This content is provided by Airbnb, an IGLTA Silver-Level Global Partner.
By Christopher Nulty
Here at Airbnb, we know that this summer will be defined by one big thing: travelers escaping their own four walls to hit the road once again and enjoy the Great Outdoors. According to the Airbnb Report on Travel & Living, rural travel this year accounts for 22% of nights booked on our platform globally, double what it was in 2015.
In addition, for those who are heading off the beaten path, they will be doing so with their families, whether immediate, extended or chosen. According to our report, family travel has spiked to 33 percent of overall nights booked on Airbnb in summer 2021 globally, and of that family travel, 42 percent of the nights booked are in rural destinations, up from 32 percent the summer of 2019.
As you make your own plans this Pride month, there are plenty of ways that you too can check into these trends and celebrate in the outdoors, or with your own chosen family in a small town destination. To start, these are some of the trending destinations on Airbnb for Pride in June, some of which are even offering either online or in-person Pride events this year:
- Saugatuck, Michigan
- Douglas, Michigan
- Wilton Manors, Florida
- Guerneville, California
- Moab, Utah
- Hillsdale and Hudson, New York
- Malibu, California
To make your travel planning process even easier, Airbnb has also curated a special wishlist, featuring stays and Experiences in many of these top trending US destinations. Our “Celebrate Pride from around the world” wishlist is a collection of natural retreats and outdoor experiences (including those led by local LGBTQ+ communities) -- and it’s a perfect starting place if you are looking to disconnect as you reconnect with friends and loved ones this month.
Photo credit: Pattie Gonia
In addition, intersectional environmentalist and drag queen Pattie Gonia will become an Airbnb Host this month, leading a hike in Bend, Oregon with Pinar and So, the founders of Queer Nature as well as local drag superstars D'Auntie Carol, Caressa Banana and Calypsa. The Experience will offer the chance to enjoy queer nature education, conversation and community as you wind along the Deschutes River, bringing drag and diversity into the outdoors -- and an especially special Airbnb Experience to check out if you plan to be in Bend, Oregon this month.
And as you prepare to travel this month, it’s important that the entire Airbnb community knows you are welcome everywhere. All members of our community are required to agree to our Community Commitment, which states, “I agree to treat everyone in the Airbnb community—regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age—with respect, and without judgment or bias.” Hosts and guests who decline our Community Commitment are prohibited from hosting or booking using Airbnb. To date, 1.5 million users have been removed from our global community for declining this pledge.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather the fam, open up our “Celebrate Pride from around the world” wishlist and start making your Pride travel plans! And if you are looking for even more summer vacation inspiration, visit here for other wishlist-worthy stays and experiences in the great outdoors.
Photo credit: Airbnb
The "Celebrate Pride from around the world" wishlist is a collection of natural retreats and outdoor experiences where you can disconnect as you reconnect with friends and loved ones this month.
Christopher Nulty is the Head of Global Public Affairs at Airbnb.