Airbnb is wrapping up the year with a bow, revealing the stays, categories and destinations that topped the charts in 2022, sharing our annual holiday travel trends, and providing a sneak peak at what 2023 has in store for travel.
If you’re still searching for that perfect gift for a loved one or friend, consider giving the gift of travel this holiday season with an Airbnb gift card. An Airbnb gift card1 unlocks access to the platform’s vast collection of unique homes and one-of-a-kind Airbnb Experiences.
Top Categories for 2022
In 2022, travelers found themselves sitting poolside or catching rays on a sandy beach. Both of these water-related Categories came in at the top spots, with Tropical, Beachfront, Surf Spot and Lake Houses also making appearances.
Based on bookings from May 11 through September 30, these were the top 2022 travel categories for US guests2:
Pool BeachIconic CityTropicalCountrysideBeachfrontCabin Surf SpotLake House Ski Destination
And just in time for holiday travel, the Airbnb 2022 Winter Release, introduced six new Categories this month, which are sure to join the ranks of most popular:
New – Homes added to Airbnb within the past 10 weeks.Top of the world – Homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, often with stunning views.Trending – Highly-rated homes that received more listing views compared to the previous week.Adapted – Homes adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.Play – Homes with basketball courts, game rooms, miniature golf, water slides and more.Hanoks – Traditional Korean homes constructed of natural materials.
The return of international travel
In 2022, we continued to see changes in the way people live, work and travel on Airbnb. It’s clear that the newfound flexibility offered by remote and hybrid work has led to a revolution in how we travel –especially when it comes to international destinations.
The reopening of the largest inbound travel market in the world also unlocked pent-up demand from international travelers eager to reconnect with loved ones or visit their favorite stateside destinations once more.
Between November 8, 2021 and September 30, 2022, stays of 28 nights or longer have been the fastest growing trip length among foreign travelers to the US3. In addition, more than 30 percent of international guests to the US this past year have been between the ages of 30 and 40. In the year since US borders reopened to international travelers, Airbnb Hosts in more than 7,500 different destinations across the US have welcomed international guests4.
As cross-border travel has returned to the US over the past year, the most international guests have come from the following five cities5:
London, United KingdomToronto, CanadaParis, FranceSeoul, South KoreaMexico City, Mexico
Besides the US, travelers crossed seas and continents to visit other foreign destinations which included locations ranging from Asia to Australia, and Europe to South America.
The following locations became the top trending global destinations that caught travelers’ attention, based on searches on the platform during 20226:
Bangkok, ThailandSydney, AustraliaMálaga, SpainSeoul, South KoreaMelbourne, AustraliaItapema, BrazilAngra dos Reis, BrazilCapão da Canoa, BrazilAuckland, New ZealandBrisbane, Australia
‘Tis the season for sunshine getaways
For the upcoming holiday season, travelers are continuing to escape the cold to warmer getaway destinations, still favoring pool, beach and tropical destinations. In the US, the top Categories for check-in dates between November 23 and December 31 are as follows7:
PoolBeachTropicalCountrysideIconic citySki destinationCabinSurfingBeachfrontLake house
From Terlingua, TX to Malibu, CA, here are some of the most wishlisted stays from the Top Categories of 2022 to help provide some wanderlust inspiration for your upcoming travel planning8.
This holiday season also presents a unique opportunity to take advantage of anticipated travel, and earn some additional income, and perhaps even pay for a trip to a trending destination. Earlier this month, Airbnb made it even easier to Airbnb your home through Airbnb Setup, featuring one-to-one guidance from a Superhost, the opportunity to host an experienced guest as your first guest, as well as one-tap access to specially-trained Community support agents. Together with even more AirCover for Hosts, which tripled damage protection to $3 million and expanded guest identity verification, among other top protections for both inside and outside your home, it’s a great time to become a Host and start earning.
6BR Retreat, 5 Lake Front Masters, 2 kitchens, etc (Mineral, VA)
Photo credit: Seth Nylund
Loving Dream Vacation Home (Miami, FL)
Endless Summer Pool House (Miami, FL)
LA, Top of the Hills, Views, Pool, Private Suite (Los Angeles, CA)
Photo credit: Marilyn & Elena Newton
Dream Tiny House Cottage (Nashville, TN)
Photo credit: Julia E. Steele
Cozy and charming cottage (Biscayne Park, FL)
Photo credit: Luis Valencia
Domeland: Off-grid Adobe Dome near Big Bend (Terlingua, TX)
Photo credit: Trevor Reichman
Fort Ebey Treehouse (Coupeville, WA)
Photo credit: Sammy Spence Photo
Idyllic, Romantic Beachfront Apartment in Malibu (Malibu, CA)
Photo credit: Chiuling Chen
Looking ahead to 2023
If you’re still searching for the perfect holiday gift, give the gift of travel with an Airbnb gift card. If you’re hoping to put your passport to use, consider exploring one of these top trending travel spots for 2023 international travel9.
Málaga, SpainSydney, AustraliaMelbourne, AustraliaAuckland, New ZealandBangkok, ThailandQueenstown, New ZealandFlorianópolis, BrazilPorto Seguro, BrazilPerth, AustraliaSalvador, Brazil
All bookings included in this press release are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or experiences on the platform.
Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and reflect our beliefs and opinions as of the date of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release, except as required by law.
The post The top destinations in 2022 and 2023 travel trends, revealed appeared first on Airbnb Newsroom.