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- As Americans return to travel, Airbnb is reporting an uptick in bookings compared with the same period last year.
- The home-sharing platform commissioned a survey in which the majority of respondents reported interest in driving trips within a 200-mile range from home.
- Here are the top 10 trending destinations among Airbnb users, including three in Florida, and two each in California and South Carolina.
As coronavirus-related restrictions lift in phases around the country, many Americans are eyeing a return to travel after the industry had all but completely shuttered.
Airbnb is among the companies seeing a significant return to business. And that makes sense, given that doctors and experts regard renting private homes as a low-risk proposition for disease transmission, especially when compared to hotels.
In fact, Airbnb revealed new data that shows from May 17 to June 6, 2020 — yes, during the scourge of the pandemic — there were more nights booked for travel to Airbnb listings in the US than during the same time period in 2019.
The platform's so-called Superhosts have particularly benefitted from this surge, claiming 55 percent of the nights booked in the same period, representing a 10-point bounce over last year.
The data comes from a survey commissioned by Airbnb among 2,200 adults in the US, and nearly half of respondents said they will prefer to stay within a day's drive for their first trip after lockdown lifts. Indeed, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the percentage of bookings made on Airbnb within 200 miles has grown from one-third of all bookings (in February) to over half (in May), according to the report.
Consider that's a trip a traveler can make on a single tank of gas at a time when many find their budgets strapped.
The new data also shows the places where Americans are most interested in booking, as Airbnb also released the top 10 trending locations in the US right now as follows:
Below, we detail these popular destinations among Airbnb users, as well as our top pick to book in each region, selected based on our own criteria that included top-rated, well-located, and well-reviewed listings offered by Superhosts, with near-perfect 5.0 ratings from reviewers.
We also identified current COVID-19 cleaning policies for each property.
Airbnb currently offers a few different options for hosts, in accordance with their new multi-tier Enhanced Cleaning Initiative. Announced in April, the new program overhauls host cleaning protocols and promises to make participating listings easily searchable and transparent for concerned travelers.
The platform expects that searchable feature to roll out this month, which will identify which listings participate in the rigorous new sanitization procedures and booking buffer windows intended to space out stays for added safety.
And this matters to prospective guests: 60 percent of US survey respondents said they are more likely than before the pandemic to choose accommodation based on confidence in cleanliness.
These are the top 10 trending destinations on Airbnb in the US right now.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Airbnb
Book this rustic A-frame cabin starting at $80 per nightIt's perhaps not surprising that Big Bear Lake tops Airbnb's list, given its proximity to the sprawl of Los Angeles, where the shelter-in-place orders started early and lasted long.
For a completely different experience under 100 miles from the downtown LA skyline, get away to the Owl's Nest. The two-bedroom A-frame property spans just 700 square feet for a cozy cabin experience near the lake, village, zoo, and golf course.
An abundance of windows allows for forest views from every room. Inside, there's a wood-burning fireplace and flatscreen smart TV. A master bedroom features a Queen-sized bed with a new luxury mattress. The cabin's loft can be accessed via a ladder in the main room and features another Queen-sized bed with a new luxury mattress as well. Outside, the private back deck has a six-person hot tub.
Rating: 4.94
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property is newly renovated, and it holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 295 reviews.
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Miramar City Beach, FL
Airbnb
Book this family beach getaway starting at $182 per nightIt's easy to see why Miramar Beach is a popular domestic travel destination, given beaches in the area are consistently ranked among the world's best. And this two-bedroom, two-bath condo is a great place for a family intent on soaking up tons of beach time.
The listing is located within the family beach resort Maravilla, and offers plenty of resort-style perks including free beach service, a private, gated beach reserved only for guests, and two pools on property.
The host here also provides extras like beach towels, a rolling cooler, beach toys, floaties, boogie boards, and more. If you plan to stay awhile, you'll also make use of a washer and dryer, TV with streaming, and lots of other family comforts.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds 4.9 cleanliness rating across 66 reviews.
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Panama City Beach, FL
Airbnb
Book this luxury beachfront condo starting at $100 per nightEnjoy a hotel feel in Panama City Beach with this newly remodeled one-bedroom condo. It sleeps seven, with a King-sized bed as well as bunk beds and a new pullout sofa and chair. Located in the Wyndham Emerald Beach Resort on the 19th floor, the views are also quite excellent. Plus, the Airbnb is centrally located within walking distance to attractions and restaurants.
There's a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, wireless internet, and a new 55-inch TV set up for streaming. There's also a washer and dryer for the convenience of home.
Given the resort setting, you'll have access to multiple pools and hot tubs, which are heated year-round. There are also two poolside bars, a skywalk bar, and a gym.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a 4.7 cleanliness score; 10 recent guests reported the listing was sparkling clean.
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Smoky Mountains
Airbnb
Book this luxury log cabin starting at $299 per nightEnjoy the majestic Great Smoky Mountains from the aptly-named, "A Passionate View," a luxury log cabin with large picture windows for views of the Smokies from every room.
Located six miles east of downtown Gatlinburg, the cabin is situated amid the spectacular forest environment and is the last house on a dead-end, paved road. There is plenty of privacy behind gates — and absolutely no traffic noise — making it especially ideal for a romantic getaway.
