When it comes to accommodations for travel, a new study found that Americans are opting for bigger places.

 

Data from HomeAway, a site used by travelers to book beach houses, cabins, and condos, found that the demand for castles are up by 55 percent, and the demand for estates increased by 25 percent over the last year.

 

The reasons for the shift, according to HomeAway data, appear to be generational.

 

Maturing millennials, who now top out at nearly 40 years old, are exploring less and nesting more with their growing families on vacation, often with grandparents and others along for the ride. And bigger homes tend to lower the cost per person dramatically.

 

These findings are used to forecast how Americans will travel in the year to come, based on 2018 HomeAway vacation rental demand and other data.

 

As for where Americans will vacation in 2019, Hocking Hills, southwest of Columbus, Ohio, and home to some of Ohio’s most beautiful state parks, ranked a surprising number one among fastest-growing destinations.

 

Newton County, Arkansas ranked number two in fast-growing destinations because of Ozark National Forest, and Loudon County, Virginia, right outside of Washington D.C. came in at third for its wineries.

 

“What is so striking about this year’s findings are the generational differences they reveal, and their implications for vacationing and vacation home rental activity for years to come,” said Melanie Fish, HomeAway travel expert. “For one, more than three-quarters of these newly independently vacationing Gen Z’ers have already stayed in a vacation home, cabin or condo at some point in their lives, making them far likelier than their parents to consider vacation rentals a primary lodging option as they continue to mature.”

 

Lake Buena Vista, Florida was HomeAway’s most booked property last year, and HomeAway’s property with most positive reviews was in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Analysts found that all three had something in common: proximity to theme parks.