How to prepare for the prime time for vacation rentals

January is often one of the coldest and darkest months. Many travellers head online to fight off post-holiday blues by dreaming of sunnier climates and perfect stays. Taking a trip is often a New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s an overseas holiday, a cosy winter getaway, or a bucket-list adventure, January is when those ideas start turning into action. For vacation rental owners and hosts, meeting this demand means being ready well ahead of time. 

Step 1: Optimise your listing 

Your property listing is your shopfront—it’s the first impression for prospective guests. Here's how to make it shine. 

Update your photos 

High-quality images are a must. Replace outdated photos with fresh, vibrant ones that sell experiences—think sun-filled spaces, cosy corners, or that ideal family dining area. Highlight seasonal features, like a roaring fireplace in winter or a sunny patio perfect for summer mornings. Your cover photo is the first thing potential guests will see, so make sure this is a striking image which sells your property the best it can. Learn more about how to achieve this.

Capture key features and amenities 

What sets your property apart? Is it the scenic view, private pool, or eco-friendly design? Nail those USPs (unique selling points) and weave them into the description. Be specific and compelling. 

Refresh your description 

Be clear and concise but also engaging. Use a mix of bullet points for key details (like check-in/out times and amenities), paired with evocative language to help future guests visualise their stay. 

Add tasting touches of local charm 

Do you offer proximity to local attractions or secret gems that only locals know? Mention it! For example, "A 10-minute stroll to the historic market square, ideal for an afternoon cappuccino." 

Step 2: Expand your reach 

Being visible across as many platforms as possible dramatically increases the odds of securing bookings. 

List on multiple sites 

From Airbnb to Booking.com, getting your property onto major platforms is non-negotiable. Some platforms, like Booking.com, emphasise their million-plus verified properties across the globe, meaning travellers trust these platforms. Add your property to as many as possible to reach different demographics. These will all be automatically advertised on when you’re with Travelnest, as we partner with more than 30 top booking sites.

Use niche platforms 

List your property on platforms that cater to specific audiences, like pet-friendly holiday sites or eco-conscious travel platforms if it aligns with your offerings. 

Sync calendars and pricing 

Ensure your calendars and pricing are consistent across all platforms to avoid double bookings and confusion. With Travelnest, your calendars can be seamlessly synced by following a very simple guide.

Step 3: Perfect your pricing 

Pricing strategies can make or break your promotion success. Are you competitive yet profitable? 

Review local competition 

Check what similar properties in your area are charging during January and the key travel periods of 2025. Price your rental high enough to reflect your property’s value yet close enough to competitors to draw interest. 

Use smart pricing 

Platforms like Travelnest offer Smart pricing tools to help you flex rates for demand. Adjust prices seasonally or for major local events. Smart promotions can fill gaps during off-peak times. 

Clarify policies 

Make sure your deposit, cancellation terms, and guest policies (pets, parties, check-in/check-out times) are visible and up-to-date. Clarity prevents misunderstandings later. 

Step 4: Present your property as a must-book 

Physical preparation is just as important as the digital side of things. 

Ensure your space is pristine 

Start the year with deep cleaning, restyling, or maintenance checks. A sparkling clean and well-maintained property is key to securing five-star reviews. 

Invest in thoughtful touches 

Add value with extras like welcome packs, premium toiletries, or board games for families. These small gestures often translate into glowing guest feedback and repeat bookings. 

Step 5: Leverage Travelnest to simplify the process 

Managing listings across multiple platforms can be overwhelming. Each requires tweaks and updates to stay ahead—which gets time-consuming. Enter Travelnest, your all-in-one vacation rental management system. 

Why use Travelnest? 

• Centralised management: Manage and update all your listings (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and more) from a single dashboard. 

• Seamless updates: Change one listing, and it syncs across all platforms, saving time and reducing errors. 

• Smart Pricing options: Turn on smart pricing features directly from the dashboard to maximise profitability across platforms. 

• Professional photos A picture says a thousand words—and Travelnest makes it easy to showcase high-quality imagery everywhere. 

• Single communication stream Guest inquiries are handled from one place, so you never miss a message. 

Whether you’re an experienced host or just getting started in managing a vacation rental, Travelnest can take the headache out of the January bookings rush. 

Start preparing today 

The January bookings boom is just around the corner! Now is the time to refine your property listing, widen your reach across platforms, optimise pricing, and get the tools in place to manage bookings efficiently. With platforms like Travelnest, you can focus less on the admin and more on delivering unforgettable experiences for your guests. Why not make 2025 the year where your rental becomes the must-have destination? 

Get started with Travelnest today!