As summer approaches, travelers are redefining their vacation plans, seeking unique experiences that prioritize local culture and cuisine. Guests from the United States, Brazil, Spain, and Greece are increasingly looking for domestic escapes, while those in the Netherlands and Belgium are venturing abroad in search of adventures. According to a recent survey by Panterra, nearly half (47%) of travelers prioritize authentic local cuisine as their top food and beverage experience, signaling a shift away from traditional tourist hotspots.
This year, culinary destinations are becoming the focal point of many travelers' plans. Rather than flocking to well-known culinary capitals, such as Paris, food enthusiasts are opting for more affordable and local options. For instance, Alassio, Italy, is gaining popularity for its vibrant culinary scene featuring fresh local seafood and the renowned Riviera Ligure DOP extra-virgin olive oil. Similarly, Rotterdam, known as the Netherlands' 'second city,' is recognized for its innovative international food scene, attracting food lovers eager to explore its culinary delights.
For those seeking unique dining experiences, Chiclana de la Frontera in Spain offers award-winning seafood specialties, while Belo Horizonte in Brazil is celebrated for its traditional Minas Gerais dishes, including the hearty Feijão Tropeiro and the beloved Pão de Queijo cheese bread. Shillong, India, is also making waves with its traditional Khasi cuisine and street foods that are sure to delight adventurous palates.
As travelers pursue their culinary cravings, a new trend is on the rise: fandom travel. This phenomenon, where individuals travel great distances to attend concerts and sporting events, has seen a surge in popularity. According to Panterra's consumer survey, about a quarter of participants anticipate traveling more for big events in the next year than they have previously, with notable interest from attendees in Brazil (45%), Mexico (38%), and the US (32%).
Concerts are particularly appealing, ranking second only to family reunions as motivating factors for travel. Interestingly, 33% of Gen Z women express interest in traveling to concerts compared to only 24% of their male counterparts. This summer, several destinations are experiencing a notable spike in searches related to major events. Houston, Texas, has seen a staggering 620% increase in searches during Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour dates in June. Meanwhile, Manchester, UK, searches have surged by 500% during Oasis concert dates in July, and Perth, Australia, has experienced a 250% increase during the State of Origin Rugby game in June.
In the United States, Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen a 200% increase in searches during Shakira's concert dates in May, while Santiago, Chile, has recorded an 85% surge during Kylie Minogue's concert dates in August. This influx of travelers is expected to generate significant economic benefits for local communities, with visitors spending an average of $165 per guest per day on local restaurants, groceries, and attractions. Notably, approximately 40% of this spending occurs in the neighborhood of their Airbnb listing.
In addition to culinary adventures and fandom travel, many Americans are embracing spontaneous staycations this summer. With more searches for trips within 300 miles of home, groups and families represent the largest segment of staycation travelers, accounting for over 60% of nearby searches. The Panterra survey indicates that 43% of Americans plan to drive rather than fly for their upcoming trips, while 39% are likely to travel domestically to save money. Furthermore, 29% of Americans with children aged 18 or younger living at home report that they are already choosing staycations over travel to other destinations.
As travelers look for last-minute adventures, various domestic destinations are trending among US guests this summer. From cozy cabins to beach house retreats, these locations offer a diverse range of experiences for vacationers and locals alike. Outdoor activities abound, with options such as silent disco yoga at San Francisco's Baker Beach, sunset hiking and kayaking in Arizona, and sailing in Long Beach catering to nature lovers and adventure seekers.
To help travelers make the most of their summer getaways, several tips and tricks can enhance their planning process. Firstly, potential guests can find affordable stays with total price displays, ensuring they see the complete cost upfront, including fees. This transparency helps travelers determine if a listing fits their budget. Additionally, over two-thirds of hosts offer weekly or monthly stay discounts, making it easier for guests to save money during their trips.
Another useful tip involves streamlining group travel planning by sharing wishlists. Airbnb's shared wishlist feature allows friends and family to collaborate on selecting accommodations, reducing the time spent debating where to stay. Guests can add their favorite listings, write notes, and vote on options, ensuring a consensus is reached quickly.
Reading reviews and listing highlights is also crucial for finding the best stay. Reviews can reveal unique features and amenities that enhance the guest experience without breaking the bank. Mentions of desirable features, such as chef's kitchens or proximity to public transport, can help travelers identify listings that provide excellent value for their trip.
Lastly, guests should look for quality badges like 'Guest Favorite' and 'Superhost' when browsing listings. These highlights indicate that a property is among the top 1, 5, or 10 percent of homes on Airbnb, or that the host is recognized for exceptional hospitality.
As summer unfolds, travelers are set to explore new culinary landscapes, embrace fandom travel, and enjoy spontaneous staycations, all while supporting local communities and businesses along the way. With a focus on authentic experiences and unique destinations, this summer promises to be one for the books.
