Why last-minute vacation rental bookings are booming (and what you can do about it)

So why is this happening, and more importantly, how can you adapt as a vacation rental host? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll unpack the reasons behind this behaviour, and we’ll share practical tips to help you fill your calendar and satisfy even the most impulsive guests.

Why are last-minute bookings skyrocketing?

Over the last few years, we have seen an explosion in last-minute mobile travel bookings. Google reported that travel-related searches, including the keywords ‘tonight’ and ‘today’, have increased by an astonishing 519% between 2017 and 2022. It also added that many of these searches originated on mobile devices in the destination city, suggesting travellers really are leaving booking their hotels and accommodation until the very last minute.

1. The shift to short getaways

Gone are the days when every family waits all year for two weeks away in summer. Instead, we’re seeing a rise in flexible, shorter trips that fit around people’s increasingly busy lifestyles. Think long weekends away or quick mid-week escapes. With the rise of remote work and improved work-life balance, travellers are no longer waiting for structured annual leave; they’re taking advantage of spontaneous, smaller windows of time for a quick getaway.

If you’re running a vacation rental, this means you’re increasingly likely to attract travellers looking for 1-3 nights rather than a lengthy stay.

2. Spontaneity is the new norm

Spontaneity is in! Travellers today want experiences that are “on the go.” With event-driven travel becoming more commonplace, people are more willing to book accommodation impulsively. If something exciting comes up, why wait?

For rental hosts, this shift is an opportunity to tap into a market of travellers who thrive on the thrill of last-minute deals.

3. Flexible working = flexible travelling

Remote work is a tried-and-tested reality in 2025. With many jobs allowing flexible schedules, people no longer feel tied down to traditional working hours. Instead of waiting for summer to plan a grand holiday, they’re blending work with leisure and bringing their laptop along for the ride.

For vacation rental hosts, this means you need to think beyond purely holiday-goers. Your property might be the perfect workcation destination for someone needing a change of scenery.

4. FOMO (Fear of missing out!)

Social media plays a huge role in inspiring this trend. Seeing a friend’s Insta-worthy beach photo or a jaw-dropping festival vibe triggers the "I need to do that too!" effect. People don’t want to miss out and are eager to jump on any opportunity, whether it’s a quick beach escape or a countryside retreat.

By keeping your property relevant to local events, festivals, or popular hashtags, you can capture this kind of impulsive desire to book.

How to adapt to the rise of last-minute bookings

Now that we’ve identified why last-minute bookings are booming, it’s time to discuss how you can respond effectively as a vacation rental host. Here are some practical tips to take your listing to the next level.

1. Allow Short Stays

Flexibility is key. If you’re still enforcing a three-night minimum, you might be missing out on a large pool of potential guests. Allowing shorter stays (even one-night bookings) can work wonders for attracting the new wave of spontaneous travellers.

Think about it; if someone wants a quick weekend at your quaint countryside cottage to reset for Monday’s meetings, a two-night minimum immediately rules them out.

2. Advertise empty dates

Got gaps in your booking calendar? Use them to your advantage. Empty weekends or weekdays can be marketed as special last-minute deals to attract spontaneous guests. Highlight these available dates in bold and exciting ways on your listing platform.

3. Be price smart

Lowering your rates for last-minute bookings might seem counter-intuitive, but trust us, it works. Travellers looking for a last-minute deal are often price-sensitive. By offering a discount, you’ll still make revenue from nights that might otherwise stay empty.

If your platform allows, enable Smart pricing tools to automatically adjust rates for last-minute availability. Or manually tweak prices yourself to reflect the shift closer to the date.

4. Waive the cleaning fee

A cleaning fee can scare off spontaneous travellers who feel it’s unreasonable for a one-night stay. By waiving or reducing this fee for shorter bookings, you’ll instantly make your listing more appealing and generate goodwill with your guests. It’s the small changes that make a big difference!

5. Tailor your description

Call out local events and seasonal attractions in your listing description. Travellers searching for accommodation near a music festival or sporting event are much more likely to book your property if you reference it directly in your copy.

6. Use the right tools

Platforms like Travelnest make managing last-minute changes and pricing adjustments seamless. With tools that give you full control over your calendar, you can block/unblock dates on a whim or adjust settings for each night. Plus, Travelnest’s Smart pricing ensures your rental stays attractive without sacrificing profit.

7. Be mobile-friendly

Further findings from Google show that 72% of mobile bookings happen within 48 hours of last-minute searches, including the keywords ‘tonight and ‘today.’ However, despite more consumers researching and intending to book last-minute trips on their mobile phones, many businesses are struggling to convert them into paying customers. Mobile conversion rates are as low as 0.7%, suggesting that many airports, airlines, and hotels fail mobile customers with a less than satisfactory booking journey. Try to make your listing as mobile-friendly as you can. When you're with Travelnest, you'll be listed across more than 30 top booking sites which will support your listing to be found in as many places as possible.

Where to focus next?

It’s clear that the vacation rental industry is shifting to align with travellers’ newfound spontaneity. From offering short stays to targeting event-goers and adopting smarter pricing techniques, there’s no shortage of opportunities for hosts.

By staying flexible, up-to-date with technology, and ready to adapt to guest expectations, you’re setting yourself up for greater bookings and glowing reviews.

If you’re ready to streamline your business and attract new-gen travellers, why not sign up with Travelnest today? With Travelnest, managing your vacation rental can be as effortless and rewarding as your guests want their holidays to feel.