What Are Playcations? The Experience-Led Travel Trend Everyone's Talking About

For a long time now, holidays have been about ticking places off the bucket list, rushing from one tourist spot to another and leaving people exhausted. But a new travel trend is looking to change that. Known as playcations, these trips swap packed sightseeing itineraries for immersive, hands-on activities. Instead of squeezing five attractions into a day, travellers are spending their holidays surfing, golfing, kayaking, or learning a new craft.

A report suggests the global playcation travel market was valued at USD 8.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 20.1 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.63 per cent, as more people prioritise active, experience-led holidays over traditional vacations.

What Are Playcations?

Playcations are short-haul getaways centred on one activity or hobby, where the destination becomes secondary to the experience. Instead of choosing a city and deciding what to do after arriving, travellers begin with an activity they love and then choose a destination that offers the best setting for it.

Whether it's spending a long weekend learning to surf, playing golf on lesser-known courses, kayaking across a lake, or attending a culinary workshop, the emphasis is on active participation rather than passive sightseeing. In this way, the destination becomes part of the experience rather than the main attraction, showing a wider shift towards experiential travel.

Why Adults Are Choosing Playcations

Several factors are driving the popularity of playcations–affordability being one of the major reasons. According to Airbnb's Summer Travel Trends Report, one in three travellers is choosing short-haul holidays closer to home instead of expensive international trips. Properties near golf courses, surf breaks, and boating destinations are also seeing increased demand, showing that many travellers are choosing accommodation based on the activity rather than the destination itself.

Rising Travel Costs

With airline ticket prices rising, many travellers are opting for domestic or regional short-haul holidays rather than expensive international vacations. A nearby destination built around a favourite hobby often offers better value while still feeling like a meaningful break.

Experiences Over Packed Itineraries

Many travellers are moving away from holidays that involve rushing from one attraction to another. Instead, they want trips centred around one fulfilling activity that takes them away from their everyday routines, rather than adding another checklist to complete.

A Chance To Reduce Stress

Active play has well-documented psychological benefits. As a result, engaging in hobbies can release endorphins, improve problem-solving skills, and significantly reduce stress, making these trips feel restorative in a way that traditional sightseeing sometimes doesn't.

The Rise Of Kidulting

Nostalgia is another driving force behind the trend. There's a growing cultural movement often described as "kidulting," where adults embrace carefree activities associated with childhood. Adult summer camps, creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and recreational retreats all tap into this desire to reconnect with play.

The Activities Defining Playcations

Some of the most popular choices include surfing in coastal destinations, golf-focused weekends built around hidden courses, cycling retreats, culinary workshops, and creative arts or wellness programmes that encourage travellers to develop a new skill. The activity isn't simply something to do during the holiday; it becomes the reason for taking the trip.

Adult Summer Camps Are Having A Moment

Adult-only summer camps are another extension of the playcation trend. Tapping into nostalgia while offering structured activities, these experiences are growing steadily in popularity.

Traditional summer camps account for 36 per cent of the recreational vacation camp market, while adventure camps make up 24 per cent. Premium adult camps such as Camp Château and EF's Camp Ultimate typically cost between USD 2,500 and USD 3,000 a week and often sell out months in advance, showing that many travellers are willing to spend more on immersive experiences even as they become more conscious of overall travel costs.

How To Plan A Successful Playcation

Travellers embracing this trend are said to follow three simple principles:

1. The 80/20 rule, where around 80 per cent of the day is devoted to the primary activity, while the remaining time is left unscheduled for rest.

2. Choosing a hyper-local basecamp. Staying within walking or cycling distance of the beach, trailhead, marina, or golf course helps eliminate unnecessary travel during the holiday.

3. Skill progression, ensuring the trip offers opportunities to gradually improve rather than simply trying an activity once.

FAQs

1. What is an adult playcation?

An adult playcation is a holiday centred around a hobby or activity, such as surfing, golfing, kayaking or cooking, rather than traditional sightseeing.

2. Why are playcations becoming popular?

Travellers are seeking more meaningful, active and affordable holidays that focus on experiences rather than packed itineraries.

3. What activities are popular during a playcation?

Popular playcation activities include surfing, golf, kayaking, cycling, creative workshops, culinary experiences, wellness retreats and outdoor adventures.

4. Are playcations suitable for short holidays?

Yes. Most playcations are designed as weekend breaks or short-haul getaways focused on a single activity or hobby.

5. What is the difference between a playcation and a traditional vacation?

A traditional holiday revolves around visiting attractions, while a playcation focuses on actively participating in a hobby or learning a new skill.