Glossary
Industry
66 termsA
ADUAn ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family property — such as a garage apartment or backyard cottage — often used as a short-term rental.AgodaAgoda is an online travel agency (OTA) especially strong in Asia-Pacific and part of Booking Holdings, listing hotels and short-term rentals worldwide.AirbnbAirbnb is the world's largest online marketplace for vacation rentals, homestays, and short-term rental experiences.Airbnb Co-Host NetworkAirbnb's official marketplace connecting property owners with experienced co-hosts who manage their listings.Airbnb-Friendly ApartmentsMultifamily buildings or units whose leases explicitly permit residents to host short-term stays, often listed through Airbnb's dedicated program of approved buildings.AmenityA feature, facility, or service provided at a vacation rental that adds value to the guest experience.AparthotelA hybrid accommodation combining hotel-style services with apartment-style living spaces.
B
Bleisure TravelA travel trend where business trips are extended to include leisure activities and personal vacation time.Booking.comBooking.com is a leading global online travel agency with a massive international audience, particularly strong across European markets.Boutique HotelA boutique hotel is a small, design-forward independent hotel — typically under 100 rooms — known for distinctive character and personalized service.Business TravelTrips taken for professional purposes, with an increasing share of business travelers choosing vacation rentals over traditional hotels.
C
CabinA cozy, often rustic vacation rental property typically located in mountain, forest, lake, or rural settings.ChaletA vacation rental property typically found in mountainous or ski resort areas, characterized by wooden architecture and alpine charm.Co-HostA person who helps manage a vacation rental property on behalf of the primary host, sharing responsibilities and revenue.Co-LivingA shared-housing model offering residents private bedrooms alongside communal living spaces, typically furnished and rented on flexible, often mid-term, terms.CondoAn individually owned residential unit within a larger building or complex, commonly used as a vacation rental in urban and resort markets.Corporate HousingFully furnished rental properties leased to business travelers and professionals on extended work assignments, typically for 30 days or more.CottageA small, charming vacation rental property typically situated in a rural, coastal, or countryside setting.
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E
ExpediaExpedia is a major global online travel agency (OTA) and part of Expedia Group, which distributes accommodation, flights, and vacation rentals across its brands.Experience EconomyThe experience economy describes a shift in consumer spending toward immersive, memorable experiences over material goods, directly shaping how travelers choose and value vacation rentals.Extended StayExtended stay refers to accommodation designed for guests staying 30 days or longer, with amenities like full kitchens and discounted weekly or monthly rates.
F
Family TravelFamily travel refers to leisure trips taken by households with children, a major guest segment that prioritizes space, safety, and kitchen facilities in vacation rentals.Furnished FinderFurnished Finder is a platform for mid-term, furnished monthly rentals aimed at traveling professionals such as travel nurses, charging hosts a flat listing fee instead of per-booking commission.Furnished RentalA property rented fully furnished and equipped so tenants can move in without supplying their own furniture, spanning short- and mid-term stays.
G
GlampingA form of luxury outdoor accommodation that combines camping with hotel-like amenities and comforts.Google Free Booking LinksGoogle Free Booking Links are the unpaid property and hotel listings shown in Google's travel and hotel search results, letting hosts and OTAs appear without paying per click.
H
HomesharingHomesharing is the practice of renting out a room or portion of your primary residence to guests while you continue living in the home.HomeToGoHomeToGo is a vacation-rental metasearch and marketplace that aggregates listings from many providers so travelers can compare properties across sources in one place.Hopper HomesHopper Homes is the home and vacation-rental offering within the Hopper travel app, adding short-term rentals alongside its flights and hotels booking features.HospitalityHospitality is the industry encompassing lodging, food service, and guest experiences, including short-term rentals and vacation properties.HouseboatA floating residential vessel used as a vacation rental, offering a distinctive waterfront accommodation experience.
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M
P
PenthouseA premium upper-floor vacation rental unit offering luxury amenities, panoramic views, and high-end finishes.Plum GuidePlum Guide is a curated online marketplace that lists only vetted premium and luxury vacation homes that pass its rigorous acceptance criteria.Professional HostA professional host is an operator who manages short-term rental properties as a primary business, typically overseeing multiple listings with systems and staff.Property Management CompanyA business that manages vacation rental properties on behalf of property owners for a fee or revenue share.Property ManagerA property manager in the STR industry is a professional who oversees the operations of vacation rental properties on behalf of property owners, for a fee.Property PortfolioThe total collection of rental properties managed by a property manager or management company.
S
Same-Day BookingA reservation made and completed on the same day as the guest's check-in date.Service FeeA fee charged by booking platforms to guests, hosts, or both to cover the cost of facilitating the reservation.Serviced ApartmentA serviced apartment is a fully furnished rental unit with hotel-like amenities and housekeeping, designed for stays typically ranging from a few days to several months.Set-JettingA travel trend where tourists visit destinations featured in popular movies, TV shows, or streaming content.Sharing EconomyThe sharing economy is an economic model where individuals rent or share underutilized assets — like homes or vehicles — peer-to-peer through digital platforms.Short-Term Rental (STR)A property rented for short periods, typically fewer than 30 consecutive days.Slow TravelSlow travel is a travel philosophy centered on spending longer periods in fewer destinations to experience local culture more deeply, driving demand for longer vacation rental stays.SnowbirdA traveler, often retired, who relocates from a colder climate to a warmer one for the winter, typically booking mid-term or monthly stays.Solo TravelSolo travel refers to trips taken by individuals traveling alone, a growing guest segment with specific preferences for location, safety, and value in vacation rental accommodations.StaycationA vacation spent at home or close to home rather than travelling far, often driving local and regional short-stay demand.STR BanA regulatory prohibition or severe restriction on short-term rental operations imposed by a local government or HOA.SuperhostAn Airbnb recognition badge awarded to hosts who consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.
T
Tiny HouseA compact, often creatively designed vacation rental property typically under 400 square feet, popular as a unique stay experience.TownhouseA multi-story residential property sharing walls with adjacent units, commonly used as a vacation rental in urban and resort areas.TreehouseAn elevated vacation rental built in or around trees, offering a unique and memorable guest experience in natural settings.Tripadvisor RentalsTripadvisor Rentals was Tripadvisor's vacation rental listing channel, including its FlipKey and Holiday Lettings brands, which ceased operations in November 2025.
V
Vacation RentalA furnished property rented to travelers on a short-term basis as an alternative to hotel accommodation.VillaA luxury standalone vacation rental property, often featuring a private pool, spacious grounds, and premium amenities.VrboVrbo is a major vacation rental marketplace owned by Expedia Group, focused on whole-home rentals for families and groups.
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