As the vacation rental landscape continues to evolve, travelers are seeking more flexibility for their upcoming adventures. This translates into spur-of-the-moment planning, shorter stays, and unique destinations. Platforms such as VRBO are key in pinpointing top travel trends that are shaping the future of the industry. Understanding while adapting to these trends underscores the importance of enhancing best property management practices for vacation rentals.
VRBO has identified valuable top vacation rental trends in 2025, along with essential management practices geared toward meeting these demands. Let’s explore these in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Shorter Stays & Spontaneous Travel
Weekend retreats, short family getaways, and spontaneous travel plans are on the rise in 2025. Many travelers are moving away from extended vacations and booking shorter stays as well as midweek outings as a way to recharge.
Stays midweek also provide travelers opportunities to avoid larger weekend crowds, not to mention traffic for popular drive-to destinations. Shorter stays can also center around
Some ways property managers can adapt to this compelling travel audience include:
- Allow for shorter stays in order to attract a wider audience looking for getaways of 1 or 2 nights
- Amenities that provide easy comfort for quick trips: wifi, coffee makers, quality bedding and towels, and parking options can make a significant difference
- Competitive rates and dynamic pricing for shorter stays or last-minute bookings
- Encourage quicker decision-making for travelers by ensuring use of quality photos, concise and accurate descriptions, and a clear list of amenities
- Prompt and clear communication on confirmations, plus quick responses to any issue that may arise, will go a long way when encouraging great reviews.
Exploring Unique Destinations
Travelers are looking to explore lesser-known spots and long-sought-after “hidden gems”. This trend highlights the notion of Detour Destinations, some of which are just around the bend from busy urban centers. These spots offer more intimate travel experiences, unique exploration opportunities, and frequently a quieter getaway for enjoying the moment.
Ways vacation rental property managers can adapt:
- Highlight local attractions and events that make your destination particularly unique, enticing guests to have an authentic experience
- Shine a spotlight on amenities such as hot tubs, private pools, parking, reliable WiFi and high-speed internet, and parking (particuarly as a detour / drive-to destination)
- Provide guidebooks or personalized recommendations on local restaurants and attractions. This can also go a long way to earning great reviews and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Flexible Cancellation Policies
As travelers are embracing spontaneous planning and shorter stays, they also value peace of mind in knowing they can make adjustments if plans change. Curiously, with a rise in shorter lead times, travelers are pretty much set on where they want to go and does not necessarily translate into more frequent cancellations according to VRBO. However, providing flexible to moderate cancellation policies can attract wider audiences during the booking process.
How property managers can adapt:
- Offer flexible or moderate cancellation options to boost property conversion rate
- Provide clear communication to homeowners when developing listings to clarify how flexible options can boost their visibility
- Similarly, clearly communicate policy within your listing, ensuring transparency for your guests
JOMO – The Joy of Missing Out
In 2025, travelers are all about relishing in the joy – rather than the fear – of missing out. This often translates into travelers looking for an ideal vacation rental to be the experience itself. Peaceful spaces, cozy nooks, and self-recharging amenities can attract audiences looking to center on self and relaxation.
Ways to promote JOMO for property managers:
- Update listing content to emphasize comfort, tranquility, and a property’s unique features. Use keywords like “secluded,” “cozy,” or “wellness retreat” to appeal to JOMO travelers.
- Are your properties pet-friendly? Highlight this feature as more and more travelers are looking to vacation with their furry family members. What better way to enjoy the moment than on walks with one’s best friend?
- Check your amenities and consider adding touches that promote relaxation, such as spa-style bathrooms, blackout curtains, or meditation spaces.
- Earn great reviews by creating a stress-free and peaceful environment. Offer little extras like a welcome package with herbal teas, a selection of books, or access to streaming services.
Combining property management practices
Flexible and spontaneous travel trends offer exciting opportunities for property managers to adapt to travelers’ whims. Stay ahead of the curve by anticipating shorter lead times, providing attractive options for shorter stays, highlighting unique features and off-the-beaten path experiences, and cater to travelers seeking peace and relaxation.
By combining these forward-thinking strategies with smart management practices, you’ll not only meet the demands of future travelers but also position your property as a standout choice in the highly competitive vacation rental market.
