Rural Escapes Gain Popularity Among Spring Travelers

For Earth Month this spring, more and more travelers are going for rural spots and outdoor experiences. Airbnb search data shows a sharp increase in demand for nature based getaways. Locations like Nagoya, Japan famous for its cherry blossom parks have seen search increase over 110% and Castleton, Vermont, known for wildflower blooms has seen more than 85% growth over spring 2024.

Wildlife-associated destinations and wild landscapes are also becoming more in-demand. One small piece of this puzzle was found in Port Aransas (Texas) where people flock to look for Monarch butterfly migration along the coast. Also in Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine is experiencing a 350% surge in interest capturing the hearts of international travelers with awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife sightings. Another one of the popular desert blooms is Joshua Tree National Park (Palm Desert) responsible for a 50% spike in searches within its region.

The shift toward nature-centric travel is opening up new opportunities for exploration. Scenic locations that were once considered secondary are becoming prime spring destinations. Remote national parks, forests, and coastal paths offer travelers the chance to reconnect with nature while avoiding urban congestion. These areas also showcase seasonal spectacles—like blooming deserts and glacier-fed lakes—that are only visible for a short time each year, making them especially desirable.

This trend is also changing traveler demographics. Despite millennials still leading in most countryside trips, the quickest growth is seeing from older travelers ages 60–90. This is an indication that the tourism market is in evolution and will adapt itself for multi generational travel, slower rhythms and comfortable rural stays. With listings in national parks and the countryside growing by 50% and 100% respectively, it shows that the demand is moving to authenticity and relaxation.

This development means planning ahead will be crucial. Nature-focused destinations may book out earlier as competition grows, especially around peak seasonal events. However, this shift also offers a more rewarding travel style—one that values natural beauty, local biodiversity, and the joy of quiet discovery over fast-paced sightseeing. In 2025, Earth Month might not just inspire awareness, but reshape how we choose to see the world.