Airbnb Reveals 2026 Winter Travel Trends: Friendsgiving Getaways, Mountain Retreats and Sunny Escapes Gain Popularity
From Friendsgiving getaways to sunny winter escapes, travelers are planning holidays that look a little different this year. Friends are turning Friendsgiving dinner into a getaway, small mountain towns and historic main streets are stealing the spotlight for Christmas and New Year’s.
Friendsgiving Getaways on the Rise
- Airbnb reports a shift towards celebrating Friendsgiving through group holidays rather than traditional dinner gatherings.
- Wishlists featuring “Friendsgiving” in their titles increased by more than 30%.
- Travellers are choosing spacious holiday homes, equipped kitchens and private chef services for group celebrations.
Small Mountain Towns Gain Popularity
- Small mountain towns, historic main streets and cosy ski retreats are emerging as popular Christmas and New Year destinations.
- Search growth includes:
- Hunter, New York: 37%.
- Sevierville, Tennessee: 32%.
- Kidder, Pennsylvania: 25%.
- Other trending destinations include Newry, Maine; Brian Head, Utah; Conway, New Hampshire; and Mammoth Lakes, California.
Winter Sun and International Destinations
- Travellers are exploring a mix of beach holidays, cultural experiences, sports events and affordable international destinations.
- Trending destinations include:
- Bradenton Beach and Marco Island, Florida.
- La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
- Samaná, Dominican Republic.
- Québec City and Mont-Tremblant, Canada.
- Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Seattle and Green Bay are attracting sports fans planning trips around major games.
New Travel Planning and Booking Features
Airbnb highlights several services designed to simplify holiday planning:
- Gift Cards: Available from US$25 for stays, experiences and services.
- Reserve Now, Pay Later: Eligible bookings can be secured without upfront payment.
- AI-Powered Search: Travellers can describe their preferences using text or voice.
- Airbnb Services: Meal and grocery delivery, laundry and other services are available in selected destinations.
- ResortPass: Guests can book access to hotel and resort pools, spas and cabanas in selected destinations.
Key Travel Outlook for Winter 2026
- Group celebrations, small-town escapes, winter sports and warm-weather holidays are shaping travel preferences.
- Travellers are increasingly seeking flexible stays, convenient services and memorable experiences.
