New data from Unpack ‘26 Summer travel trends shows growing interest in literary-themed beach trips.

According to the latest insights from Vrbo, travelers are increasingly planning summer beach vacations focused on reading, relaxation and quality time with loved ones. Online buzz for “Beach Readaways” has increased 213% year-over-year and mentions of reading-related terms in Vrbo guest reviews have surged 285% compared to a year ago, making books the main character of summer vacation rental stays.

Beach Readaways, a featured trend from the Unpack ’26 Summer: The Trends in Travel report, highlights how travelers are purposefully packing beach reads and seeking out vacation rentals in popular beach destinations such as Panama City Beach, Florida and Seaside, Oregon where searches are up by more than 30% this summer. Amenities like hammocks, libraries and cozy nooks in private vacation rentals are popular for travelers looking for a slower and more restorative vacation.

“Some beach trips are about doing everything, but Beach Readaways are about doing less on purpose,” said Melanie Fish, Vice President, Global Public Relations, Expedia Group. “After years of packed itineraries, travelers are now searching for vacation rentals where they can finish a novel, stretch out an extra few days, and really exhale.”

Where are Travelers Going for Summer 2026 Beach Readaways?

Top Trending Destinations, include:

• Panama City Beach, Florida
• Prince Edward Island, Canada
• Lake Michigan
• Seaside, Oregon
• Maui, Hawaii
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Nantucket, Massachusetts
• Aruba
• Charleston, South Carolina

To learn more about how travelers are crafting literary-themed vacations, check out the Beach Readaways trend on Vrbo.

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Notes to Editor

Methodology

• Beach Readaways data based on searches on Vrbo from June 1, 2025 to March 9, 2026, for travel from May 22, 2026 to August 31, 2026, vs. June 1, 2024 to March 9, 2025, for travel from May 23, 2025 to August 31, 2025.
• Reviews data based on global mentions in post stay reviews collected on Vrbo from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024, vs. May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025.
• Online mentions based on news, broadcast, and social mentions between September 15, 2025-March 16, 2026, vs. September 15, 2024 to March 16, 2025.

Q: What is Unpack ’26 Summer?

A: Unpack ’26 Summer is a seasonal travel trends update to Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel™, drawing on first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo as well as social listening and third-party research conducted by OnePoll following the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct.

Q: What makes Unpack ’26 Summer a credible source for travel trends?

A: Unpack ’26 Summer combines real-time platform data with third-party research and social listening. The report draws on insights from millions of users and builds on third-party research conducted by OnePoll, following the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, first shared in the Unpack ’26 report. Findings are backed by behavioral insights, booking patterns, and cultural signals, making it a trusted resource for media, industry leaders, and travelers alike.

Q: What is the Beach Readaways trend?

A: Beach Readaways is a summer 2026 travel trend in which travelers are planning beach vacationscentered around reading, relaxation and quality time with family and friends.

• Online buzz for “Beach Readaways” is up 213% year over year
• Searches for popular beach destinations on Vrbo has increased by over 30% compared with last summer
• Reading-related terms in Vrbo guest reviews have also increased, signaling stronger interest in slower, more restorative vacation experiences.

Q: Where are travelers going for reading vacations this summer?

A: Travelers are searching more often for beach destinations that support reading-focused summer getaways. Searches on Vrbo for some of the most in-demand beach destinations are up by more than 30% compared with last summer. Top trending places to visit for a Beach Readaways trip include:

• Panama City Beach, Florida
• Prince Edward Island, Canada
• Lake Michigan
• Seaside, Oregon
• Maui, Hawaii
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Nantucket, Massachusetts
• Aruba
• Charleston, South Carolina

Q: How can travelers plan a relaxing trip this summer?

A: Travelers planning a relaxing summer trip may want to look for vacation rentals that support slower-paced beach time and reading. The Beach Readaways trend highlights growing interest in amenities such as cozy reading nooks, backyard hammocks, beach chairs and libraries.