Gen Z is driving a 45% jump in Halloween weekend searches
Airbnb says searches for stays over Halloween weekend 2026 are up nearly 15% year-on-year, with Gen Z searches rising almost 45%, reflecting strong demand for seasonal travel experiences.
Seasonal-Inspired Travel Planning
Travelers are increasingly embracing Halloween-themed trips:
- Halloween-inspired wishlists are up nearly 60%
- Wishlists featuring the word "witch" have increased almost 15%
- Salem, Massachusetts is the top trending U.S. destination for Halloween weekend
Curated October Escapes
To capture the spirit of the season, Airbnb has highlighted 31 unique stays across five Halloween-inspired themes:
- Film and TV-inspired properties
- Gothic mansions and castles
- Witch-themed retreats
- Cabins surrounded by autumn landscapes
- Properties with reputed paranormal histories
Popular Stay Categories
Featured accommodations include:
- Famous filming locations such as Buffalo Bill's House in Pennsylvania
- Gothic estates in Ireland and the UK
- Witch-inspired stays in Salem and New Orleans
- Remote cabins in forest and mountain settings
- Historic properties that hosts describe as haunted
Why It Matters
The findings highlight growing interest in experiential and themed travel, with Halloween evolving into a full weekend tourism occasion driven largely by younger travellers seeking immersive seasonal experiences.
