As Filipinos welcome the start of the much-anticipated ber-months, new Airbnb data shows that young Filipinos are moving first this season, reflecting a growing appetite for domestic getaways.
Gen Z domestic search interest increased by close to 25% for stays with check-ins from September to November 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, pointing to strong interest among younger travelers in exploring the Philippines as the season begins.* Pampanga and Davao recorded the strongest increase in Gen Z search interest at almost 50% each, followed by Metro Manila, Baguio, and Tagaytay which saw an almost 40% 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. What we’re seeing is a growing appetite among Gen Z for domestic getaways, with familiar destinations 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,” said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for Southeast Asia and India.
Gen Z is getting a head start on the ber-month getaway
For Gen Z travelers, the ber-months are bringing more opportunities to explore familiar Philippine destinations in new ways. Pampanga saw the strongest increase in Gen Z domestic search interest, offering a mix of food, culture and countryside experiences, while Davao City provides opportunities to discover the country’s food, nature and local culture. Baguio and Metro Manila also saw strong increases, offering everything from cool-weather escapes to city breaks closer to home.*
These growing destinations also offer stays suited to the way 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.
Families Are Also Looking to Get Away
The appetite for domestic travel extends beyond Gen Z, with domestic search interest among family travelers increasing by approximately 10% 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%, followed by Metro Manila and Tagaytay (+20% each) and Baguio (+10%).*
For Filipino families, the ber-months are a time to start making plans for gatherings, reunions and time together. 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.
And some are looking beyond the usual
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% increase in searches, while General Luna saw an over 10% increase.*
These emerging destinations offer another way for Filipinos to start the ber-months, whether through a quieter family escape, a weekend with friends or simply a chance to discover somewhere new.
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.
*Based on Airbnb search data for domestic stays in the Philippines from 1 April to 30 June 2026 with check-ins from September 1 to November 30, 2026, compared with the comparable periods in 2025. Family travelers are defined as parties with one or more children. Gen Z refers to travelers born between 1995 and 2009. Rural destinations refer to destinations classified as majority non-urban geographies.
