The best destinations to book an Airbnb this summer
There’s still time to plan a last-minute summer trip, so if you haven’t booked yet, consider this a friendly nudge.
While some hotels in this summer’s hottest destinations have been booked for months already (did someone say Paris Olympics?), there are plenty of other appealing domestic and international destinations to choose from. They are waiting for you with open Airbnbs fit for every personality type — and budget.
Here are 10 ideas to spark your inspiration.
Palm Springs, California
But isn’t Palm Springs infernally hot in summertime? Yes, it absolutely is, so this option won’t be ideal for everyone.
However, if you like it hot, Palm Springs and its Southern California desert environs make for a dreamy destination to rent an Airbnb in the summertime. That’s when rates are low (a fraction of the cost as they are the spring season during festivals and other high-profile events) and inventory on the most in-demand properties is high. Plus, many rentals have glimmering swimming pools, so you can spend your outdoor time submerged, and your indoor time amid classic midcentury architecture and cooler-than-cool AC.
Where to stay: In 1947, Frank Sinatra commissioned Palm Springs architect E. Stewart Williams to build this Twin Palms estate. The midcentury marvel has four bedrooms and a piano-shaped pool.
Jackson County, North Carolina
Swap the urban bustle of a big city for a tranquil natural environment in the Appalachian Mountains. Sitting at the crossroads of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountain ranges, Jackson County is a great summertime destination. It offers dramatic landscapes, comforting Southern fare and family-friendly outdoor adventures — including excellent trout and fly fishing.
During the summer months, temperatures can be cool enough in the morning and evening to escape the intense heat characteristic of many southern destinations. Still, days are warm enough to enjoy water sports or relax at the beach of Lake Glenville.
Where to stay: Set amid forests and streams, this serene mountain cabin with room for two guests is the ideal jumping-off point for hiking and fishing. The Stearns & Foster king bed and slipper bathtub bring a touch of luxury amid the rough-cut wood interior.
Mystic, Connecticut
Escape for a serene, slow-paced getaway in the town of Mystic, Connecticut. You can explore the river and shoreline as well as the historic and charming downtown on foot at your own pace. Reach the nearby Stonington Borough by car in about 15 minutes for a spectacular coastal New England town experience. Ocean lovers should visit DuBois Beach for a quick dip. Later, sip wine at a local winery and take quaint, postcard-worthy snapshots all over town.
Where to stay: This restored schoolhouse in Groton is right on the river with water views. The historic one-bedroom building was moved in 1857 to its current location and impeccably furnished.
Indianapolis
Indy’s on a roll this year, hosting this year’s NBA All-Star games and Olympic swimming trials. It offered one of the best locations to catch the solar eclipse, and it's been prepping for Taylor Swift's arrival in November.
Summer falls between these big 2024 events, so it's a great time to capitalize on low prices and Airbnb availability. Check out one of the country’s biggest river redevelopment projects via canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Or, rent an e-bike to explore one of America’s flattest cities. Don't forget to visit the Indianapolis Zoo’s new International Chimpanzee Complex, where chimps walk right over your head on an open-air walkway.
Where to stay: This riverfront home has room for six guests. It boasts stunning views from the deck and an outdoor fireplace overlooking the water.
The Ozarks
There’s no place like a lake to make summertime memories, and Lake of the Ozarks is an iconic one. It has nearly 1,200 miles of shoreline in Missouri. Bring the whole family for a boating adventure (rent a boat or bring your own), and make time for golfing if it suits your style. For live music, catch an act at the Ozarks Amphitheater (where this summer’s diverse lineup ranges from the Beach Boys to Ice Cube) or check out Shady Gators lakeside bar and restaurant for live acts and a party atmosphere.
Where to stay: This stylish lakefront home has its own hot tub and boat slip with room for four and a deck ideal for summer barbecues.
Eugene, Oregon
Eugene is one of Airbnb’s top trending destinations for summer 2024, and the destination appeals to all ages. Adults can sip to their hearts’ content at local wineries (Willamette Valley is renowned for its pinot noir), and families with kids can float gently down the McKenzie River during a tubing excursion. It’s also the place for track fans, as the U.S. Olympic team trials for track and field return to the newly renovated Hayward Field this month.
Where to stay: With room for six guests and a near-perfect review score, this Eugene home has two decks and a generously sized yard.
Buenos Aires
As temperatures soar, the “coolcation” trend is taking off. Escape the summer heat in much of the U.S. by heading someplace where it’s winter during our summer months: South America. High temperatures in June and July hover around 60 degrees Fahrenheit in Buenos Aires. These are ideal conditions for strolling city streets and sightseeing in this lively, historic — not to mention affordable — city.
(July is also the start of Argentina’s ski season, should you want to couple your city break with a trip to the slopes further south.)
Where to stay: For less than $50 per night, you can stay in this conveniently located San Telmo apartment with easy access to transit, and you can get access to an indoor/outdoor pool, saunas and a gym.
The French Riviera
While Paris draws hoards for the Olympic games, escape to the coast of France with an Airbnb along the ultra-chic French Riviera. The weather is steamy, and beach clubs are ready to offer comfort with spritzes and ice cream on demand. Along the Cote D’Azur, Nice, Canne, Antibes, and St. Tropez all offer see-and-be-seen places against sparkling seas. Plus, there are plenty of lively dining and shopping opportunities.
Where to stay: How fabulous is this Cote D’Azur villa with a sprawling pool and 180-degree view over the bay of Saint Raphael, L'Esterel and the Alpes Maritimes?
Gstaad, Switzerland
Of course, this Swiss Alpine destination is renowned for skiing, but don’t sleep on the summer season here. Clean air and impeccable mountain views envelope visitors after the snow melts. Gstaad is a stunning location for hikers, with nearly 200 miles of pristine hiking trails. Definitely pack a picnic from bounty sourced from local farmers' markets (as there are more than 300 farms in the area). In summer, Gstaad also hosts the Swiss Open (held here since 1898).
Where to stay: This house above Chateaux d'Oex has room for eight guests and is the last house at the edge of the forest, far away from even its nearest neighbor.
Puerto Rico
It’s never a bad time to visit Puerto Rico, but summer can be an excellent chance to score deals on air and Airbnbs compared with the busier winter season. Soak up the beaches, nightlife (including casinos) and the culture of colorful Old San Juan. While the bioluminescence is visible here all year long, the drier summer months offer the best chance to see those bucket-list-worthy glowing waters.
Where to stay: This unique dome home in Cayey (just about 10 minutes from the main roads) is a dreamy glamping experience with air conditioning and a pool.
Related reading:
- Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
- The best travel credit cards
- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.