Airbnb just released its predictions for 2026 travel, forecasting that travelers are seeking to make the most of their time away, choosing more authentic and immersive experiences. The popular vacation rental company notes that solo travel is “experiencing a renaissance” that’s being fueled by online conversations encouraging self-discovery over relationship status.
According to Airbnb data, solo travelers aren’t choosing to return to the same old places; rather they’re uncovering the next wave of emerging hotspots. When it comes to coastal cities, you probably envision a tropical destination, but there’s a surprising Arctic coastal city that made the list, seeing upwards of triple-digit growth: Tromsø, Norway.
Winter Wonderland Escape
Tromso is worth visiting any time of the year, but winter is truly magical. Trading bikinis, beach chairs, and umbrellas for the tranquility of the Arctic, Airbnb highlights Tromso’s snowy landscapes, fjord hikes, aurora-lit nights, and Nordic spas, combining outdoor adventure with relaxation.
The chillier months of the year guarantee a wintry landscape for activities like snowmobiling through the remote Arctic wilderness, navigating trails that pass frozen lakes, fjords, and towering white-capped peaks. Far from any light pollution as you whiz through the enchanting wilderness, the colorful northern lights might dance overhead. Visiting a local reindeer herd and the indigenous Sámi people is another one of the top activities, but there’s also something special about this season that can be found in the Norwegian Sea and its fjords.
Skjervøy in particular, a popular day trip north of Tromso, is a prime spot for sightings of humpback whales and orcas that are drawn by the massive herring bait balls from November through February. Whale watching boat tours take advantage of the limited daylight hours in winter, searching for the animals with an array of brilliant pinks, yellows, and oranges illuminating the sky.
The Magic of the Midnight Sun
From around late May through late July, visitors can experience the Midnight Sun phenomenon, with the sun never setting. There are over two months with daylight 24/7, ideal for taking part in all sorts of outdoor adventures. On those bright late summer nights, you’ll often see locals hiking to mountain summits, fishing, gathering with friends in coffee shops or even enjoying picnics along the shore with the sounds of the waves and the gulls.
Kayaking at night with the sun overhead is incredibly peaceful, with the word “magical” getting a whole new meaning. Often, the only sounds you’ll hear are of your paddles, but with any luck, the haunting silence will be broken by the call of a sea eagle or even a pod of porpoises swimming by.
