The big-city vacation is losing its shine. According to the What the Future travel report for 2026 from Kayak, 84% of Gen Z and millennial travelers say they’d rather visit a rural area or smaller city than a major metropolitan hub.
Lower costs and fewer crowds certainly play a role, but that’s not the whole story. About 34% of surveyed travelers said they’re seeking a more genuine experience. They are looking for the kind of atmosphere found at local bakeries, quiet harbors and neighborhood spots that have not been overrun by tourists yet.
Here’s a look at the rankings of the best “little big trips,” according to the travel hub.
The appeal of going small
After years of social media-fueled pilgrimages to the same handful of destinations, younger travelers especially are looking for something that feels more authentic. Small towns deliver that.
The rankings come from an analysis of flight and hotel searches made on Kayak and associated brands. The study looked at travel planned for the full 2026 calendar year from U.S. airports.
The consumer insights are drawn from an online survey of just over 2,000 Gen Z and millennial U.S. residents conducted last fall. All respondents had traveled within the previous two years.
The results show that small-town America can also offer better value. That matters quite a bit when 70% of younger travelers cite cost as the biggest factor shaping their 2026 plans.
Kayak CEO Steve Hafner explains in a summary of the findings:
“Travel is a discretionary spend but remains a high priority for consumers. They’re adjusting to economic uncertainty by favoring off-beat destinations with traveler-friendly policies, and great value in price, services and amenities.”
Top-value picks for small-town America
Based on flight searches made on Kayak between April and September 2025 for travel throughout 2026, here are the best-value small towns in the U.S. ranked by average round-trip economy airfare:
- Punta Gorda, Florida ($262)
- Charleston, South Carolina ($317)
- Sarasota, Florida ($329)
- Boise, Idaho ($339)
- Burlington, Vermont ($353)
A quick peek at these ‘little big’ destinations
Punta Gorda offers a relaxed pace with its scenic Harborwalk and the open-air shopping at Fishermen’s Village. It’s also home to the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens for a touch of art in nature.
Another Florida town on the list is Sarasota, dubbed Florida’s Cultural Coast for its galleries, theaters and performing arts events. You can explore the circus history at The Ringling or relax on the quartz sands of Siesta Key.
In Charleston, one big draw is its historic French Quarter and a culinary scene that rivals major metros.
In Vermont, Burlington centers on the pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace. You’ll find small boutiques and dining against the stunning backdrop of Lake Champlain.
And in Boise, you can explore the Basque Block — a hub of Spanish heritage — and the lush 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt suitable for biking and walking.
For travelers ready to trade skyscrapers for cobblestone streets, the numbers suggest you’ll have plenty of company in 2026. Just remember that small towns often have limited inventory for lodging compared to major cities. If you want to snag lower fares, the smart move is to book early.
