Top trends driving Gen Z travel this winter

By Airbnb · January 27, 2025

Key Takeaways

This winter, Gen Z is flocking to sun-soaked beach destinations worldwide, from Sydney, Australia to Praia Grande, Brazil.
Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to search for “Nature” experiences on Airbnb and prioritize outdoor wellness activities.
More than 75% of Gen Z travelers are using the app to book quick winter escapes.

Key Takeaways

This winter, Gen Z is flocking to sun-soaked beach destinations worldwide, from Sydney, Australia to Praia Grande, Brazil.
Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to search for “Nature” experiences on Airbnb and prioritize outdoor wellness activities.
More than 75% of Gen Z travelers are using the app to book quick winter escapes.

Travelers are shaking off the winter chill and embracing new adventures. Whether they’re escaping to a winter getaway, or using cozy indoor days to plan future trips, the urge to explore is stronger than ever. January has emerged as the peak month for searching for Airbnb stays, aside from the bustling summer months.¹ With countless destinations to choose from, we’ve turned to the most talked about generation, Gen Z, to see where and how they’re traveling this winter.²

75%

of Gen Z use the app to plan their trips

60%

of Gen Z search for quicker trips lasting 2-6 days

Gen Z winter travel trends on Airbnb

With their budget-conscious mindsets, fast-paced lifestyles, and constant access to technology, Gen Z travelers are driven by a desire to discover hidden gems and prioritize wellness. From top destinations to the experiences they’re craving, we’ve tapped into the trends shaping their winter travel:

Gen Z is the most likely generation to search for “Nature” experiences on Airbnb than any other generation, prioritizing natural wellness activities like horseback riding and forest bathing to disconnect and recharge.³
Emerging Brazilian beach towns like Praia Grande and Porto Seguro are surging this winter for Gen Z travelers, showing their desire to soak up the sun, discover up and coming locales, and immerse themselves in authentic, vibrant cultural events like Carnival.⁴
Over 75% of Gen Z travelers have turned to the Airbnb app for trip planning, which comes as no surprise for a generation that has grown up immersed in technology.⁵
More than 60% of Gen Z travelers are seeking trips lasting 2 to 6 nights, likely influenced by work commitments, financial considerations, or a preference for quick getaways.

The trending destinations topping Gen Z’s winter travel list

From pristine beaches to wellness retreats, these trending destinations are defined by an increase in searches made by Gen Z travelers for trips this winter season compared to the year prior.

An exterior view of a modern villa featuring a swimming pool surrounded by wooden lounge chairs, lush green grass, and palm trees. The villa has a tiled roof, large windows, and a spacious patio with a hammock. The interior is visible through the open doors, showcasing a cozy living space and dining area.

Porto Seguro, Brazil

This coastal resort town, situated in the south of Bahia, Brazil, is steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the charming historic center, known as Cidade Histórica, or enjoy Ecological horseback riding in Trancoso, a former fishing village known for its expansive golden beaches, offering a perfect escape for tranquility. With so much to experience, this destination provides a diverse range of wellness activities for every traveler.

A cozy and modern living space featuring a compact kitchen with wooden cabinets and a countertop, equipped with a black toaster, a coffee maker, a sink, and a gas stove. On one side, there's a gray sofa facing a small dining area with a wooden chair and a television. A unique blue macrame swing chair hangs from the ceiling, adding a playful touch to the room. The walls are adorned with light-colored curtains, and decorative elements like a clock and decorative oars on the wall enhance the aesthetic.

Praia Grande, Brazil

Located on the southern coast of São Paulo, this emerging beach destination is a relaxing hub for visitors and locals looking to recharge. From meditating by the ocean to invigorating excursions, including this boat adventure where guests can snorkel and dive, this Brazilian summer paradise is the perfect winter getaway.

A modern kitchen featuring a clean, minimalist design. The kitchen has white cabinets, a large island with a marble countertop, and a stainless steel stove. Above the stove, there is a sleek hood, and a shelf displays various decorative items and kitchen essentials. A bowl of colorful fruits sits on the island. The space is well-lit with track lighting and natural light coming from a window, and there are hanging plants adding a touch of greenery. A door leads outside.

Sydney, Australia

For travelers seeking a slice of summer, Sydney, Australia offers just that – where breathtaking landscapes meet unique wellness experiences. To escape the bustling city, the iconic Bondi Beach offers white-sand, ideal surfing waves, and a plethora of healthy restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Beyond the beach, adventure awaits in the Blue Mountains, including this experience featuring amazing viewpoints including the waterfall in Jamison Valley and Three Sister Rock formations.

