Emerging destinations redefine winter travel this season

Winter travel is taking a cool new direction this year, with Italy stealing the spotlight, fueled by excitement for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Globally, adventure seekers are drawn to getaways that blend easy city access with natural beauty, while US travelers split their escapes between hidden gem ski towns and sun-soaked waterfronts. This season, Airbnb is making it easier than ever to unwrap new adventures and make lasting memories.

Italy takes gold as this winter's ultimate trending destination

Italy is experiencing a robust increase in searches for this winter season, with the strongest momentum seen in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics host regions of Trentino-South Tyrol, Lombardy, and Veneto. Lombardy stands out with year-over-year search growth reaching triple digits.¹ The top countries leading the pack in travel interest to Italy during the Olympic games are: Germany, Canada, Italian domestic travelers, Switzerland, and United States.²

Beyond the Olympic spotlight, guests are embracing gateway travel-staying in cities that are gateways to breathtaking natural landscapes. From stunning beaches and lush jungles to serene forests and sparkling lakes, these trending global regions present winter adventurers with a wealth of options for culturally immersive and nature-filled escapes this winter:³

• Australian Capital Territory, Australia: Blending vibrant city life with bushland tranquility, the Australian Capital Territory offers activities ranging from scenic hikes and wildlife encounters to lively city hotspots like Canberra.
• Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile: Framed by the Andes and coastal hills, Santiago Metropolitan Region dazzles with Santiago's urban energy, eclectic arts, and scenic mountain escapes just a short journey away.
• Goslar, Germany: Tucked in the snowy Harz Mountains, Goslar enchants with its storybook medieval center, UNESCO World Heritage charm, and a picturesque wintry landscape.
• Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan offers a quieter escape where travelers can explore lush national parks, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, and unwind on tranquil beaches.
• San José, Costa Rica: Surrounded by lush mountains and sunny valleys, San José pulses with city excitement, colorful markets, and easy access to cloud forests and coffee traditions.
• State of Goiás, Brazil: Bathed in sunshine, Goiás delights with lush savannas, stunning waterfalls, mysterious caves, and colonial towns for nature-filled exploration.
• Cordoba, Colombia: Brimming with Caribbean beauty, Cordoba invites travelers to discover charming coastal towns and beaches, admire diverse architecture, and even hike through mangrove forests.

US travelers split between boutique basecamps and beach town escapes

This winter, US travelers are split between seeking snowy escapes and sunny getaways. Many are moving away from well-known winter hotspots toward more under-the-radar destinations. Cold weather fans are embracing hidden slopes and opting for smaller ski towns without the crowds, like rustic Brighton, UT outside of Park City, and McCall, Idaho. Meanwhile, those chasing warmth are flocking to artsy and cultural beach towns.

From cozy ski retreats to sunny waterfront escapes, here are the trending US winter destinations:⁴

Snowbirds aged 60+, in particular, are booking longer stays this season and overwhelmingly flocking to Florida, with all of their top 10 trending destinations found in the Sunshine State including The Villages, Fort Myers Beach, and Venice.⁵ According to a recent Airbnb survey, nearly half of travelers aged 60+ are traveling with their partners, and nearly a quarter prefer beach houses and condos, which was the leading response for the top accommodation choice for snowbirds.⁶

The rise of rural and suburban winter getaways for US families

Families are leading the way in domestic and local winter travel this year in the US, with 80 percent choosing suburban and rural locations for their getaways.⁷ Here's what our latest survey and data reveal about families' winter travel preferences:

• Nearly half of winter travelers will be vacationing with family,⁸ and for most, visiting family and friends remains the top reason for winter travel.⁹
• The most popular destinations for families in the US are scenic, small town escapes.¹⁰
• A third of families are traveling for seven nights or more this winter, highlighting the growing preference for longer stays.¹¹
• Airbnb listings with four or more bedrooms have seen an increase in bookings, catering to the growing demand for accommodations that suit multi-generational gatherings.¹²

From hiking scenic winter trails and enjoying fun-filled winter snow sports, to kite-flying adventures and festive holiday events for the whole family, these trending destinations offer a wealth of activities and roomy stays to delight travelers of all ages this winter:¹³

Celebrate the season with picturesque listings, winter experiences, and services

This holiday season, Airbnb makes it simple for guests to add a special touch to their winter plans. Guests can choose from picturesque listings, unique winter experiences through Airbnb Originals, and convenient services that make travel or celebrating at home easier. Whether it's snow-dusted adventures or fireside moments with loved ones, Airbnb offers something for everyone and helps turn holiday travels into lasting memories.

For those searching for the perfect gift, giving an Airbnb gift card is a thoughtful way to treat loved ones to a fully immersive travel adventure with unique stays, one-of-a-kind experiences, and convenient services that make every trip memorable.