Private travel companies positioned to ride anticipated record-breaking summer
Americans continue to prioritize travel, even as higher gas prices and inflation pressure household budgets. According to AAA, 61% of Americans plan to take a milestone trip in 2026, with birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and reunions driving travel decisions throughout the year.1 Meanwhile, the upcoming Independence Day holiday is expected to set another record, with 72.2 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home, surpassing last year's historic high.2
That demand creates opportunities across the broader travel sector, not just for traditional airlines and hotels, but also for companies enabling vacation rentals, luggage and outdoor travel experiences. As we reach the peak of the summer travel season, we’re highlighting four private companies helping travelers get where they’re going and make the most of their journey. Two of these companies currently have seller asks available on Forge’s Marketplace.
Away, a luggage and travel accessories retailer
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York, Away has helped redefine premium travel luggage through its direct-to-consumer approach and thoughtfully designed products. Known for its signature hard-shell suitcases, the company has expanded into backpacks, travel accessories and lifestyle products aimed at frequent travelers.
Away has garnered notable mentions as a company providing some of the best luggage and travel accessories in the business, including mentions from The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Good Housekeeping and Forbes, among others.3 Last September, the private retailer partnered with the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu of the WNBA to debut a 2026 limited-edition collection that combines stylish products with durability, according to the company.4
As consumer travel continues to grow, Away's strong brand and marketing engine could help drive demand for its premium luggage and travel products. Away is one of the private companies with active seller asks currently available on Forge's Marketplace.
Away’s price per share is $11.80 as of its last funding round in May of 2019, putting its post-money valuation at $1.41 billion. Its notable investors include Wellington Management, Global Founders Fund, Comcast Ventures and Forerunner Ventures.
Outdoorsy, an outdoor and travel experiences platform
Austin, Texas-based Outdoorsy is the second travel-related company with active seller asks on Forge’s Marketplace. Outdoorsy has built one of the world’s largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplaces, connecting travelers with recreational vehicle owners and making road trips more accessible. The platform also offers insurance protection, roadside assistance, and outdoor travel experiences that appeal to families and adventures alike.
Most recently, the company rebranded itself as The Ride Platform. According to CEO Jeff Cavins, Outdoorsy made the change due to its expansion into multiple mobility and travel-related product offerings.5 According to The Ride Platform, the firm has closed $4 billion transactions to date, equating to 10 million nights spent outdoors by 2 million families.6
The shared mobility sector continues to show promising signs of growth according to some analysts, a positive for Outdoorsy and firms like it. According to McKinsey & Company, shared mobility may very well be a $1 trillion industry by 2030.7
Founded in 2014, Outdoorsy’s price per share is $8.14 as of its latest funding round in June 2021, putting its post-money valuation at $1.84 billion. Investors in the firm include Moore Strategic Ventures, Greenspring Associates, Tandem Capital and Altos Ventures.
Breeze Airways, a low-cost airline carrier
Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Breeze Airways focuses on underserved routes between secondary cities, offering nonstop flights where larger airlines often do not compete. Breeze has steadily expanded its route network while emphasizing convenience and affordable fares.
Founded in 2017, Breeze Airways took its first flight in 2021.8 Now it operates in more than 300 routes in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The private company recently celebrated its five-year, first-flight milestone with a revamp of its menu to attract and retain passengers. Premium snacks and beverages are offered as part of a partnership with Archer Roose Wine, Peet’s Coffee, and Still G.I.N.9
As if fresh cocktails and coffee aren’t enough to bring in passenger business, the company has expanded its rewards program this year to include perks such as priority boarding, priority guest support and bundle upgrades, following examples of other standard-cost carriers.10 And late last year, Breeze Airways passed a rigorous process that made it the first airline in more than 10 years to be designated by the FAA as a U.S. Flag Carrier.11
Breeze Airway’s price per share is $540.11 as of its August 2021 funding round, putting its post-money valuation at $1.19 billion. Its VC investors include BlackRock, Knighthead Capital Management, Peterson Partners and Aries Capital Partners.
AvantStay, a luxury short-term rental firm
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, AvantStay operates and manages premium short-term vacation rentals across many of the country’s most popular leisure destinations. Beyond providing accommodations, the company offers concierge services, curated experiences and technology that simplifies property management for homeowners.
In January, AvantStay formed a strategic partnership with Wander, an online platform that specializes in marketing and distributing hospitality inventory to high-intent travel clients. The initiative puts AvantStay’s luxury properties directly in front of Wander’s network of potential short-term renters and, as such, positions AvantStay for future revenue growth potential.12
According to the hospitality firm, its 2,500 premium short-term properties are spread across 65 destination markets.13
Founded in 2017, AvantStay’s price per share is $6.80 as of its latest fundraise in June 2025 putting its post money valuation at $674.65 million. Notable investors of the private company include Alumni Ventures, 3L Capital, Plus Capital and Bullpen Capital.
Investor Takeaway
Travel demand has continued to remain remarkably resilient through changing economic conditions, with consumers continuing to prioritize meaningful experiences. For investors seeking exposure to private companies participating in the growing travel economy, firms like Away, Outdoorsy, Breeze Airways and AvantStay represent four potential ways to gain access to businesses that may be poised to take advantage of increased demand in 2026.
Discover more travel & hospitality companies listed on Forge Global.
