Airbnb recently released its 2026 travel predictions, forecasting what kinds of trips people will prioritize this year. We’ve paired each prediction with trip ideas that are easy to pull off from Music City, along with a few pro tips for each.
Passport vs. pals
The predicted trend: Solo travel heats up, with solo voyagers “uncovering the next wave of up-and-coming hotspots”
Our recommendation: Charleston. Whether you fly nonstop from BNA or make a longer drive, this South Carolina city works well for solo travelers thanks to walkable neighborhoods, historic sights, and built-in beach breaks — just ask our friends at CHStoday.
Tourism travel
The predicted trend: Trips coinciding with major cultural, sporting, and music events like the FIFA World Cup + Coachella
Our recommendation: Atlanta. Not only is the city hosting FIFA World Cup matches in June and July, you can build out the trip itinerary with an Atlanta Braves game, Michelin-recognized dining, and local museum stops.
If you’re headed to Truist Park to watch the Braves, check out this list of dining options at The Battery. | Photo by NASHtoday
Quick trips
The predicted trend: Quick, 1-2 day trips to “vibrant cities filled with music, dance, historic sites, and authentic cuisine”
Our recommendation: Louisville. It’s a great pick for bourbon lovers, but that’s only part of the draw. In fact, if you want a “vibrant city,” you’ve found one in Derby City, from historic sites to exciting cuisine.
Touching grass
The predicted trend: National Park travel
Our recommendation: Knoxville, TN. Here, you’ll be within a ~45-minute drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our sister market 865today shares exactly where to get the best biscuits in town while you’re visiting.
