From “coolcations” to “gig tripping” to “JOMO travel,” the number of travel trends is seemingly endless these days.
Amid the upsetting news headlines and general stress of 2025, one approach to travel feels particularly appealing: townsizing.
But what exactly is townsizing, and how does it work? Below, experts break down the benefits and downsides of this approach to travel.
What is townsizing?
“Townsizing is a travel trend in which people are opting to visit smaller towns, often lesser-known destinations, instead of major cities or historically popular, touristy destinations,” said Laura Lindsay, a global travel trends expert at Skyscanner. “Townsizing is all about discovering charming small towns over a bustling city.”
Although the concept is hardly new, the term townsizing originated in Priceline’s “Where To Next?” 2025 travel trends report, released in October.
“Our research shows that 67% of young travelers see vacation as a chance to live out their small-town dreams ― and townsizing makes that happen,” Priceline’s consumer travel trends expert Christina Bennett told HuffPost. “It offers a unique opportunity to still explore, while also unplugging and soaking in a cozy, authentic vibe that only a townsizing destination can offer.”
This kind of travel is all about going at a leisurely pace, living like locals and savoring simple pleasures like scenic strolls or diner meals.
“It’s not about the many things to check off but about slowing down and enjoying the everyday life moments from being in this place,” said travel blogger Isabel Leong. “It’s choosing to visit smaller towns that are off the usual tourist radar. As life gets more hectic and the demands increase, many are choosing to vacation to relax, not to plan a big trip involving extensive research. There’s no better way than to go to one place and have no set agenda.”
She pointed to smaller destinations she’s enjoyed in the past, including Bansko, Bulgaria, and Fox Glacier, New Zealand. As for domestic travel, tourists interested in townsizing might consider places like Crested Butte, Colorado; East Aurora, New York; Hill City, South Dakota; Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; Black Mountain, North Carolina and Cape May, New Jersey.
Bruno Baggetta, the director of Market New Haven, touted the merits of walkable streets, local shops, small museums and family-owned restaurants.
“Travelers tired of the constant movement and stimulation of a big city adventure don’t have to lose out on top-tier cultural experiences when townsizing on their next trip,” he said.
Amid the chaos of life and distressing news events of this year, the idea of escaping to a quaint town feels like an even more needed reprieve for many.
“During the pandemic when travel was more limited, we saw people exploring more locally and finding the beauty in small, nearby towns they had never visited,” Lindsay said. “We are seeing an evolution in travel that reflects a deeper, more personalized approach to exploration. There is a growing desire amongst travelers for deeper connections and a sense of community.”
What are the benefits of townsizing?
“The major benefit here is that it allows travelers to get away from the crowds, particularly in locations where over-tourism is a current concern, such as Barcelona,” said Stephen Lee, a European travel specialist at Unforgettable Travel Company. “By planning trips to smaller, perhaps lesser-known destinations, travelers are also able to discover more of a taste of everyday life, rather than following a popular or heavily recommended itinerary.”
Townsizing allows travelers to build more meaningful connections with a destination and the people there.
“In small towns like Hill City and Spearfish [in South Dakota], you can actually talk to the local artist in their gallery, chat with the chef who made your meal or get personal tips from the owner of the lodge you’re staying at,” said Katlyn Svendsen, senior director of global public relations and content services at Travel South Dakota. “You also get access to incredible natural beauty without the crowds.”
Smaller towns can offer truly authentic experiences and chances for unhurried conversation with locals.
“Spending time in smaller places, where it’s easy to explore by foot, or bicycle, lets travelers take a relaxed approach,” said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. He added that these destinations offer a “rejuvenating escape” from everyday life.
Indeed, many travel industry experts who spoke to HuffPost compared townsizing to hitting a reset button.
