20 beachLIFE TRAVEL RISE OF VACATION HOME RENTALS
“ g u e s t s w e r e l o o k i n g f o r a va c a t i o n e x p e r i e n c e t h e y c o u l d c u s t o m i z e t o t h e n e e d s
o f t h e i r f a m i l y ”
Travelers were no longer interested in just the traditional week away . Instead , they were experimenting with what was possible under a set of radically different circumstances . And technology offered a whole new world of possibilities . Teleconferencing , for instance , was now commonplace and trusted . For many families , it was an ah-ha moment .
“ People were booking vacations well into the fall of 2020 because they could suddenly work from home ,” says Aliza Fogarty , Director of Guest Services at 360 Blue . “ They could take their families with them because their children were taking classes online .”
Guests were discovering that they now had the ability to book a home that had everything they needed for an extended time away — for a “ flexcation ” or a “ staycation .” Teleconferencing paired with the vacation home rental made the extended hybrid vacation not only doable but incredibly safe . And the variety of expansive vacation homes available made it comfortable and attractive to an entire family .
“ Since the onset of the pandemic , we ’ ve seen a significant increase in interest from people looking for safe , remote , and exciting rental properties ,” says Jerry Hefner , VP of Marketing for Natural Retreats . “ These have not only included short-term vacation rentals for our families and friends but also long-term rentals for those looking for a change of pace while working remotely or attending virtual education programs .”
“ Our guests were looking for a vacation experience they could customize to the needs of their family — from specialty services to rental equipment delivered prior to arrival ,” says Severs . “ They also want to know the details — which homes have the best porches , the best views , and kitchens .”
By the spring of 2021 the surge in travel hadn ’ t let up . If anything , it had only increased with recordbreaking summer bookings . The appeal also seemed to be diversifying .
“ Across the industry we saw guests choose vacation home rentals in the summer of 2020 for safety considerations ,” says Nathan Henris , Vice President of Marketing for 360 Blue . “ But for those that were previously new to vacation rentals , the appeal has since expanded to lifestyle preferences such as inhome amenities and location . Guests know the