Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — As the summer season winds down, American travelers are increasingly seeking solace in the great outdoors. According to the annual 2026 Labor Day Travel Report released by HomeToGo, vacationers are trading crowded metropolitan areas for picturesque, nature-filled retreats that offer quiet coastlines, scenic mountain views, and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

With overall searches for Labor Day weekend trips up +23% compared to last year, the demand for holiday travel is strong. "American travelers are notably trading crowded big city destinations for outdoor escapes," says Eleanor Moody, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert. "In 2026, it’s less about the destination’s mainstream popularity and more about reconnecting with the outdoors before the summer season winds down."

The report highlights a clear shift in how and where Americans are choosing to spend their holiday weekend:

• Rural Dominance: An overwhelming 90% of all Labor Day weekend searches are for rural locations, reflecting a collective desire to reconnect with nature.
• Staying Stateside: Rather than traveling internationally, 65% of Americans are planning domestic trips over the holiday weekend. Searches for US-based getaways are up 13.5% compared to 2025.
• Extended Stays: On average, travelers are planning to stay for 8 days to make the most of their getaway.
• The Journey: Travelers will journey an average of 727 miles to reach their Labor Day weekend destinations.
• Affordable Accommodations: The median nightly accommodation price per person across the U.S. is a reasonable $111.91.

Coastal Alabama Shines on the National Stage

Among the standout performers in this year's report, Coastal Alabama has captured significant national interest, establishing itself as a premier holiday destination. HomeToGo identified two specific Alabama spots drawing massive attention:

• Gulf Shores, AL: Ranked as the #2 most searched domestic destination overall, cementing its status as a timeless holiday favorite.
• Dauphin Island, AL: Ranked #16 among the top trending destinations nationwide, experiencing a notable 36% increase in year-over-year searches.

Timeless Favorites: Top States and Highly Searched Spots

Even as travelers explore emerging, lesser-known locations, long-standing vacation staples continue to hold immense appeal.

Top 5 Most-Searched States

1. Florida
2. Michigan
3. North Carolina
4. Maine
5. California

Top 5 Most-Searched Destinations

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
2. Gulf Shores, Alabama
3. Destin, Florida
4. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

HomeToGo is a global online marketplace and search engine for vacation rentals. It aggregates millions of listings—including houses, apartments, villas, and cabins—from thousands of different providers and travel sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com into one single search.