Airbnb released the latest trends from bookings this Fall. Late spring and summer saw a rebound in travel. Airbnb expects this trend will continue into the fall, but early indicators show a greater interest in urban destinations.
Remote Trips Popular, Urban Travel Growing
Labor Day marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall, and many Airbnb renters traveled to remote locations for their long weekend of travel. Remote areas accounted for 30 percent of the company’s labor day bookings, which is double the percentage of last year. The company listed a set of trending destinations for the Labor Day weekend:
- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
- Big Bear Lake, California
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Palm Springs, California
- Orange Beach, Alabama
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Fredericksburg, Texas
While travel to more remote destinations is still strong, urban travel is on the upswing. Labor Day travel to urban areas made up around 20 percent of trips this year, compared to earlier in the year, although it is still down from 40 percent last year. Urban areas in Europe are up to a third of bookings (from about a quarter of bookings in March).
Local Travel Remains Popular
Air travel has been impacted heavily by the coronavirus pandemic, and many consumers still don’t feel safe flying while the virus spreads within communities. Airbnb expects the trend toward road trips to continue into the fall.
The company reported half of all August bookings were within 300 miles of the renter’s home. However, this is starting to shift in countries where international travel can be done safely. International travel within Europe is up to around 15 percent of all bookings in August.
Unique Stays on the Rise
Many people have been cooped up in their homes and are looking for a true change of scenery. Airbnb said that unique stays are on the rise — Labor Day travelers booked twice as many cabins when compared to last year.
Shepherd’s huts have nearly doubled in inclusions in July compared to last year, with others showing similar growth: barns (up 60%), cabins (up 40%), and cottages (up 30%). Of the top 20 most wish listed listings globally in August, five of them are treehouses, three are tiny houses, two are domes, and others include a hut, a cabin, a cottage, and a cave.
Airbnb
Airbnb’s unique rental offerings allow the company to adapt to changing travel preferences and conditions amid the pandemic — which bodes well for a company that is heading into an IPO later this year.
Image credit: airbnb
