It’s no secret that the cost of living just keeps going up. From groceries to gas, prices have increased across the board. So when you have to dish out so much money to meet your basic needs, there’s not much left over for travel—especially considering the rising prices of flights and accommodations. To those with wanderlust, though, travel can feel like a basic need, too. In their 2025 summer travel trends report, Airbnb revealed that 39% of Americans are opting for domestic travel over international this summer to work a getaway into their budgets.
And just because you decide to stay in the States doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice experiencing a new place. Our country is one of the biggest in the world, and hiding in it are tons of unassuming cities and towns that make for great vacation destinations, whether you road trip to one or hop on a short flight. The five spots below are some of the top trending U.S. vacation destinations according to Airbnb.
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Page, Arizona
Arizona calls visitors from far and wide for the infamous Grand Canyon. Marvelous as it is, the state boasts tons of other natural wonders. Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona, is another meander of the Colorado River that runs through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Antelope Canyon is a nearby slot canyon that you can walk through and explore. These two nature areas alone justify a trip to Page, but the city also has a quaint downtown area with restaurants, shops and cultural events.
The Outdoor Market takes place on the second Saturday of every month, where you can browse through Native American jewelry and clothing, furniture, tools and other creations. Or you can explore the work of local artists on the First Friday Art Walk, held in the evening of the first Friday of each month. If you can’t bear the thought of an Arizona summer, push your visit back to November, when the Balloon Regatta Street Fair is held, so you can witness the launch of hot air balloons against the magical landscape.
Clemson, South Carolina
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Summer is the best time to experience small-town Clemson, as many of its nearly 30,000 university students leave between school years. A college town through and through, downtown Clemson is lined with charming Southern houses, boutiques, cafes, inns and eateries. Nature lovers can visit the South Carolina Botanical Gardens to explore 295 acres of the South Carolina Piedmont ecosystem. Isaqueena Falls is less than an hour away from the city, and its one of America’s most stunning natural cascade waterfalls. Hiking trails for all levels of experience surround Clemson, as well.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Maybe it’s time to put South Dakota on your radar. The Big Sioux River runs through the city and cascades over a series of rock faces in the 123-acre Falls Park. A walk along the riverside makes for a unique downtown city experience. Sioux Falls boasts a variety of art and cultural experiences, family-friendly activities and historical attractions. Spot and count the 55 sculptures that line the SculptureWalk, visit the Butterfly House & Aquarium or step into one of many museums.
Shandaken, New York
Just a few hours away from Manhattan, the Catskill Mountains provide a breath of fresh air to NYC residents. Shandaken is a town in the mountain region encompassing 12 hamlets—small rural settlements. Staying in the area means you can explore each unique neighborhood.
The town has a total of 53,897 acres of forest with a variety of recreational summer offerings, from hiking and biking to swimming, fishing and canoeing.
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Long Beach, California
While the idea of a visit to Los Angeles is overwhelming to many, Long Beach is a more approachable Southern California destination. It’s on the coast outside of the city of Los Angeles and is famous for its, well, long beach. 5.5 miles of clean, sandy beach border the city, complete with a paved walking, biking or running path that spans the entire length of the beach.
The downtown area is walkable and complete with quaint canals to explore. In Long Beach, you get the milkd SoCal weather without the traffic and crowds of busier LA spots.
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