Skip to main content

Summer travel: Airbnb reveals the most popular hot spots

Will you travel to any one of these popular destinations this summer?

North Carolina beach sunrise
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re itching for a summer vacation and want to know where the hot spots are, both internationally and domestic, travel site Airbnb has you covered. For summer travel this year, it is expecting over 300 million guest arrivals on its website, an indication that people are ready to get out of their own houses and into someone else’s. “Since the beginning of Airbnb, there have been 1.4 billion all-time guest arrivals,” said Airbnb in a recent report. “With more guests traveling last year than ever before,” this year is likely to outpace even the first post-pandemic year.

“We ended last year with 900,000 more listings than we had at the beginning, excluding China,” Airbnb continued. “Guests are opting for a more affordable stay, which is no surprise amid a rising cost-of-living crisis.” If you want to know just where people are searching to see how it may drive summer prices, the company listed the most trending summer destinations, so you can get an idea of where you may want to go (or avoid if you don’t like crowds).

Recommended Videos

Trending summer domestic destinations

Since we know summer airfare is skyrocketing for traveling internationally, staying domestic may just be the way to go for your wallet and your sanity. It’s always spectacular to travel to faraway lands, but this country offers so many stunning places to visit.

Topping the list and coming in third, respectively, are Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Known for the hospitality, people, food, and fun, it just makes sense. Other obvious locations when it comes to fun in the sun, beaches, and summer sports and activities are Panama City, Florida, Surf City, New Jersey, and North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, all with guaranteed good weather.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Trending summer international destinations

If you’re itching to travel abroad, one place that’s sure not to surprise anyone is Mykonos, Greece, the site’s top trending location. It just makes sense with the weather, food, stunning sunsets, and rich history. If you’re looking for an Italian getaway, there are three places in the country that seem to be on everyone’s list — the Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Sorrento.

With that much wine, good food, and views, it’s hard to argue. If you want to go far, far away, Bangkok, Thailand, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil also made the cut. While airfare and travel costs may be higher than staying domestic, any of these locations would be ones you’ll likely talk about forever.

Whether you need a quick weekend retreat or a multi-week vacation, these summer destinations offer a unique travel experience that you’ll look back on and cherish. Sometimes, it’s nice to stay at a home that offers amenities like a kitchen, privacy, pet-friendly accommodations, and a place you can gather with friends and family to relax. Happy summer, indeed.

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Travel light with this minimalist packing list for a beach vacation
Essentials to help you travel light and stay relaxed
Belize beach scene on Caye Caulker

Packing for a beach vacation has always been a bit of a challenge for me. On my last beach trip, I found myself in a familiar situation (overthinking what to pack and inevitably ending up with a stuffed suitcase that I could barely close). But I'm heading to Hawaii soon, and the goal this time is to travel light, pack only what’s essential, and still have everything I need to feel comfortable and relaxed. After some trial and error, I came up with this minimalist packing list for a beach vacation that will help me keep my luggage light while covering all the bases. If you’re looking to do the same, this guide should be right up your alley.
Minimalist beach vacation packing list 

I know you're tempted to overstuff your suitcase, but trust me on this one, follow this list.
1. Clothing essentials

Read more
8 underrated travel destinations you need to visit before everyone else does
Go beyond the tourist traps
Saint Stephen Island, Montenegro

I love London, New York City, and Paris as much as the next person. But sometimes, the crowds, long lines, and overpriced tourist traps can take the fun out of exploring. That’s why I’m all about discovering underrated travel destinations -- the hidden gems that haven’t been overrun by influencers and bus tours (yet).

If you’re looking for destinations where you can actually soak up the culture, snap some amazing photos without a million people in the background, and maybe even save a little money, you’re in the right place. Here are eight incredible places you need to visit before everyone else does.
Jalisco, Mexico

Read more
Pickpocket prevention: Don’t become a mark while traveling
Smart anti-theft tactics every traveler should know
Crowds at Palo Market

Did you know that more than 400,000 pickpocketing incidents happen every day? But if you ask travelers, most are convinced they could never be pickpocketed. If you keep your wits about you and know how and where to stow your belongings, you probably won’t either. However, pickpocketing is still one of the most prevalent non-violent crimes in major cities around the world.

I remember walking through the crowded streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, where street performers made it easy to get swept up in the moment. I’d heard countless warnings about the area being a hotspot for pickpockets, so I kept my bag close and avoided stopping in heavily congested spots. At one point, a man approached, insisting on showing me a "magic trick" while a crowd gathered. It felt harmless, but I noticed his friend inching uncomfortably close to someone else's bag. That moment was a reminder of how easily a distraction could lead to theft, even if you think you're prepared.

Read more