Ready to get ahead of the travel game in 2025? Beyond’s latest international consumer survey has uncovered the key trends that are set to shape how and where travelers are jetting off next year. 

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Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a hospitality pro, these insights will help you navigate the shifting sands of the travel landscape.

1. Vacation Frequency: Travelers Are Keeping It Simple

Over 70% of respondents plan to take one to four vacations a year, with almost 20% not planning to vacation at all. The majority are leaning towards short getaways, reflecting a cautious and budget-minded approach to travel planning, possibly due to ongoing economic uncertainties.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: To attract the majority who travel once or twice a year, create appealing promotions or packages that cater to annual or biannual travelers looking for value-packed experiences. Consider offering early booking discounts or exclusive deals for travelers who plan their trips well in advance.

2. Rest and Relaxation Reigns Supreme

The most preferred type of vacation is restful, with 48.1% of travelers opting for all-inclusive beach or poolside escapes. Cultural vacations come in second at 23.1%, highlighting a significant interest in immersive experiences. Adventurous, active, and mindful trips appeal to smaller, niche audiences, but they're steadily growing in popularity.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere in your rental. Consider adding simple touches like comfortable lounge chairs and good-quality bedding to align with travelers' desire for relaxation. Highlight local cultural attractions in your listings to attract those seeking immersive experiences.

3. Europe Tops the Bucket List for 2025

Europe is the dream destination for 30.7% of survey respondents, with North America and Asia following behind. Exotic locales like Antarctica and Africa still capture the adventurous spirit of a few, but the majority are eyeing classic hotspots with a mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: If your property is located in these regions, emphasize the appeal of the local culture, accessibility, and unique experiences. For rentals outside these hotspots, spotlight what makes your location special and connect it to broader travel trends like adventure or eco-tourism.

4. The Search for Accommodations Begins with Google

When it comes to finding a place to stay, 33.8% of travelers start with Google, while 13.6% turn to vacation rental platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. The reliance on direct hotel websites and travel agents is declining, as more travelers prefer the quick, user-friendly experience offered by online searches and social media recommendations.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Optimize your online presence by enhancing your SEO and leveraging Google Business profiles. Ensure your listings are well-represented on major vacation rental platforms and maintain an engaging social media presence to capture attention during the research phase.

5. The Most Important Factors When Planning a Trip

For 62% of travelers, the total cost is one of the most important factors when planning a trip. The desire for beautiful scenery and cultural immersion drives destination choices, with 56% also keeping a keen eye on overall costs.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Ensure that your pricing is always aligned with seasonality, demand, and more factors to attract travelers. Emphasize your rental’s prime location in your marketing, whether it’s proximity to major attractions, natural beauty, or convenient transportation. Highlight seasonal appeal and suggest ideal times to visit for specific experiences, like festivals or outdoor activities.

6. Accommodation Preferences

Hotels are still a popular accommodation choice, with 64.3% of travelers favoring them for their familiarity, comfort, and perceived value. Vacation rentals, while popular among 22.7% of respondents, are seen as best for group stays or unique experiences. Cost-effectiveness is a recurring theme across all accommodation types, reflecting a shift towards budget-conscious travel.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Capitalize on the unique advantages of vacation rentals, such as offering more space, privacy, or home-like amenities that hotels lack. Highlight these features in your listings to appeal to those considering a shift from traditional hotel stays.

7. The Rise of Eco-Friendly and Boutique Accommodations

Intimate travel experiences like boutique hotels and inns are appealing to 37.7% of travelers, while eco-friendly travel is on the radar for 30.6%. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable and personalized accommodation options is set to grow.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Consider implementing sustainable practices in your rental, such as energy-efficient appliances, recycling options, or eco-friendly toiletries. Promote the intimate, personalized nature of your property to attract guests looking for a more unique, smaller-scale lodging experience.

8. Planning Ahead: A Key Strategy

Most travelers (28.1%) book their accommodations 2-3 months in advance, while a fraction (10.6%) leave it until the last minute. Planning ahead not only secures the best deals but also ensures a wider range of choices, allowing for a more tailored travel experience.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Encourage early bookings by offering incentives like early-bird discounts or flexible cancellation policies. Highlight the benefits of booking in advance, such as guaranteed availability and better pricing, in your marketing efforts. For those booking last minute, consider having a strategy in place with dynamic pricing to fill gaps and maximize occupancy.

9. Emerging Tech: AI as a Travel Assistant

While 46% of travelers are open to using AI to plan their trips, concerns about trust and spontaneity remain barriers. For those who embrace it, AI offers a streamlined, cost-effective approach to travel planning, potentially unlocking hidden gems that traditional methods might overlook.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Stay tech-savvy and consider integrating AI-powered tools that enhance the guest experience, such as smart home devices or AI-driven recommendations for local attractions. Highlight your human touch and local expertise to reassure guests who prefer a more personalized approach.

10. Climate Considerations Are Shaping Travel Plans

Nearly half of the respondents are adjusting their travel dates to cooler seasons to avoid extreme heat, and 19.8% say climate change significantly influences their destination choices. This trend underscores a growing awareness of the environmental impact of travel and the need for sustainable tourism practices.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Prepare your property to be a year-round destination by emphasizing features that make it comfortable in any season, such as effective air conditioning for summer stays or cozy heating for winter. Promote off-season stays with special rates or bundled experiences to attract guests looking to avoid peak season heat.

11. Safety and Convenience Above All

When booking accommodations, safety, cleanliness, and proximity to desired locations are top priorities. With 80.1% willing to pay more for better amenities or prime locations, it’s clear that travelers value comfort and peace of mind, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territories.

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💡 Key takeaway for vacation rental hosts: Prioritize showcasing your property’s safety features, cleanliness, and convenient location in your listings. Invest in high-quality amenities and ensure your property is spotless to justify higher rates. Providing clear, reassuring communication about the measures you take for guest safety and comfort can be a deciding factor for many travelers, especially those unfamiliar with the area.

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As we head into 2025, the landscape of travel is evolving, with a stronger emphasis on sustainability, convenience, and personalized experiences. What 2025 travel trends are you preparing for? Take charge of your revenue management strategy for next year and work wth Beyond today! And see just how much your business can grow with our calculator.

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