A
irbnb's data reveals that Quincy, Washington, a small town with less than 8,000 residents, was the top trending destination in the US this past summer. Located near the Columbia River, Quincy beat out major cities like New York and Los Angeles to take the top spot.

    When asked about the sudden surge in popularity, Airbnb representatives were tight-lipped, citing that customers don't have to disclose their travel reasons when booking. However, local officials point to a few possible explanations. The town's proximity to the Gorge Amphitheatre, which hosted big-name acts like Bob Dylan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers this summer, may be one reason.

    Rachelle Baughman, marketing director for the Grant County Tourism Commission, suggests that another factor could be the influx of temporary workers from data centers in the area. "They're coming to help get these tech startups going, and then they're leaving," she said. "But while they're here, they're seeing a lot of Airbnb rentals."

    Quincy's charm lies in its small-town America energy and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors have reported feeling welcomed by the friendly locals, who are eager to share their town with newcomers. As Baughman put it, "Everybody was coming as strangers and then they knew everybody." This summer, Quincy proved that even the most unlikely places can become hotspots for travelers.

    In other Airbnb rankings, Columbia, South Carolina, took second place, followed by Las Vegas in third. Globally, Brighton and Hove in the UK topped the list, while Dortmund, Germany, and Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain, took bronze and silver respectively.