SANTO DOMINGO.- La Altagracia province, the main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, is among the preferred places for the year that has just begun, according to the report on travel predictions for 2026 , published by the Airbnb platform.
Among the attractions cited by the report, it is noted that the country offers "pristine beaches and a vibrant local culture, where guests practice yoga at sunrise by the ocean, enjoy restorative spa treatments and relaxing boat trips along the coast.".
The publication also suggests that solo travel is experiencing a renaissance , with travelers drawn to scenic getaways such as mountains, coasts, and islands that offer a slower pace and spiritual reflection.
Along with La Altagracia, other top destinations for solo travel trends include the Algarve (Portugal), Costa del Sol (Spain), Florida Keys (USA), Idyllwild (California), Inverness (Scotland), Isère (France), La Altagracia (Dominican Republic), North Carolina Mountains (USA) and Tromsø (Norway), with their wellness offerings and activities that promote individual connection with the environment.
The report concludes that this modality is consolidating itself as one of the main forms of travel of the year, with a strong impact on the global tourism supply.
Generation Z's lightning trips
The short-term rental platform highlights that Generation Z youth are redefining "quick trips," preferring one- or two-day international getaways, driven by viral trends on social media.
He adds that cities like Buenos Aires, Busan, João Pessoa, Ko Samui, Marrakesh and Mexico City are among the most sought after, all with intense cultural offerings and alternative nightlife.
In Europe, London, Milan, Prague and Stockholm are consolidating their position as weekend destinations for Spaniards, with increasing searches linked to events and alternative cultural offerings.
Airbnb's report highlights that this group maximizes their free time by choosing vibrant cities full of music, bars, historical sites and authentic cuisine, making short breaks a global phenomenon.
Connection with nature and cultural and rural tourism
The report states that travelers are seeking to disconnect from technology and connect with rural and cultural environments. In Spain, destinations like Toledo, Ávila, and Vielha are the most popular searches.
Internationally, Tromsø in Norway, Rovaniemi in Finland, and Dubrovnik in Croatia stand out, all with natural landscapes and local traditions that reinforce the authenticity of the experience.
The short-stay company emphasizes that this trend responds to travelers' need to get away from screens and reconnect with culture and heritage.
It also highlights that hosts in rural areas play a key role by offering stays that allow visitors to contribute to the local economy.
Event tourism
Major events will shape the agenda for 2026. According to the global report, 65% of the most searched dates coincide with events such as the Winter Olympics in Milan, the FIFA World Cup, and the Carnival of Cadiz.
In Spain, the solar eclipse of August 12 has caused reservations in rural locations within the observation zone to skyrocket by 830%, consolidating astronomical tourism as a phenomenon of mass attraction.
It also explains that around 75% of the rural municipalities on the eclipse route lack hotel infrastructure, so the platform's hosts will play a key role by offering stays and generating economic impact on small local businesses.
Other highlights on the platform include the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Madrid, the Resurrection Fest in Viveiro, and the Sant Joan festivities in Ciutadella de Menorca, all with a strong capacity to attract tourists.