The master is a large open loft area that has a King-sized bed with 500-thread-count linens and a heart-shaped jacuzzi tub in an alcove. A recreation area features a pool table, pub table, and stereo equipment. Save time to admire the views around an outdoor gas fireplace, which is used year-round.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a perfect 5.0 cleanliness score across 130 reviews.
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Hilton Head Island, SC
Airbnb
Book this private beach house starting at $250 per nightIf you're visiting Hilton Head Island with a large group — especially to celebrate an occasion or event — this Airbnb on a half acre is an ideal pick.
The private beach house located along Port Royal Sound and adjacent to a 40-acre nature preserve offers views of the sound as well as the Atlantic Ocean. There's private beach access and an enormous, manicured yard with large oak trees covered in Spanish Moss for hosting weddings or other events (inquire with the host if you're planning an event).
Inside, the house sleeps 10 with private bathrooms in each bedroom along with a half-bathroom in the main living and dining area.
Rating: 4.88
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a 4.8 cleanliness score across 50 reviews.
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Destin, FL
Airbnb
Book this private condo with stunning views starting at $298 per nightWhen traveling to Destin to experience the beach and sea, this luxurious sixth-floor condo makes for a stunning crash pad. It's just steps from the beach with amenities that include a lagoon-style pool, tiki bar, oceanfront heated pool, covered gas grills, a fitness room, and more.
The two-bedroom, two-bath condo is decked out in pretty coastal decor in calming, muted tones, with expansive ocean views. The space is also recently renovated with a new kitchen, a new Queen sleeper sofa, new porcelain tile throughout, new stainless appliances, flat-screen TVs in both bedrooms, and new bathroom vanities.
Rating: 4.96
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 224 reviews.
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Myrtle Beach, SC
Airbnb
Book this colorful Myrtle Beach condo starting at $118 per nightSoak in Myrtle Beach with a killer view in this newly renovated, colorful oceanfront condo that is located mere blocks from the Ferris wheel and boardwalk for easy access to shopping, dining, and activities.
This listing is located at the Camelot by the Sea Resort, which features multiple pools, a lazy river, a 16-person hot tub, plus on-site laundry and fitness facilities.
The living room has all-new furniture, including a pull-out sofa, 52-inch TV with 100 cable channels (including HBO), and a reading nook. Find boogie boards, beach chairs, and ocean toys in the closet, while a well-stocked kitchen offers snacks and coffee facilities. The full bath is stocked with fluffy white towels and a new showerhead, and the bedroom boasts sweeping oceanfront views and two Queen-sized beds.
Rating: 4.96
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 78 reviews; 14 recent guests said this place was sparkling clean. And the listing bills cleaning by a team trained in disinfecting and sanitation. According to the listing, "all touch points, surfaces, kitchenware and linens, including upholstery, are being disinfected and sanitized on a routine basis."
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Branson, MO
Airbnb
Book this luxury cabin starting at $202 per nightExperience Branson from your home base of Lazy Bear Lodge, a newly remodeled and decorated rustic cabin. Located in the heart of the Branson Strip amid picturesque woods, it's a five-minute drive to the dining and family attractions the area offers.
In this cabin, there are bear motifs wherever you look — a charming touch for families. Take in the natural environment on hand-carved seating on the front deck, or a screened-in back deck. The lodge is fully stocked with linens, towels, Wolfgang Puck cookware, Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, DVDs, and wireless speakers. The cabin sleeps seven comfortably amid 1,500 square feet and an open floor plan.
Rating: 4.98
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but everything here is new and recently remodeled. It holds a 4.9 cleanliness score across 113 reviews.
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Palm Springs Desert, CA
Airbnb
Book this modernist pool home with casita starting at $425 per nightThe Coachella and Stagecoach festivals may be officially canceled for 2020, but the Palm Springs desert environs remain extremely hot this year, beyond just temperatures.
Consider booking "The Modern Territory," a four-bedroom house classified as Airbnb Plus, which is a classification that recognizes "listings with exceptional quality, comfort, and style."
The ultra-cool home was built in 1960 by the Alexander Building Company and designed by Architect William Krisel. It's been fully renovated to incorporate modern comforts and Instagram-friendly photo moments. There's a chic black-and-white kitchen, outfitted with eye-catching patterned tile and gleaming white countertops, and the pool area offers mountain views, plus a fire pit and daybeds.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property is newly renovated, and it holds a 4.92 score across 265 reviews.
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Port Aransas, TX
Airbnb
Book this well-located cottage starting at $150 per nightThis sweet cottage is a great jumping-off point for exploring Port Aransas with a prime location on South Gulf Street, located blocks from Alister's shops, restaurants, and bars. The beach and ferry are both less than a mile away.
This listing is just right for couples or small groups. There's a Queen-sized bed in the master, bunks in the second bedroom, and a large sofa. There's also a fully stocked kitchen, and TVs in every room with cable and streaming services included. For more fun and convenience, opt to add a booking for the home's six-seat golf cart to get to the beach quickly and easily.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific cleaning procedures are noted yet, but the property holds a perfect 5.0 cleanliness rating across 70 reviews.
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