PEOPLE ARE BOOKING THESE BELOVED US GETAWAYS LIKE CRAZY FOR THE SUMMER
If you’re hearing friends say “we should lock in dates now,” they are not alone. Booking and travel search data by Fora Travel’s fourth annual Hot List forecast list indicates a massive increase in occupancy and inquiries for several U.S. regions, especially along the Atlantic and across the South. Among them, Asheville and the wider Carolinas region are having a moment, with Asheville in particular seeing more than a 150% increase in bookings year-over-year.
Asheville is part of a broader trend spotted by travel analysts: Southern and Southeastern destinations are capturing attention because they offer a blend of nature, culture, food scenes, and outdoor activities without sacrificing easy travel logistics. Cities like Charleston, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina are showing jump in interest because they feel familiar yet offer enough novelty for repeat visitors.
What we are seeing goes beyond nostalgia for beach trips and mountain escapes. That mirrors broader industry research showing travelers in 2026 want trips that reflect their own identity and passions rather than generic checklists. James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com, states “In 2026, travel is becoming a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or personal. Travelers are stress-testing relationships, stepping into fantasy worlds, turning their kitchens into reflections of their journeys, and looking at new ways to experience road trips and vacation rentals with enhanced technology features.”
When I think back to summers I’ve spent in the South, it’s never just the weather that draws me back. It’s the way a stroll down a historic street reveals a hidden gallery, or how a meal shared with locals at a courtyard table opens a story you won’t find in any guidebook. That is exactly why these destinations are seeing such growth in bookings.
What to do and explore in the Carolinas
Once you’ve chosen a trending destination like Asheville or Charleston for your summer trip, you’ll find that each place has its own character and experiences worth savoring.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville combines laid-back mountain living with a vibrant arts and culinary scene. Wander downtown and you’ll find mural-lined streets, artisan markets, and cafes that make lingering a pleasure. Outdoor lovers will want to add Blue Ridge Parkway drives, waterfall hikes, and river rafting to their lists, while foodies will delight in farm-to-table restaurants that emphasize Appalachian flavors. Take a day trip out to the nearby Pisgah National Forest. It’s less crowded than more famous parks but just as breathtaking, and a perfect way to beat the midday heat in summer.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston’s charm lies in its Lowcountry hospitality. Colorful historic homes, moss-draped oak trees, and cobblestone streets make for dreamy strolls early or late in the day when the light turns gilded. Charleston’s culinary reputation continues to grow with seafood shacks, poke bars, and fine dining all within a short walk of one another. Book a sunset sail or a guided history walk to get both cultural context and unforgettable views of the harbor.
The Coast and smaller towns
Out along the shorelines, Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks remain perennial favorites for families and beach lovers, while smaller towns like Beaufort, South Carolina offer quieter vibes with excellent seafood and pristinely preserved historic districts. Everywhere you go in the Carolinas, there’s an unexpected joy waiting, whether it is a local music venue tucked inside an old mill or a roadside stand selling peaches that taste like sunshine.
Beyond the Carolinas: U.S. travel trends for 2026
While these Southern destinations are booking like crazy, the 2026 travel landscape is broad and varied. Other U.S. cities are also gaining momentum among travelers seeking new experiences:
- New Haven, Connecticut: Not typically thought of as a summer hotspot, New Haven has become a trending travel pick thanks to strong increases in flight searches and its vibrant cultural scene, including the food scene around its famed pizza and historic architecture.
- Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Lands on top spots: According to U.S. flight and accommodation bookings, cities like Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are among the most booked destinations for 2026 overall, illustrative of Americans’ continued thirst for both entertainment-centric and beach getaway travel.
- Family, culture, and food driving decisions: Across travel trend reports, common themes include the desire for family experiences and cultural immersion. Travelers are prioritizing longer stays with deeper engagement in local life, such as food markets, arts districts, and community events.
Here’s a personal observation: in recent years my own group trips have shifted from “see it all in a weekend” to “experience it deeply in a week.” Booking data really reflects that shift, as more travelers book longer stays and slow-travel itineraries that move beyond the classic postcard moments.
Related: Where to go when you’re traveling solo
How to plan your summer 2026 trip wisely
With booking demand rising and travel priorities evolving, planning ahead matters more than ever. Here are some practical tips for travelers:
- Book early for peak weeks. Popular destinations like Asheville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and growing cultural cities often fill up months in advance, especially for unique homes or boutique hotels.
- Think beyond the typical summer dates. Mid-June and late August can offer similar weather and fewer crowds, sometimes at lower cost. Research shows travelers who shift even a few days often find great deals and better availability.
- Mix big sights with hidden gems. In the Carolinas and other trending regions, combining well-known attractions with quieter, off-beat experiences can make for a richer vacation memory.
- Layer experiences. Food tours, local music, nature outings, and regional festivals are all part of the experience economy shaping travel in 2026. Travelers are less interested in just seeing a place and more interested in living in a place for a bit.
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What travelers should expect in summer 2026
Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a season where travel reflects personal values as much as scenic beauty. Whether it’s chasing the mountain breeze in Asheville, tasting your way through Charleston’s historic streets, or exploring a lesser-known U.S. city like New Haven, travelers this year are seeking meaning, connection, and moments that stick with you long after the suitcase is unpacked.
At the end of the day, travel is a mosaic of stories you bring home with you, from the sunrise hikes to new favorite cafes and the laughter shared with people you meet along the way. That is what is making 2026 feel so alive and worth planning early.
2026-02-03T22:09:55Z
