Introducing the 2026 Host Advisory Boards

This summer’s travel is shaped by three things: playcations, nostalgia, and the allure of what’s close to home. We’ve seen a notable increase in domestic travel this summer in the US—travelers are exploring nearby destinations to enjoy their favorite active hobbies, while hidden gems are offering budget-savvy explorers experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Play driven travel leads the way 

Action-packed adult “playcations” are defining summer travel in the US, with travelers seeking out nearby destinations to partake in their favorite activities.

• For surfers: Holden Beach in North Carolina is a barrier island break that delivers mellow surfing conditions and a laid back vibe, while Nags Head boasts a deep local culture as one of the East Coast’s oldest surf towns.

• For golfers: This summer, golfers are flocking to hidden gem courses across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains regions.

• For boaters: In the Midwest, waterfront living thrives—from Saugatuck, MI with calm inland waterways and a charming marina culture, to Osage Beach, MO, with miles of shoreline and lively waterfront dining.

Short-haul travel opens the door to rural escapes

Travelers are looking for short-haul escapes, with a third of people choosing to stay closer to home.

Our offers access to affordable retreats across the US in hidden gem destinations that deliver similar character, natural beauty, and experiences as popular summer spots. It’s an option travelers are open to—86 percent of travelers, and 94 percent of Gen Z travelers—say they’re interested in rural getaways, according to a recent Focaldata survey.

From the rocky shores of Maine to the mountain passes of New Mexico, there are under-the-radar towns where the average nightly rates are under $250:6

• Bellingham, WA – Bellingham has Seattle’s Pacific Northwest outdoor culture and craft beer scene, with kayaking, mountain biking, and easy access to ferries to the San Juan Islands.

• Eastport, ME – As one of the easternmost cities in the US, Eastport marries jaw-dropping Bay of Fundy tides with a walkable, art-filled coastal town that makes for a calmer counterpart to Bar Harbor.

• Marfa, TX – Marfa shares the same wide-open desert skies and unhurried pace as Santa Fe, with world class stargazing.

For a change of scenery

Since cottages became a worldwide sensation in late December, travelers have been eager to embark on their own private cottage getaway in Muskoka, where searches in the region have increased by 40 percent.