VRBO | 6 Trends to Drive Better Bookings

The vacation rental market in 2025 is full of opportunity, but keeping your Vrbo listing booked takes more than just being part of the platform. With travelers becoming more selective and search habits changing, hosts and property managers need to be more intentional about how they show up and stand out.

Vrbo rental trends reveal exactly what travelers are prioritizing right now — from the filters they use to the amenities they expect. Whether you're looking to increase visibility, attract better-fit guests or boost your booking rate, understanding these trends is key.

In this blog, we’ll break down six Vrbo trends that are shaping the platform in 2025 and how you can use them to give your listing a serious edge.

Trend #1

Align Your Listing with What Guests Want

Search visibility plays a major role in how often your listing is seen. Vrbo users apply five to seven filters when searching for vacation rentals, so it’s important for listings to align with what travelers are actively searching for.

If your property doesn’t meet those filters, it simply won’t appear in many travelers’ listings feed.

Filter features that matter most:

Premier Host status

This badge significantly boosts visibility in search rankings. Premier Hosts are seen as trustworthy, consistent and responsive.

As Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Partner Success at Vrbo, emphasizes — these hosts are the key to memorable travel experiences, often going above and beyond to deliver exceptional, dependable and relaxing stays.

Vrbo's first party data shows that Premier Host listings enjoy more trips and better search performance.

Flexible cancellation policies

Travelers are prioritizing flexibility more than ever. According to Expedia Group, nearly half (47%) say they would never book non-refundable lodging for domestic trips and 57% prefer refundable options when traveling internationally.

Flexible cancellation policies not only provide peace of mind to potential guests but also increase the likelihood of securing early bookings.

To stay competitive, property managers should review their cancellation policies and opt for 100% refund windows where feasible.

Trend #2

Boost Appeal with Must-Have Amenities

Today’s travelers want more than just a bed — they’re booking experiences. With Vrbo’s compare feature becoming a go-to tool for travelers, the little extras matter more than ever. And we’re not just talking about free Wi-Fi.

Must-have 2025 amenities:

• EV charging stations: As electric vehicle use continues to rise, this feature is becoming increasingly important for eco-conscious travelers.

• Heated pools & hot tubs: These continue to be big-impact amenities for families and couples looking to unwind.

• Pickleball courts & ping pong tables: Lawn games and indoor rec options are especially appealing in suburban and rural areas.

• Cold plunges: Wellness travelers are embracing this new trend across many listings.

One of the standout Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year in Scottsdale, Arizona — a destination seeing strong growth — added a pickleball court and shared, “Our guests love how family-friendly and welcoming our home is. The private pickleball court is always a hit, offering a fun activity right on the property,” said Stay Paradise Valley.

Features like these offer a clear advantage in attracting more travelers booking longer stays.

Don’t forget pets and kids

Travelers with kids or pets are a growing audience in the short-term rental market. About 78% of U.S. families travel with pets and many travelers consider their pets family — celebrating occasions like pet birthdays with a getaway.

Listings marked as pet- and kid-friendly enjoy higher conversion rates, especially in drive-to destinations and rural areas. These filters also play a major role in increasing your listing’s reach.

Trend #3

Stand Out with the Premier Host Advantage

Being a Premier Host isn’t just a vanity title — it’s one of the most effective ways to boost exposure, build trust and drive reservations.

Vrbo's parent company, Expedia Group, notes that Premier Hosts often see stronger booking performance and higher rental income due to increased visibility and the added trust that comes with the badge.

Benefits that boost your bottom line:

• Enhanced placement in search results

• Premier Host badge helps build guest confidence

• Priority exposure during major events and peak seasons

What you need:

• At least 5 bookings or 60 nights booked

• 3+ guest reviews

• An average rating of 4.4 stars or higher

• Cancellation rate below 1%

• A booking acceptance rate of 95% or higher

And it’s not just for high-end listings. A wide range of hosts in urban areas and shared accommodations have reached Premier Host status simply by providing top-notch service and being responsive. With growing demand and a more informed guest base, professionalism and consistency are increasingly important.

Trend #4

Keep Pace with Changing Booking Habits

Travel trends are shifting and staying informed is essential to keep your edge. Solo travelers, remote workers and families alike are booking differently today. There’s greater emphasis on transparency, flexibility and local experiences.

What travelers expect now:

• Clear pricing: Travelers are making smarter choices, with 58% expecting to be more price-conscious over the next 12 months. Hidden fees are a deal-breaker, making transparent pricing more important than ever.

• Quick responses: Fast, friendly responses lead to more reservations. Numerous hosts now use auto-replies to stay on top of inquiries.

