AS Filipinos welcome the start of the much-anticipated “ber months,” new Airbnb data shows that young Filipinos, especially Gen Zers, are showing a growing appetite for domestic getaways as the season begins.
Gen Z domestic search interest increased by close to 25 percent for stays with check-ins from September to November 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The study refers to Gen Z travelers as those born between 1995 and 2009. The Airbnb search data covers domestic stays in the Philippines from April 1 to June 30, 2026, with check-ins from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2026.
Pampanga and Davao recorded the strongest increase in Gen Z search interest at almost 50 percent each, followed by Metro Manila, Baguio and Tagaytay, which saw an almost 40 percent increase each.
“For young Filipinos, the ‘ber months’ can be a time to make plans, get together, and find reasons to explore, often without having to travel far from home,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s country head for Southeast Asia and India.
He also said that familiar destinations are “gaining renewed interest alongside places that offer something new to discover. As the season begins, Airbnb continues to offer travelers the flexibility to find stays that fit the way they want to travel.”
Pampanga saw the biggest increase in Gen Z domestic search interest, offering a mix of food, culture and countryside experiences. Davao City offers opportunities to discover the country’s food, nature and local culture. Baguio and Metro Manila also witnessed strong increases, offering everything from cool-weather escapes to city breaks closer to home.
Rural destinations
These growing destinations also offer stays suited to how young Filipinos want to explore — whether it’s a weekend with friends, a spontaneous local getaway, or a longer trip with a bigger group. In Pampanga, larger groups can settle into stays such as Mula Cabins, accommodating groups of 12 or more.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila offers convenient city stays such as Your Home in Quezon City, while Baguio has spacious options such as Baguio HillHouse for those looking for a cooler change of scenery.
The appetite for domestic travel extends beyond Gen Z. Domestic search interest among family travelers is increasing by approximately 10 percent for stays with check-ins from September to November 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Pampanga recorded the strongest increase in family search interest at over 40 percent, followed by Metro Manila and Tagaytay (+20 percent each) and Baguio (+10 percent).
The growing interest in destinations such as Pampanga, Metro Manila, Tagaytay and Baguio offers families different ways to spend quality time together, whether through a quick escape close to home or a longer domestic getaway.
The appetite to explore also extends to rural destinations, as Filipinos look beyond familiar favorites for a change of scenery. Overall domestic rural search interest has also increased, with Papaya in Nasugbu seeing an over 60 percent increase in searches, while General Luna saw an over 10 percent increase.
Together, the trends offer an early glimpse into how Filipinos are kicking off the “ber months”: with young travelers leading the way, families also looking to get away, and more Filipinos exploring both familiar favorites and under-the-radar local destinations.
Disclaimer: All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific listings on the Airbnb platform.
The article was originally published in The Manila Times.
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