How to Maximize PTO Like Gen Z-and More 2026 Travel Trends

"Somehow, we're mere weeks away from the end of 2025. If you're reflecting on the year gone by, asking, "Where did the time go?!" over and over in your mind, know that we're right there with you. If you didn't get to do and see all the things you wanted to in 2025, that's OK, because a new year is right around the corner. And Airbnb is here to help you set a few great travel resolutions to aim for in the year to come."

"Gen Z is all about ultra-short stays. Forget having to plan massive, multi-week trips. Instead, do as Airbnb says Gen Z does, and hop on a plane to anywhere for 48 hours or less. "Gen Z is redefining 'quick trips,' with 1-2 day international getaways growing faster than extended vacations," Airbnb's report says. "Fueled by viral TikTok day-trip trends, young travelers are now crossing continents for high-energy, culture-rich escapes." While limiting ourselves to short trips only may seem like a totally foreign concept to Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers, Airbnb explained that this younger generation is teaching us all a masterclass in how to maximize PTO by "choosing vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine-swapping relaxing beach towns for lively urban experiences," all while only taking a day or two off here and there. As for where they're going, Airbnb says Gen Z travelers are booking world-class city escapes in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Busan, South Korea; Ko Samui, Thailand; Marrakesh, Morocco; Mexico City, Mexico; Nakano, Japan; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Stockholm, Sweden."

Gen Z increasingly chooses ultra-short, 1–2 day international getaways instead of multi-week vacations. Viral TikTok day-trip trends are driving young travelers to cross continents for concentrated, culture-rich experiences. Young travelers are prioritizing vibrant cities with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine over relaxing beach towns. Short trips are used to maximize paid time off while packing immersive activities into limited days. Popular Gen Z destinations include Buenos Aires, Busan, Ko Samui, Marrakesh, Mexico City, Nakano, San Juan, and Stockholm. Travelers are aiming to make the most of time away through urban-focused, authentic experiences.

Read at Travel + Leisure