A balcony view overlooking a pool and body of water. The balcony features two woven chairs and a small table. Inside, a cozy living room with a blue couch, a green ottoman, and a television can be seen through sliding glass doors. The sky is partly cloudy.

Greater Orlando, FL, United States

Gen Zers eager to unleash their inner child will find the perfect playground in the greater Orlando area, known for being home to some of the top amusement parks in the US. In addition to the exhilarating rides and entertainment, Central Florida boasts pristine golf courses, beautiful lakes, and a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy the sunshine and indulge in self-care, including this Winter Park Paddle Board Adventure.

A modern living room featuring a light gray sectional sofa with decorative pillows, a glass coffee table, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. Large windows offer a stunning view of the ocean, with bright blue water and a clear sky. A small potted plant is on the table, and a red circular rug adds a pop of color to the floor. A concrete pillar is visible between the sofa and the windows, enhancing the contemporary aesthetic of the space.

Alicante, Spain

This Mediterranean port on the east coast of Spain is home to beautiful historic architecture amongst its naturally serene surroundings. Located atop Mount Benacantil, the renowned Santa Bárbara Castle was designed as one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain, offering visitors 360º views of the city. In addition to the architectural marvels, travelers can discover the city’s natural wonders, including the Canelobre caves, a naturally soothing environment that promotes relaxation.

A cozy living room featuring a high, arched brick ceiling with warm lighting. The space includes a green sectional sofa with a white cushion, a beige sofa adorned with a green pillow, and two green armchairs. A round coffee table sits in the center, with a vase of flowers on it. There is a television on a light gray media console, accompanied by a decorative lamp and a green vase. A bookcase is visible in the background with plants and decorative items.

Munich, Germany

Munich’s vibrant cultural scene serves as a dynamic hub for young travelers, with numerous museums, galleries and theaters to enjoy, as well as bustling nightlife that extends well beyond Oktoberfest. Visitors can immerse in the local food culture with an apple strudel cooking class, or venture to the nearby Alps and parks, which offer ample opportunities for outdoor wellness activities including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

A modern bedroom featuring two neatly made beds with gray and white bedding. The room has a warm ambiance with recessed lighting along the ceiling. On the wall, there are three abstract art pieces. A flat-screen TV is mounted on the wall opposite the beds, and a wooden closet door is visible. A coat rack with wooden hangers is mounted beside the closet, and there is a small white drawer beside one of the beds.

Osaka, Japan

Japan continues to surge as a trending destination for 2025 with the help of Gen Z, whose searches for Osaka, Japan have more than doubled for the winter season.⁶ Renowned for its social-media worthy street food, colorful street art and lively nightlife, travelers can unwind from the hustle and bustle and explore rural hidden Osaka by bike, as well as connect with nature in its pristine gardens and parks.

A modern bedroom featuring a large bed with decorative pillows and a light-colored blanket. The walls are painted dark gray, adorned with colorful art prints. A small round black table with a woven placemat and a potted plant sits beside a plush chair. To the right, a wooden dresser holds another small plant. The room has large glass doors leading to a balcony.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Located in southeastern Uruguay, this emerging seaside city is one to watch, with popularity soaring for Gen Z travelers this winter.⁷ Its hot climate and beautiful beaches, like Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beach yoga and surfing. In addition to its beaches, visitors of Punta del Este can enjoy local cuisine and a lively nightlife.

A serene outdoor patio featuring a swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees. In the foreground, two black wicker lounge chairs are positioned on a wooden deck, facing the pool and the vibrant landscape beyond under a clear blue sky.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Located near popular vacation destinations Cancún and Tulum, the beach town of Playa del Carmen offers travelers more than white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Its popular Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is lined with local shops, restaurants and cafes for vacationers to enjoy. For Gen Z travelers seeking to immerse in nature, its nearby eco-parks and jungles offer a serene escape, with unique experiences such as the Jungle Hatha Yoga experience with Soundbath.

A modern living space featuring a stylish brown leather sofa adorned with colorful cushions in shades of blue and yellow. The kitchen area, visible in the background, boasts blue cabinetry, geometric pendant lights, and a patterned backsplash. A small dining table with golden bar stools is positioned at the kitchen counter, and a glass partition separates the living area from the hallway. The room is well-lit with natural light streaming in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is a budget-friendly warm winter escape that promises Gen Z travelers authentic cultural experiences. Visitors can explore opulent historic temples and shrines, learn local wellness traditions from experts at workshops like the Authentic Thai Massage Workshop at ThaiHand Massage School, and indulge in the city’s diverse food scene.

All listings included in this article are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or experiences on the platform.