• Professionalism: Clean, well-lit photos and accurate descriptions help attract discerning guests.

Proactive moves:

• Adjust pricing regularly based on demand and seasonality. October, for example, offers some of the lowest rates of the year.

• Highlight local attractions and major events like festivals, markets or seasonal nature displays. One host in Gatlinburg, Tennessee boosted interest during firefly season simply by mentioning the event in their listing description.

  This year, travelers are embracing JOMO (the joy of missing out), seeking out peaceful getaways where they can unwind and reconnect with themselves or loved ones.

• Include keywords that align with Vrbo trends: spacious patio, EV charger, fire pit, lawn games, heated pool, pet-friendly.

Whether in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, or closer to home, travelers are looking for experiences that reflect their travel goals. Hosts who respond to these needs gain a major edge.

Trend #5

Drive Success with Vrbo’s Tools and Insights

Many hosts miss out on valuable opportunities simply because they aren’t taking full advantage of Vrbo’s tools. By working with your Partner Success representative and reviewing first party data, you can make more informed decisions that lead to better performance.

Why Vrbo tools give you an edge:

Quarterly reviews

Stay aligned with market shifts, demand cycles and pricing strategies by reviewing performance reports, competitor analysis and market insights with your Vrbo representative.

These regular check-ins can help identify new opportunities and areas for improvement.

First party insights

Access detailed data about your property's performance, including booking trends, traveler demographics, cancellation rates and pricing benchmarks.

These insights allow you to make informed, strategic decisions tailored to your specific destination and guest preferences.

Dedicated support

Vrbo’s Partner Success team is available to help many hosts fine-tune their approach. From optimizing your listing to advising on dynamic pricing and local events, their expert guidance helps you stay competitive in a growing and increasingly sophisticated short-term rental market.

With the right support and access to smart analytics, property managers can stay competitive by making data-backed decisions and refining their strategies as market conditions evolve. This applies across the board — from meeting demand in bustling urban areas to tailoring listings for solo travelers, families and emerging guest segments.

Data-driven approaches allow hosts to respond with agility, increase visibility and meet the expectations of today's well-informed travelers.

Trend #6

Reach Travelers Where They’re Scrolling

Travel inspiration is no longer limited to travel guides and search engines — it's now happening on social feeds. Travelers are increasingly turning to platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to discover new destinations and properties.

Expedia Group latest research shows that over half (61%) of consumers now find trip ideas through social media, a sharp increase from 35% in 2022. On top of that, 73% say that influencer recommendations have played a role in their decision to book a trip or travel component.

This highlights the growing impact of peer-driven, visual-first insights when it comes to shaping travel decisions. To stay ahead, consider:

• Partnering with local content creators or micro-influencers to showcase your property

• Sharing engaging photos and video walkthroughs of your space on social media

• Highlighting traveler-generated content (with permission) to build trust and authenticity

By embracing these channels, property managers can expand their reach and connect with a wider pool of potential travelers right where they’re looking for their next adventure.

What Makes a Vrbo Vacation Rental of the Year?

Each year, Vrbo shines a spotlight on top-tier vacation rentals that represent the best of the best. The 2025 honorees include:

• Short-term rentals with near-perfect 9.8 or above guest ratings

• Exceptional amenities like private pools, hot tubs, saunas and themed entertainment rooms

• Creative, thoughtful touches like mini golf courses, game rooms and curated interior design

• Spacious vacation rentals with at least three bedrooms, ideal for families or group trips

• Premier Host properties managed by experienced hosts who consistently provide excellent service and meet Vrbo’s highest standards

From beach getaways in Florida to desert hideaways in the Southwest, these listings are a masterclass in hospitality. Use them as inspiration for elevating your own space — whether that means adding a fire pit, refreshing your decor or promoting nearby tourism hotspots.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Your 2025 Booking Strategy

As travelers continue to seek tailored, enriching experiences, staying current with Vrbo’s focus areas and evolving booking behavior is critical. Here’s how you can put these vrbo trends to work:

• Filter optimization and flexible cancellation policies increase your chances of appearing in more searches.

• Modern, guest-loved amenities like EV charging, hot tubs and outdoor entertainment help convert interest into bookings.

• Premier Host status is a reliable way to grow rental income and build trust with guests.

• Adapting to shifting travel trends helps keep your listing relevant and appealing to today’s guests.

• Partnering with Vrbo and using available tools enables informed decisions that drive real growth.

In a world where more bookings go to listings that understand what travelers truly value, even small updates can make a big impact. Stay responsive. Stay visible. And make 2025 your strongest year yet in the vacation rental space.