While the travel industry, including Airbnb, has been hit hard by COVID-19 — and there will continue to be tremendous uncertainty moving forward, — recent data shows that travel is beginning to bounce back. As the travel industry evolves, Airbnb has identified a series of trends that will shape travel in the weeks and months to come.

According to Airbnb, popular travel trends include backyard trips, heading to rural destinations, and an increase in family travel.

In fact, 60 percent of all recent domestic US bookings have been for trips within 300 miles. Over 20 percent of bookings are in listings in rural areas like the Adirondacks, Catskills, Hudson Valley, Berkshires, Coastal New Hampshire, Northern Minnesota, South Shore Lake Michigan and the Outer Banks. Cabins and boutique hotels are among the most-searched listings.

Finally, family travel has increased by 43 percent this year.

Like most businesses, Airbnb has had to make adjustments during COVID-19, including launching Online Experiences and an Enhanced Clean Protocol—a set of step-by-step guidelines developed with top medical experts to help hosts protect themselves and their guests by providing safe stays.

They have also engaged with local communities to promote travel and economic growth during this difficult time. During a nationwide media tour live from Kennebunk Beach, Maine, Chris Lehane, VP for Global Public Policy and Communications, discussed:

• How COVID-19 has forever transformed the travel industry;
• The top travel trends moving forward;
• What Airbnb is doing to help promote travel and economic growth in local communities;
• Safety measures enacted to ensure the safety of hosts and guests.

Watch the accompanying video here.