What's the point of going out of state for the Labor Day holiday, when there's plenty of fun and relaxation to be had at home in Texas? A new Labor Day travel trends report from Airbnb has revealed the top destinations where Dallasites can make the most of their three-day weekend, and the options span from a revitalizing North Texas "staycation" to a seaside trip down on the coast.
Airbnb discovered that stays booked within 300 miles from home have nearly doubled over the last five years. And here's one other discovery they made: Local travel rates have grown twice as fast as long-distance travel.
During the first half of 2024, more than half of all Airbnb stays in Texas were booked by in-state residents, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down as the year continues.
South Padre Island was listed among Airbnb's top destinations booked by Texans for last-minute Labor Day road trips. The tropical paradise has something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts like Margaritaville (which celebrated its one-year anniversary in June) to outdoor recreational activities like dolphin watching, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Start or end the day with a fun horseback ride over the dunes on South Padre Island.Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island
Many Texas-based Airbnb guests were particularly enamored of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse that's within a two-minute walk to public beach access on the island. The home can accommodate up to eight guests, and there's a shared outdoor pool on-site for those who want to have some extra swim time.
If a beach trip isn't in the cards this year, the Hill Country is always a suitable alternative destination. Airbnb shared that Dallas roadtrippers adored "The Casita at Scenic Loop" in northwest San Antonio. This cozy tiny home can accommodate up to four guests, and the abode's location on two acres of land allows for some secluded downtime while still being away from the city.
Visitors are welcome to explore the area, which encompasses four total acres, and they may make some new animal friends during their stay.
"You can feed the deer, Wilbur, the pig, or our big red dog named Blue," the listing says. "Our cats, Earl and Birdie may come check you out!"
Two other highly sought after staycation destinations most loved by Dallasites are:
- "Gorgeous Spacious Safe & Quiet Stay" – A three-bedroom home in Frisco (29 miles north of Dallas)
- "Charming Victorian Home" – A historic three-bedroom home in Rockwall (26 miles northeast of Dallas)
"By using Airbnb to travel locally, guests can discover off-the-beaten path destinations close to home, all while saving time and money," the report said. "Families can forgo pricey flights, spend more time relaxing rather than coordinating logistics, and find a unique Airbnb listing that offers an experience in and of itself."
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Somerville, Massachusetts
- Syracuse, New York
- Big Bear Lake, California
- New Haven, Connecticut
- North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
- Ocean City, New Jersey
The report can be found on news.airbnb.com.
