Americans map out summer travel as mountain town claims No. 1 spot
Some Americans are already locking in their summer travel plans, and this year’s top destination may come as a surprise.
New data from AirDNA, which tracks Airbnb and Vrbo listings, shows Jackson Hole, Wyoming, leading the nation in short-term rental bookings for summer 2026, with 45.5% of properties already reserved between June and August, Realtor.com reported.
Experts say this points to a broader shift in travel preferences.
"We’re seeing a fascinating shift in the short-term rental market for Summer 2026," Charlie Lankston, executive editor at Realtor.com, told FOX Business in an email. "While a beach house has always been the gold standard, data from AirDNA shows that some travelers are now choosing to trade the ocean for the mountains."
Jackson Hole’s appeal lies in its mix of outdoor experiences, from whitewater rafting and canoeing to wildlife viewing in Grand Teton National Park, according to Realtor.com.
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Here are the top 10 summer destinations based on booked occupancy rates for short-term rentals from June through August 2026, according to AirDNA:
Booked occupancy rate: 45.5%
Booked occupancy rate: 44%
Booked occupancy rate: 42.6%
Booked occupancy rate: 41.4%
Booked occupancy rate: 40.7%
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Booked occupancy rate: 40.4%
Booked occupancy rate: 40.3%
Booked occupancy rate: 40.2%
Booked occupancy rate: 39.4%
Booked occupancy rate: 38.7%
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At the same time, demand is rising sharply in cities set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"We’re also seeing a World Cup windfall with demand in host cities like Fort Worth and Kansas City increasing drastically," Lankston told FOX Business.
With hotels in those markets expected to fill quickly, short-term rentals are poised to benefit.
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"Between the $750 host incentives from Airbnb and the surging occupancy rates, the 2026 rental season is shaping up to be a lucrative side hustle for many American homeowners in these metros," Lankston added.