Growing Demand for Urban and Purpose-Driven Ultra-Short Trips
Rising Popularity of Solo Travel and Culinary Experiences
Short overseas trips lasting one to two days, especially among Generation Z, are emerging as a new global travel trend. As short-form platforms drive the spread of content about day trips and ultra-short-term travel, demand for brief getaways is actually increasing, surpassing that for longer vacations.
A bustling scene at Incheon International Airport filled with travelers. Photo by The Asia Business Daily
According to Airbnb's "2026 Travel Trend Outlook" released on December 18, the key travel trends for next year include: ▲ ultra-short overseas trips led by Generation Z ▲ travel focused on recovery and rejuvenation in nature ▲ purpose-driven trips centered around global events such as music festivals ▲ journeys of self-discovery ▲ and an expansion of experiential culinary travel.
Airbnb analyzed that "as travelers seek unique experiences within limited time frames, immersive activities that allow them to truly feel the local atmosphere will become increasingly popular." In particular, the trend of splitting up trips into one- or two-day segments for overseas travel is becoming almost a "rule" among Generation Z, leading to rapid growth in demand for ultra-short overseas trips.
Preference for Urban and Purpose-Driven Destinations
Preference for urban travel destinations, including Busan, South Korea, is increasing. Photo by Yonhap News Agency shows Busan Gwangalli Beach during a drone festival.
These travelers tend to prefer urban destinations where they can enjoy music, dance, history, and cuisine all at once, maximizing their experiences in a short period of time. Popular cities include Busan in South Korea, Nagano in Japan, Mexico City in Mexico, Marrakech in Morocco, Stockholm in Sweden, and Buenos Aires in Argentina.
The ways people travel are also diversifying. Healing trips that focus on rest and recovery in nature are gaining attention alongside purpose-driven travel tied to major sports and cultural events. In fact, searches for accommodations near U.S. national parks increased by 35% year-on-year, and 65% of the most searched travel dates and cities coincided with major global events such as the Olympics, World Cup, Carnival, and music festivals.
Rising Demand for Solo and Experiential Culinary Travel
As the trend of prioritizing self-discovery over romantic relationships spreads, solo travel is once again in the spotlight. Solo travelers are uncovering the next generation of popular destinations themselves. Relatively lesser-known places such as Idyllwild in the United States, Tromso in Norway, and La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic are emerging as new hotspots. These travelers are drawn to destinations where they can reflect on themselves amid beautiful scenery.
Interest in culinary travel is also expanding. Airbnb predicts that hands-on food and beverage experiences, such as baking classes and wine tastings, will remain strong next year. Croissant baking classes in Paris are currently among the most popular experiences, and the number of travelers seeking wine regions continues to grow.
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