Families are finding that there’s plenty to explore and experience in their own backyard. According to a recent survey* of American travelers, defined as those over 18 with at least one child, more than 3 in 5 say they’ll stay within driving distance for their next family vacation, with less than 10 percent venturing to international destinations.
This certainly rings true for families traveling on Airbnb this spring, with nearly all of the top destinations located within the continental US. Though Paris makes the top 10 list, the remaining destinations offer a mix of big city adventures and scenic rural escapes across the country:
1. Orlando
2. Los Angeles
3. New York City
4. San Diego
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Phoenix
7. Paris
8. Tahoe
9. Central Florida Gulf Coast
10. South Florida Gulf Coast
11. Las Vegas
12. Smoky Mountains
13. Big Bear Lake
14. Urban Orange County
Soaring Above and Splashing Below – Mountain and Beach Escapes on the Rise
With more than 7 in 10 planning at least one family vacation this year, beach getaways are high on the priority list, with 36 percent expressing a desire to enjoy sunshine by the shoreline. On Airbnb, listings located along the coastlines are certainly buzzing with anticipation, with Myrtle Beach (162%), Panama City Beach (151%), Greater Saint Augustine (131%), and the Alabama Gulf Coast (123%) in particular seeing a significant uptick in guest arrivals over the coming weeks, year over last.
221%
increase in guest arrivals in the Smoky Mountains
183%
increase in guest arrivals in Flagstaff
162%
increase in guest arrivals in Myrtle Beach
Though not to be outdone, rural destinations will also welcome many families this spring, with Airbnb listings in the Smoky Mountains (221%), Flagstaff (183%), and the North Carolina mountains (151%) seeing a big increase in travelers, year over last.
Shorter Booking Windows, Longer List of Amenities
The survey also reveals that the booking window for family travel this year is much shorter, with nearly half planning their vacations only 1 – 3 months in advance. And when it comes to deciding on where to go, a few key factors come into play:
- Value (nearly half deemed it the most important factor when planning a family vacation)
- Peer reviews and recommendations (47% deemed it ‘very important’)
- Family-friendly amenities (with more than 3 in 5 saying WiFi is the most important, followed by kitchens, cable television, pools, and multiple rooms)
- Traveling tots (two-thirds of all respondents say that children are influential when it comes to deciding on a destination)
On this front, Airbnb answered the call for many family travelers with the launch of its Family Collection in February. Every home in the collection is highly rated with reviews from other families, provides complete privacy and all the essentials a family needs for a memorable stay.
It Pays to Get Away, Together
According to family travelers, 4 in 5 have vacationed together with other families in the past three years, while 2 in 5 have included extended family members and 1 in 4 bring the grandparents along. So whether traveling as a small tribe or a large troop, Airbnb’s entire home listings make it easy for multi-generational or multi-family travelers to get away, together. Best part of all? With Airbnb’s split payment option, trip organizers don’t have to take on the upfront financial burden, making it an easy and stress-free trip planning process for all.
*This Airbnb survey was conducted using the online survey platform Pollfish, and compiled by DKC Analytics, a division of DKC Public Affairs and Government Relations. The nationwide sample of 1003 adults in the United States was surveyed on March 15 2018 in the United States. The margin of error is 3.15% and no additional weighting was done to the initial sample. For complete survey results, including demographics and cross-tabs, please contact press@airbnb.com.