateries directly contributes to local development.
Winter Travel Takeaways and Future Outlook
The current shift toward domestic, experience-based winter travel shows no signs of slowing down. As travelers continue to embrace flexibility and meaningful exploration, the American travel map is being redrawn in real time. Smaller cities and nature-forward communities are thriving thanks to renewed interest in authenticity and sustainability.
Looking ahead, we expect continued growth in “micro-destinations”—locations that blend accessibility with character. With digital nomadism, multigenerational travel, and eco-conscious planning at the forefront, these trends will shape how the hospitality industry evolves over the next several years.
Conclusion
This winter marks a defining moment for U.S. travel. From small ski towns like Brighton, Utah, to beach escapes such as Anna Maria Island, travelers are rediscovering America through a new lens—one shaped by values of connection, flexibility, and purpose. Platforms like Airbnb make it easier than ever to find personalized stays that reflect today’s traveler mindset.
To dive deeper into the data and explore the full analysis, check out the original report at The Digest Online. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or exploring new opportunities in hospitality, understanding these trends can help you make the most of the evolving winter travel season.
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