2025 Travel predictions every host needs to know

The shift to longer travel stays

Travellers want to linger longer. According to Travelnest data,the average length of stay has increased by 13.52% for bookings arriving this year vs last year. The reason? Depth over breadth. Increasingly, people want more than just a snapshot of a destination; they’re craving a deeper connection with local culture, food, and experiences.

What can hosts do?

• Promote monthly discounts: If your property doesn’t already offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays, now’s the time to introduce them. Highlight these in your listings!

• Curate local guides: Provide guests with curated recommendations for restaurants, hidden gems, and cultural events to encourage them to explore the area during their extended stay.

See more from the BBC.

Year-round bookings on the rise

Whilst summer is always a key season for bookings, travellers in 2025 are increasingly opting for spring and autumn vacations to steer clear of the peak-season chaos. Europe, in particular, is set to enjoy a surge in bookings during these "shoulder seasons."

What can hosts do?

• Update your listings: Include descriptions of why guests would love your property during these quieter months. Talk about the changing autumn leaves, mild spring weather, and local events.

• Seasonal photos: Make sure that alongside your shining summer photos, you should also upload photos showing your property in its best light in all other seasons. 

Adapting to every type of traveller

Travellers aren’t arriving in cookie-cutter groups anymore. Families, couples, solo adventurers, multi-generational trips, and even groups of strangers meeting online are dominating the scene.

What can hosts do?

• Flexible sleeping arrangements: Consider converting your property where possible to cater for different group sizes. Think sofa beds, bunk beds, or even creative dividers for open-plan spaces.

• Family-friendly touches: Consider providing board games, baby equipment, or family-sized seating areas - small investments can go a long way.

Luxury European destinations are thriving

Luxury travel is leaning into Europe’s charm more than ever, with Italy and Greece remaining hotspots. France is climbing in popularity within the luxury market, while Scotland has surprisingly become a rising favourite for lavish escapes.

What can hosts do?

• Highlight luxurious features: Professional photos, high-thread count linens, or amenities like a private hot tub can make a world of difference to appeal to luxury travellers.

• Focus on location’s exclusivity: Whether you're in Tuscany, a quaint Greek village, or the Highlands, emphasise the unique appeal of your area in your marketing.

Sports travel as a community experience

Sporting events are drawing in younger crowds (30% of 25–34-year-olds travel for sports), with many of them motivated by the sense of community these gatherings foster.

What can hosts do?

• Include local sports information: Update your profile to reflect how close you are to nearby stadiums or arenas. Mention estimated travel times and any public transport options.

• Create event incentives: Consider offering discounts for guests who book during major sporting events or include fun extras like fan gear.

Wellness and nature are major priorities

With half of travellers considering the surrounding natural landscape when planning their trips, wellness remains a significant travel motivator in 2025. Guests are looking for holistic experiences, nature retreats, and opportunities to prioritise their health while on holiday.

What can hosts do?

• Promote nearby wellness options: Is there a yoga studio, spa, or hiking trail nearby? Make sure to highlight this in your listing.

• Create a relaxing vibe: Small touches like aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, and quiet outdoor seating areas signal to guests that your property is a wellness haven.

Social media, TV, and word-of-mouth drive travel inspiration

Pop culture continues to play a key role in where people go. Hit shows like The Traitors or influencer hotspots spark wanderlust. For hosts, staying on top of trends can help make their property stand out.

What can hosts do?

• Tap into pop culture: If your property or location has appeared in a show or resembles a trending destination, shout it out!

• Social media buzz: Encourage guests to share their stay online (perhaps with a unique hashtag) and offer photogenic spots on your property. A cozy book nook or an Instagram-worthy garden, for example.

Learn more key trends with SkyScanner.

Get your property 2025-ready

The 2025 travel landscape is tilted towards meaningful, adaptable, and experience-rich stays. Guests are expecting more; more time, more depth, and more versatility from their accommodations.

For vacation rental hosts, the key takeaway? Adapt and anticipate. Whether that means upgrading your property for longer stays, leaning into the wellness trend, or positioning yourself as the perfect sporting event getaway, there’s plenty of opportunity to attract (and keep) excited travellers this year.

Get started today