New Guest Trends To Follow

As a vacation rental owner, what can you do to truly resonate with guests? Look no further! We have been listening to our guests: what they want; what they need; what they value, especially in a market where the pandemic has made new features very important to the consumer. So that you may keep guests happy and attract new ones, here are five types of customers and how you can revamp your offerings to meet their needs. 

Traveling Families

Parents are increasingly wishing to travel with their kids. Now that vacation rental homes have proven their advantages as compared to traditional vacation stays, families are searching for their perfect rentals. Although families love to have fun and relax in vacation time, safety is usually a top priority. With this in mind, there are many ways to make your home ideal for families.

Amenities are super important! The laundry room and kitchen should be properly equipped for a family routine. Parents tend to make breakfast for their kids before heading out to explore, so well-kept and handy kitchen appliances are key. Nice to haves like coffee and coffee makers can help parents get started with their morning. Having to pack for a big group, parents would rather pack light and do laundry while traveling. Therefore, a well-equipped laundry room with products like detergent and softener can make a family’s day.

Speaking of safety, there are a variety of ways to ensure that your guests find themselves in a secure environment. For your benefit, and for the family’s safety, it is smart to avoid sharp objects that can break easily. Protecting sharp corners and outlets, hiding cables and wires, and installing stair gates are other ways to protect curious, energetic children. These additions can reduce the chance of accidents and put parents’ minds at ease. When thinking about decorations and furniture, functionality and durability over aesthetics is the proper mindset. 

Going the extra mile with families can go a long way. Creating a fun atmosphere can make parents remember your home, making loyal and referring customers out of them. Board games and toys are great for family bonding or keeping kids busy while parents work.  

Work-Cationers

Many offices have shifted to an online setting as a result of the pandemic. With the opportunity to work remotely, employees are now traveling during dates when they normally would not. It is essential to create work spaces in your property to attract the huge surge of remote workers. 

No longer limited by location, work-cationers are looking to spend their trip in work-appropriate yet relaxing spaces. As an owner, you can create a dynamic working environment by incorporating work stations throughout your home. An office space with pens and pencils as well as a comfortable desk chair is ideal for working guests. The location of office spaces plays a big role in accomplishing a great working space. Consider privacy and choosing a space that is separated from social areas, where guests can hold meetings without distractions. Not a must, but a window that welcomes natural light can help workers relax and clear their mind. Otherwise, think of including artificial lighting for nighttime and areas that do not have natural light. 

If space does not allow for an office, there are plenty of alternatives. Some options that do not require a big space include wall or lap desks. Dispersed chairs and table tops also allow for different people to work at the same time. Lastly, offer free Wi-Fi and make sure you have a strong connection at all times, as this is very important for workers. 

Greenspace Seekers

Guests are increasingly looking for green spaces where they can unwind and have fun. A lively outdoor area can help work-cationers change scenery or families to come together after a touristy day. The pandemic has led to a lot of time spent inside, virtual work, and decreased socializing. Therefore, the goal here is to make the yard functional while incorporating green elements that can allow guests to interact with nature. 

Grills can inspire outdoor dinners and are exceptional for bonding time. A bar-like space, a mini-fridge, or a dining space will encourage guests to spend even more time outside. Comfortable seating, positioned to enjoy the view, can create a great outdoor vibe. Position furniture in a way that encourages conversation, maybe while waiting for the barbecue to be ready!

An added water feature, like a hot tub, is not only aesthetically appealing but great for relaxation. If you really want to invest in your backyard, pebble-built paths or waterfall simulating elements create a great ambiance. 

While making these additions, be mindful of your space and location. There are tons of options for choosing weather and size appropriate furniture and vegetation; natural elements can vary from small plants to waterfall pools. Any attempt at providing an outdoorsy escape can make a difference for guests. 

Pet Owners

Although allowing pets can have some disadvantages, making a pet-friendly property can help you attract the growing market of pet-owner vacationers. Families and customers looking for longer stays often choose to travel with their pets. As a host, you may also charge more for pet-welcoming accommodations. Furthermore, making your place pet-friendly places you at an advantage to non-pet friendly rentals. 

Some features appreciated by pet owners include backyards and nearby walking paths. So, if your property has a nearby beach or scenic walkway, you have a great opportunity to turn your space into a pet-friendly home. Other valued additions include dog bowls, toys, dow towels, leashes and pet beddings. 

It is also important to protect your home from potential damage. Child gates can restrict access for pets to specific areas, like bedrooms, and fabric protectors for furniture can protect your couches from unwanted accidents. Pet-friendly and stain-proof flooring, like tile, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood are ideal, while it is smart to avoid carpets.

Longer Stay Seekers

The pandemic has brought a wave of guests looking for longer stays. Remote workers wanting a change of scenery; couples traveling as lockdowns leave them longing for a shore-filled Florida; individuals wishing to be closer to family for a few weeks. These are all guests that want to escape their routine and are seeking opportunities to book multiple-week trips at lower rates. 

As a vacation rental owner, you have an opportunity to satisfy these guests’ needs. Offer monthly or weekly plans at discounted rates. This will encourage longer stay lookers to book more, with the incentive that they are saving money by forgoing daily fees. Although charges are lower, longer stays at discounted rates can ensure you steady income for greater periods of time. 

Stay Ahead of the Curb

Now is the moment to understand consumers’ evolving needs and capitalize these. Keep these five types of customers in mind and upgrade your home to attract new guests. Feel free to contact us for more advice on how to take advantage of these new opportunities. We can help optimize your listings as pet, family or remote worker friendly homes so that consumers are crystal clear on what you can offer. Furthermore, we can help you build relationships with guests, making referring customers out of them. Don’t snooze or cut corners with your investment, work with a professional company that can get the most return for you and maximize your property. You can expect to see as much as 45% higher returns in working with a professional management company. Like we say, unlock the value of real estate with Host and Keep.