This Quaint Travel Trend Will Help You Live Out Your Nancy Meyers Dreams

As a travel writer, I’ve gotten to visit amazing places all around the U.S. and the world. And while I’m always keen to cross a hot-spot destination off my travel wish list, being elbow to elbow with strangers in a heavily populated place doesn’t always help me feel as relaxed or refreshed as I’d like to feel on a late summer vacation.

Of course, viewing New York City from inside the Statue of Liberty and walking Hollywood’s Walk of Fame are iconic experiences for a reason. But if you’re looking for a more low-key vacation, consider putting your pin in a lesser-known spot on the map. It’s actually an increasingly popular trend called townsizing, and here’s what you need to know.

What Is Townsizing?

While I hadn’t had a name for it, townsizing is something I’ve been doing for a while. And according to Priceline’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, it’s a verified travel trend many have been gravitating toward. “Travelers are choosing cozier destinations and the laid-back vibes of small towns packed with comforting nostalgia and a leisurely pace,” the report reads. Think of it as downsizing your vacation.

It’s also a concept that younger generations are turning to during their time off. Dulani Porter is a travel strategist and partner at SPARK, a creative agency that represents tourist destinations across the U.S., and she says millennials and Gen Zers crave unique, immersive travel experiences. “Unlike their parents’ generation, they want to carve out their own travel traditions, and much of that means taking the road less traveled and seeking out places and experiences that their peers may not have,” she says.

Porter says while townsizing is usually seen with a preference for smaller towns and cities, it doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on big cities. It can also be about finding more niche, lower-key activities that make you feel more like a local, even if you’re visiting a popular spot.

Priceline also notes that “Boomers are most likely to feel that small towns are more relaxing,” but that younger travelers are townsizing to mimic the idyllic scenes they’re seeing in their favorite films, like those made by Nancy Meyers. “Gen Z is townsizing as a way to indulge in the charming, quaint moments depicted in their most comforting movies,” says Priceline. In fact, the report says 67% of young travelers “are more likely to see a vacation as an opportunity to live out their small-town fantasies.”

5 Destinations Perfect for a Townsizing Vacation

So, are you ready to pack up, hit the road, and go somewhere where you can ride a bike through a quaint downtown, visit the local artisan market, or feast on freshly made ice cream at a traditional parlor? Here are five places I’ve been recently that are a perfect fit for trying out the townsizing trend.

Credit: Jennifer Prince

New Braunfels, Texas

While Austin and San Antonio may be on your bucket list for a quintessential Texan experience, this smaller city is a lovely alternative. Located between the two aforementioned cities, New Braunfels is a hub for local boutiques, live music, rooftop bars, and one of the best waterparks in the world. Names like Sophie’s Gasthaus (a beautiful 8-suite hotel) and Schlitterbahn (a massive waterpark) pay homage to the city’s German roots, but don’t miss seeing a show at Gruene Hall (Texans pronounce it “green”), the oldest dance hall in the state. One of the tastiest stops is visiting Naegelin’s Bakery, which is the oldest in Texas. If you go for breakfast, order the cinnamon roll — trust me!

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

When life calls for a Florida beach vacation, try staying at one of the riverfront inns in New Smyrna Beach — both the Black Dolphin Inn and Victoria 1883 are centrally located — and enjoy your trip from there. Sip and shop along the beachside Flagler Avenue and wander the art galleries and boutiques along Canal Street. One of my favorite activities was booking a pottery class through Jane’s Art Center. No matter your goals, the picturesque area of New Smyrna Beach has lots to offer, including a gorgeous stretch of beachfront.

Elkhart, Indiana

Situated in northern Indiana, Elkhart is another small city to put on your radar. Anchor your stay at the Hotel Elkhart, a beautifully restored property in the heart of downtown. From there, you can walk to shops, restaurants, and the beautifully curated Midwest Museum of American Art. Also, not to be missed are the Wellfield Botanical Gardens and the quirky RV/MH Hall of Fame, where you can see RVs dating back to the early 20th century. The region is also perfect for outdoor activities, like biking and kayaking along the Elkhart River. I especially enjoyed stopping by the studio of Goertzen Pottery, where I splurged on a gorgeous vase and got to see potters in action.

Cambria, California

Los Angeles and San Francisco immediately come to mind when you think of The Golden State, but in between those shining cities lies the sleepy village of Cambria. I recommend flying into the San Luis Obispo airport — the view upon arrival was a highlight for me. The main street is perfect for wandering antique stores and boutiques, and be sure to stop by Linn’s to try their famous pie made with local Olallieberries. I’d also suggest visiting Stepladder Creamery to taste their cheeses made on site or stop by Stolo Winery for a tasting.

The exterior of Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolin — Credit: Jennifer Prince

Hendersonville, North Carolina

About a half hour below Asheville, you’ll find Hendersonville tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you stay at The Horse Shoe Farm, you may be tempted to stay put, as the inn has gorgeous views, a spa, and a restaurant on site. But I promise that getting out and about is just as worthwhile. Vintage and handmade lovers will enjoy a stop at The Garage on 25 (which conveniently has a café inside), and for some old-fashioned fun, stop by the Appalachian Pinball Museum, where you can play vintage arcade and pinball machines all day for just $13. Hendersonville also has a healthy wine region, so plan to sip and stay a while, and if you visit Point Lookout Vineyards, keep an eye out for their adorable resident cat.