The Vrbo Trend Report
2020
About the Trend Report
Welcome to the Vrbo Trend Report, based on data and insights from Vrbo's global vacation rental marketplace. The report's purpose is to showcase where, how and why Americans will travel for vacation in 2020 - at the beach, in the mountains, in cities, throughout the US and abroad. Explore how families and groups of friends are most likely to spend their much-deserved time together.
The report is based on domestic and international home demand on Vrbo for the 12-month period ending August 31, 2019 (except as otherwise indicated).
Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations
Beautiful Views with a Cherry Log on Top
If names like Cherry Log (Ga.), Bella Vista (Ark.) and Terlingua (Texas) don’t ring a bell, they may well soon. Each is among the top five emerging domestic vacation destinations on Vrbo.
While their names may not be of the household variety yet, their appeal is clear, especially for families and other groups of travelers looking to explore the great outdoors. Terlingua is a short hop to Big Bend National Park, while Bella Vista (Spanish for “beautiful views”) is situated in the Ozarks near majestic lakes. Cherry Log is a bona fide getaway in the heart of Chattahoochee National Forest.
Luxury Tree House — Blue Ridge, Georgia Explore this home
Fossil Knob-Main House — Terlingua, Texas Explore this home
On the Rise: Same-City Stays
There’s No Place Like Hometown for Vacation
Pop quiz: What is the top single place Chicago Vrbo renters come from? Answer: Chicago. This “same city” origin trend is true in Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta and a number of other major American cities.
Travelers in urban markets across the country are booking vacation rentals in their own backyards. These same city stays are not to be confused with staycations, which involve staying at your own home.
Drivable Destinations: Moving Up
A Hop, a Skip and a Short Trip Away
It takes less than a tank of gas to reach an exceptional vacation destination with the people we care about most.
Short-hop, short-stay vacations are making a move — a likely outgrowth of flexible time-off policies and prioritization of experiences with people over material goods.
Alternative Lodging Is Hot
The Next Wave of Unusual Accommodations
Traditional vacation home favorites like beach houses, cabins and condos still reign supreme, but adventurous American travelers are staying in some unusual options. In fact, 71% of millennial travelers say they would consider staying at a non-traditional vacation rental.1
In addition to barns, castles and treehouses, properties on wheels and properties that float join the ranks of unusual accommodations that travelers are booking. Travel demand for houseboats, yachts, RVs and Airstreams is up 30% year-over-year on Vrbo. With more than 2 million unique places to stay, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect property for every type of traveler.2
House Boat — Amsterdam, NL Explore this home
Trending Global Beach Destinations
Surf’s Up, Portugal Style
Vem pra praia. That’s Portuguese for “Come to the beach.” Which is what globetrotting American sun worshippers have been doing in Portugal more than anyplace else. Seaside locales in Portugal took three of the five top spots on Vrbo’s list of international beach destinations, based on vacation rental demand.
Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations
Top US & International Destinations
Top US Destinations
1. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
2. Gulf Shores, Ala.
3. Miramar and Rosemary Beach, Fla.
4. Panama City Beach, Fla.
5. Maui, Hawaii
Wonderful Villa — Florence, IT Explore this home
Vacationing with Family & Friends
Facts & Figures
Vrbo’s purpose is to give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together.1
