Gen Z’s New Travel Trend: Why ‘Lore Tripping’ Is Turning Small US Towns Into Autumn Hotspots
For many Gen Z travellers , a memorable holiday is no longer simply about visiting a famous city or landmark. Instead, they are looking for places with stories to tell.
This emerging trend, known as “lore tripping”, focuses on small towns and lesser-known destinations where legends, unusual histories and distinctive local traditions become part of the trip.
Research commissioned by Airbnb found that 90% of Gen Z respondents said small towns and under-the-radar destinations appeal to them for autumn travel in 2026. Affordability, authentic culture and unusual attractions were among the key reasons.
Airbnb's search data also suggests rising interest in smaller destinations, with nearly half of its trending destinations searched by Gen Z travellers for autumn 2026 being small towns.
In Florida, Gibsonton, known locally as "Gibtown", has a fascinating connection with travelling circus and carnival performers. Its history has helped shape the town's distinctive identity.
Bemidji, Minnesota, draws visitors with giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox beside Lake Bemidji, while Hot Springs, Arkansas combines historic bathhouses, Victorian-era architecture, live music and nearby lakes.
Helen, Georgia, took a different route, transforming itself from a former logging town into an Alpine-style destination. Leavenworth, Washington similarly reinvented itself as a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains.
Other destinations include Twentynine Palms in California, Wildwood in New Jersey and Rapid City in South Dakota, each offering its own distinctive cultural or historical appeal.
Another emerging trend is "groundhopping", where stadiums, arenas and music venues become destinations themselves.
Together, these travel habits point towards a new style of exploration: rather than simply asking where to go, travellers are increasingly asking what story can this place tell?
This emerging trend, known as “lore tripping”, focuses on small towns and lesser-known destinations where legends, unusual histories and distinctive local traditions become part of the trip.
Research commissioned by Airbnb found that 90% of Gen Z respondents said small towns and under-the-radar destinations appeal to them for autumn travel in 2026. Affordability, authentic culture and unusual attractions were among the key reasons.
Airbnb's search data also suggests rising interest in smaller destinations, with nearly half of its trending destinations searched by Gen Z travellers for autumn 2026 being small towns.
Small Towns With Big Stories
Point Pleasant, West Virginia, offers one of the more unusual examples. The town is closely associated with the legend of Mothman, a mysterious winged creature reportedly sighted in the area in 1966. The story has become part of the local tourism experience through a museum, statue and annual festival.In Florida, Gibsonton, known locally as "Gibtown", has a fascinating connection with travelling circus and carnival performers. Its history has helped shape the town's distinctive identity.
Bemidji, Minnesota, draws visitors with giant statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox beside Lake Bemidji, while Hot Springs, Arkansas combines historic bathhouses, Victorian-era architecture, live music and nearby lakes.
From Route 66 to Bavarian Villages
Williams, Arizona, offers another form of living history. Once the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by the interstate, it retains its historic character through neon signs, old diners and a railway serving passengers travelling to the Grand Canyon.Helen, Georgia, took a different route, transforming itself from a former logging town into an Alpine-style destination. Leavenworth, Washington similarly reinvented itself as a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains.
Other destinations include Twentynine Palms in California, Wildwood in New Jersey and Rapid City in South Dakota, each offering its own distinctive cultural or historical appeal.
The Rise of Short, Story-Led Getaways
The popularity of lore tripping reflects a broader interest in shorter autumn breaks. Sixty per cent of those surveyed said they planned to take a weekend getaway during autumn, while seasonal searches around foliage, apple picking and road trips have also increased.Another emerging trend is "groundhopping", where stadiums, arenas and music venues become destinations themselves.
Together, these travel habits point towards a new style of exploration: rather than simply asking where to go, travellers are increasingly asking what story can this place tell?
Next Story