Everything You've Wondered About Townsizing
Anyone with an eye for wanderlust has by now discovered the term: townsizing. The term was first noticed in Priceline’s 2025 travel trend reports and travel media ran with it. Some pundits call it a movement, others see it as a trend, but it’s caught on and for good reason. And not just with Gen Z as reported by some sources.
Townsizing is the deliberate choice to visit lesser-known, quaint towns that offer authenticity, tranquility, and a slower pace of life. These destinations provide a stark contrast to the crowded tourist hotspots, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and natural beauty. It’s a shift from the vacationing model of yesteryear—check into hotel, lay beside the water, drink cocktails, and eat overpriced food.
GoEatLive’s Top 10 Townsizing Locations
Perhaps it was the footprint laid by the infant AirBnB that opened minds to vacationing differently. The option to rent a room in a person’s home, in neighborhoods off the tourist track, often at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room, stretched the curve about what it means to visit a destination. (Sadly, the AirBnB model has changed so dramatically, that it’s no longer the intimate host/guest experience originally offered.)
Why the Sudden Interest in Townsizing?
Desire for Authentic Experiences: The glut of digital streaming may be overloading people’s wanderlust. Commercial attractions get the most bandwidth, contributing to over familiarization. This may be why travelers are seeking genuine, local experiences over commercialized attractions. Small towns often retain their cultural heritage and offer unique traditions and customs that larger cities have left behind.
Affordability: With economic uncertainties and rising costs, small towns often present more budget-friendly options for accommodations and activities, making them attractive choices for cost-conscious travelers. Small towns with innovative vision put their funds into revitalizing their neighborhoods for residents first, knowing tourism will follow. The small towns we’ve listed here feature fun-sized versions of everything vacationers want: Good food, arts, entertainment, sports, outdoor adventures.
Sustainability: Smaller towns typically have a lesser environmental impact, allowing co-conscious travelers looking to minimize their carbon footprint. Downtowns are eminently walkable with less reliance on automobiles or other public transportation. Rural towns have greater access to local produce, meats, and dairy, often driving down food costs.
Deeper Connections to Local Culture: Wandering along Main Street USA often leads to travelers engaging more with local artisans. Attending community events and festivals, savoring regional cuisines, and learning about regional history fosters a richer connection with the places they visit.
Shorter/Closer Getaways: While not necessarily a trend, many travelers now are choosing multiple weekend trips, rather than weeks-long stretches. Townsizing caters to those seeking quick, rejuvenating escapes without the hassle of long-distance travel.
Rise in Boutique Accommodations: Smaller towns may not have big brand hotel chains. Townsizing reflects the growing preference for boutique hotels and unique stays. Independently operated properties offer personalized experiences and often reflect the town’s character. As towns grow in townsizing popularity, this too, may change as big brands bring their boutique properties to town.
Townsizing may be a trendy term, but it’s a strong one. Whether it’s a small town off iconic Route 66, a gateway to one of America’s spectacular natural wonders, or a culture-rich exploration of Americana, townsizing offers a refreshing alternative commercial tourism.
Watch for our follow up series showcasing great towns and cities for your townsized vacation.
