2024 summer travel trends revealed

Whether it’s rooting on a team at a nearby sporting event, drifting down a lazy river with loved ones at a Play category listing, or enjoying the pool with friends at a beachfront villa, there are plenty of playful adventures awaiting this summer.¹ 

Global sporting events fuel travel excitement 

As the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 draw closer, guests from around the world are looking to secure a front row seat at the event. While Paris², is the most searched city worldwide on Airbnb this summer, cities like Lille, Versailles, and Lyon are trending thanks to the strategic decision to host Paris 2024 throughout France³.  Listing page views during the Games period have been on average 11 times higher in the French host cities and their surroundings compared to the previous year⁴.

With the European Football Championships set to kick off in ten locations across Germany this June, three of the host cities Dortmund, Munich and Stuttgart have emerged as trending destinations this summer. In the US, several host cities of America’s Soccer Tournament such as Glendale, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV, are trending⁵ with the tournament scheduled to kick off this June.

Guests seek play-based stays and experiences

With searches for the Play category more than doubling this summer⁷, guests are searching for stays that are experiences in their own right. The Play Category features listings with fun–filled offerings that go beyond the typical amenities, including basketball courts, game rooms, trampolines, water slides, and more.

Whether it’s a studio with its own climbing wall or a rainforest chalet with waterslides and waterfalls, some of the most wishlisted listings in the Play category are ideal for an action-oriented stay:

• Historic Home with Bowling Alley, Hastings, UK
• Fun Studio with Climbing Wall, Rače, Slovenia
• Trullo with Indoor Pool, Locorotondo, Italy
• Seaside Summerhouse with Trampoline, Orø, Denmark
• Chalet with Slides and Waterfalls, Ilhabela, Brazil
• Beach Cabin with Cubbyhouse and Play Area, Torquay, Australia
• Arcade House with Games Room, Bloomington, Illinois
• Three Story Cabin with Playground, Broken Bow, Oklahoma
• Luxury Entertainment Oasis, Tracy, California

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64% of guests say⁷ that traveling on Airbnb provides a closer connection to the local culture than staying in a hotel or resort. Airbnbs are not only found in more authentic neighborhoods, but many of the stays on the platform are incredibly characterful, offering a glimpse into local tastes and passions. 

Families seek outdoor space and beachside stays 

Having more space to be outside is a priority for families this summer, with searches for outdoor amenities like pools and BBQs increasing by 30% for family travel⁸. With amenities like chef’s kitchens and private outdoor areas, Airbnb is the preferred choice of many families. Almost three in five guests say being able to fit all their family in one place is a major deciding factor when booking, according to a recent survey⁹. And 71% say that amenities such as kitchens, workspaces, and backyards are important when booking¹⁰. 

This summer, families are looking to Airbnb to hike, swim and soak up incredible views. Some of the top categories booked for families this summer have a waterfront theme, including Beach, Amazing Pools, and Lake categories. Here are some of the top trending destinations near the water for families this summer:

• Çeşme, Turkey 
• Krk, Croatia 
• Jeju, South Korea
• Cebu City, Philippines 
• Melbourne, Australia
• Puerto Escondido, Mexico 
• Nassau, Bahamas 
• Durrës, Albania 
• Miramar Beach, FL, United States
• Marquette, MI, United States