Written by Robin Lawther, VP of Expedia TAAP
Today¡¯s travelers are exploring the world in more diverse
ways than ever before ¡ª from solo getaways and multi-generational trips to ¡°bleisure¡±
travel and wellness retreats. This shift is creating new opportunities for
travel advisors to stand out by offering options that reflect how people
actually want to travel.
Travelers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences
¡ª often adding unique stays and activities alongside traditional hotel visits. Vacation
rentals offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in their
environment, whether it¡¯s a cozy chalet in the mountains or a breezy villa on
the beach. According to research, many choose vacation rentals for extra
space, better value, access to kitchens and laundry, privacy, and the ability
to accommodate their group comfortably. Among luxury and upscale travelers,
features like unique design and scenic views also play a key role.
For travel advisors, including vacation rentals as a core
part of your offerings isn¡¯t simply about adding more listings to your toolkit.
It¡¯s about meeting the growing diversity of how travelers want to explore the
world.?
Knowing when vacation rentals are the perfect fit
Any travel advisor knows that there's no
one-size-fits-all when it comes to planning the perfect trip. Hotels and
vacation rentals both have strengths in different areas and cater to various
needs. Knowing when to point your clients towards one or the other is where
your expertise shines.?
Travelers planning extended getaways often need the
amenities offered by a vacation rental to make the trip not only affordable but
comfortable as well. The ability to cook meals, do laundry, and spread out
across the whole house helps transform a journey from a simple stay into a more
seamless, lived-in experience. For families traveling with children or
multi-generational groups, having shared living spaces and a home-like setting
makes it easier to spend quality time together. In fact, nearly
half of travelers say that staying in a peaceful, home-like setting enhances
quality time with loved ones, and 62% say these types of trips help reduce
stress and anxiety. Vacation
rentals can also typically deliver incredible value with various promotions like
last-minute deals and early booking discounts, making them a wise choice for
longer stays or group travel.
This is the kind of personalization that pays dividends
in the long run. Over half (56%) of U.S.
travelers say they remain loyal to a travel advisor who truly understands their
needs. And 37% of travel advisor clients worldwide cite an advisor¡¯s knack for
finding the perfect accommodation as the top reason they keep coming back. The
ability to personalize each trip to a client¡¯s unique preferences, especially
when it comes to where they¡¯re staying, builds irreplaceable trust and
long-term loyalty.
Expedia TAAP Vice President Robin Lawther. (? Expedia TAAP Vice President Robin Lawther.)
Guiding clients through a different kind of stay
Of course, booking a vacation rental differs from making
a hotel reservation. That¡¯s where your knowledge as a travel advisor really
makes a difference. Unlike hotels with a front desk team ready to greet guests
at the door, vacation rentals usually involve coordinating directly with the
host to check in. Daily housekeeping is usually not the norm, and fees or
deposits are sometimes handled directly with the host. These differences are
precisely why travelers rely on your advice.?
Walking clients through these expectations and preparing
them for these differences upfront is crucial. You¡¯re not just helping them
avoid surprises, you¡¯re reinforcing your value as an expert who knows the
landscape inside and out and is dedicated to making sure they have a fantastic
experience. For 53% of travel advisor clients worldwide,
strong communication was the main factor driving repeat business. Coordinating
vacation rentals is an excellent opportunity to showcase that skillset.
Looking ahead
As traveler expectations continue to evolve, the options
you bring to the table as a travel advisor should grow in tandem. Proactively
offering clients vacation rentals in addition to hotels shows clients that
you¡¯re not just there to book their trips and collect a commission. You¡¯re
carefully crafting options that suit their needs, priorities, and budgets.?
Whether it¡¯s helping a family find a lakeside home for a
big reunion or booking a solo traveler into a tucked-away apartment in a city
they¡¯ve dreamed of exploring, leaning into more diverse stays is one of the
most innovative ways to grow and protect your business for years to come.
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