U.S. travelers are ready to try something new.
Airbnb recently released its winter travel report for the 2025/2026 season, and Americans aren’t sticking to old-standby spots this year. Overwhelmingly, U.S. travelers are turning towards under-the-radar destinations for winter sports and non-traditional beachfront getaways for their warm-weather plans. Families are leading the way in the trend, with 80 percent opting for suburban or rural vacations, according to Airbnb’s report.
In lieu of the big-name resorts out West, skiers are looking to relish small-town charm and lowkey slopes. There’s an uptick in interest in Dover, Vermont, home to the state’s southernmost big mountain, Mount Snow. It’s one of the easiest-to-access winter destinations for travelers who live in the Northeast’s major cities.
Campton, New Hampshire, is also attracting travelers to New England with a mix of snowy outdoor adventures and seclusion for rest and relaxation. Many skiers are also venturing to the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania to experience its winter wonderland season: Located near Seven Springs Ski Resort, the cozy village of Champion has been getting attention as families make travel plans.
While it’s no surprise winter sports are still taking many travelers out West, two not-so-overlooked destinations seem to be inching into the spotlight. Brighton is one of the lesser-known ski resorts near Salt Lake City, but it still offers piles of powder and thrilling terrain. Meanwhile, McCall, Idaho, can now brag about its trending status in addition to a famed winter carnival and famously snowy conditions.
When it comes to travelers looking to escape the winter chill with warm-weather getaways, vibrant bayou towns have emerged as vacation frontrunners. Lafayette, Louisiana, attracts visitors with acclaimed Cajun food, festive cultural celebrations, and a lively music scene. About an hour’s drive from New Orleans’ French Quarter, St. Tammany Parish is another great choice for travelers seeking a culturally rich trip with plenty of sunshine.
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches to consider when planning a Florida vacation, but Anna Maria has been edging ahead of competition in the Sunshine State. South of Tampa and North of Sarasota, the small island town has a lowkey energy and pristine beaches. Another hidden gem on the Gulf Coast, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is equally historic and sunny for those in need of a mid-winter pick-me-up.
The honor of being the only West Coast destination to make the list goes to Hermosa Beach, California. The SoCal spot is growing in popularity with a vibrant surf culture and mood-thawing weather to brighten up travelers’ winter days.
Families moving towards longer trips was another growing trend revealed by Airbnb’s report. The company’s data showed that one third of families traveling this winter are planning stays of seven nights or more. Travelers aged 60 or older are also opting for extended trips, and most are heading to enjoy Florida’s sandy beaches and sunshine.