“We live in such a fast-paced world that many, particularly Gen Zs and Millennials, use travel as an opportunity to lean into simplicity,” Bennett said. “We see a similar trend in entertainment, with shows like ‘Gilmore Girls’ trending amongst these generations. In fact, Gen Z is 89% more likely than average to seek out trips that reflect a ‘small-town fantasy.’”
She added that “townsized” destinations also tend to be more affordable, less crowded and absolutely teeming with charm. These kinds of hidden gems are a relaxing alternative to action-packed city escapes.
“You don’t need a busy itinerary when the day’s highlights might be a bike ride to the farmer’s market or grabbing an ice cream cone from the local creamery,” Bennett said.
VisualCommunications via Getty Images
Local shops, walkable streets, lower prices, family-owned restaurants and classic charm are among the benefits of the townsizing approach to travel.
What about the downsides?
“Accessibility can be the greatest downside to townsizing,” Lindsay said. “Bigger cities are often more popular because they have major airports or multiple airport options, making it easier for travelers to visit. For many small towns, there are limited flights, or the flight option may require multiple transfers.”
For these kinds of destinations, she noted that it’s often easier to fly into the nearest major airport and then rent a car to drive the rest of the way.
“Small towns may have fewer accommodations, or perhaps some services only available seasonally, so planning ahead is key,” Svendsen said. “And infrastructure, like parking or dining capacity, can be stretched during high-traffic times.”
She believes these challenges are outweighed by the benefits, however, and that many smaller communities have responded with creative solutions to welcome visitors while preserving what makes their towns special.
“If you want 24/7 action, townsizing might feel a little too slow,” Bennett said. “But if you’re craving calm and connection, it’s the perfect match.”
Townsizing is probably not the approach for people seeking trips with nonstop activities, dining and nightlife.
“The ‘big-hitter’ destinations are often big for a reason,” Lee said. “They are usually leading the way in terms of culture with incredible museums, shows and performances, amazing dining scenes, iconic sights and attractions, which can be the driving force and pulse of culture.”
Considering ‘townsizing’ for your next trip? Here’s what to do.
“Start by looking for towns with personality, places with historic main streets, scenic surroundings or quirky local festivals ― and leave plenty of open time to explore,” Bennett said. “The beauty of townsizing is often in the moments you don’t plan, like chatting with a local, discovering a hidden trail or watching the world go by from a porch swing.”
She emphasized that the real beauty of townsizing lies in the unplanned moments, whether you’re discovering a hidden walking trail or peacefully watching the world go by from a porch swing.
“The best experiences happen when you least expect it,” Kaler echoed. “Talk to the locals and ask for recommendations about where to eat, shop and take a long walk. Let serendipity be your guide.”
That being said, there are a few things you might need to plan.
“Many of these small towns have peak seasons, so look at when is the best time of year to visit or the shoulder season to make sure you time your trip right ― and get the best deal,” Lindsay advised. “You don’t want to plan a trip to visit a small town only to find the majority of local businesses are closed for the season.”
She recommended checking the operation period for local restaurants to determine the best times of year for a visit.
“You’ll also want to book your accommodations early,” Lindsay said. “Small towns have limited lodging options, and those bookings can go quick during their peak travel seasons. Look for small towns within driving distance or a train ride away from a major city. This will likely be the most cost-effective way to get to these destinations.”
You can approach townsizing as a standalone trip or even just a one- or two-day getaway as part of a larger vacation to a big city.
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“Harness the balance between the big, must-see attractions and the lesser-known provinces and villages where authenticity thrives,” Lee advised. “A blend will allow you to discover the best of both worlds. So, on the next trip to Italy, make sure to hop on a train and venture outside of Rome for a day or two to discover what lies outside the city limits.”
Ultimately, the idea is to be open, curious and willing to explore beyond the highlights to discover something truly new and unique.
“Townsizing” isn’t just a travel trend ― it’s a lifestyle shift,” Svendsen said. “It reflects a growing desire to travel with purpose, support local communities and reconnect with what matters most.”
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