Travelers seek sun and family time this spring

Key Takeaways

  • Cross-border travel continues to recover, with nights booked increasing 15% in the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Older adults aged 60 and older, and adults in their 30s are leading the Live Anywhere trend this upcoming spring.
Mother and daughter running through a verdant backyard patio surrounded by flowers and greenery.

Key Takeaways

  • Cross-border travel continues to recover, with nights booked increasing 15% in the fourth quarter of 2021.
  • Older adults aged 60 and older, and adults in their 30s are leading the Live Anywhere trend this upcoming spring.

Spring wanderlust is here, at least in the US, continuing the trends we’ve seen of recovering cross-border travel. With winter weather fading and travel restrictions easing in many destinations, US guests are looking for travel farther away from home this upcoming season. And travelers are packing their bags for international destinations like Porto, Portugal and Whistler, Canada. 

Cross-border travel continues to recover, increasing from 20% of global gross nights booked in the first quarter to nearly 35% in the fourth quarter of 2021. Similarly, international locations dominate the top 15 trending destinations for the spring break period. A regular number-one on the pre-pandemic bucket list, Paris reigns at the top yet again. The following are the top trending destinations for US guests this spring. 

  • Paris, France 
  • Florence, Italy 
  • Rome, Italy 
  • Madrid, Spain 
  • Whistler, Canada
  • Mexico City, Mexico 
  • Barcelona, Spain 
  • Porto, Portugal 
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands 
  • London, United Kingdom 
Woman in a striped button down shirt descends down the side steps of a renovated shipping container home with basket in hand. She's stepping out onto a gravel side yard with a fire pit and the home is situated on a grassy bluff overlooking the coastline.

Embracing the nomadic lifestyle, older adults aged 60 and older, and adults in their 30s are leading the Live Anywhere trend this upcoming spring. This mix of retirees as well as 30-something workers who may no longer be tethered to an office are choosing to live and work anywhere. 

The top destinations for long-term stays among older adults this spring are places with warm weather and sunshine: 

  • South Florida Gulf Coast
  • Phoenix
  • Central Florida Gulf Coast
  • South Florida Atlantic Coast 
  • Orlando 

Unique types of stays such as RVs, cozy earthhouses and tiny homes have more than doubled this spring among long term guests, regardless of their age, compared to the previous spring. 

Toddler girl in foreground running towards camera on a front porch of an Airbnb. Her parents dressed in black casual clothes are watching over her in the background while enjoying their morning coffee.

Family travel is also springing back in terms of bookings for the upcoming season. This spring, families are seeking destinations packed with theme parks and other child-friendly amusements, as well as sunny, warm beaches. With that in mind, Florida is high on the priority list, claiming half of the top destinations for families. 

  • Orlando, Florida
  • South Florida Gulf Coast
  • Central Florida Gulf Coast
  • Phoenix, Arizona
  • Maui, Hawaii
  • Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
  • South Florida Atlantic Coast
  • Oahu, Hawaii
  • Miramar Beach, Florida 

Travelers are also yearning for one-of-a-kind experiences by planning their trips around the variety of unique stays on Airbnb. The top wish listed Airbnbs so far in 2022 amongst US guests include a bold, A-frame cabin with sweeping views of Zion mountains and an artistic home encompassing a 30-foot swing. The following 10 most wish listed stays include rustic retreats, immersive abodes with panoramic views of nature, and architectural wonders.