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In 2020, we can expect to see two types of travelers: homebodies, and those who are looking to leap outside their comfort zone. Rental marketplace Vrbo announced these new insights in its 2020 trend report, based on domestic and international bookings over the course of the past year (through August 31, 2019). In addition to identifying how people are traveling, it also notes where people will be jetting off to (Cherry Log, Georgia; Bella Vista, Arkansas; and Terlingua, Texas, are among the top U.S. hot spots, and three of the five top international beach destinations are in Portugal). The two trending strategies that caught our attention also happen to be super-affordable:
Same-City Stays
Not staycations in the you, your sofa, and all three seasons of Stranger Things sense, but rather choosing to rent a place in your own backyard for the weekend. Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Atlanta are just a few cities where these mini getaways are gaining traction. One explanation is the rise of the “celecation,” which Vrbo describes as families and friends making a vacation out of celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, or reunion; those who live in town opt to book a large home that fits everyone. The money you save on airfare can go toward your next big cross-country trip.
Unconventional Accommodations
Out-of-the-ordinary residences—think: barns, castles, and tree houses—are becoming increasingly popular (71 percent of millennials say they would consider spending the night in a nontraditional place). However, most adventure seekers would prefer to go small than stay in a palatial château: Demands for houseboats, yachts, RVs, and Airstreams have spiked 30 percent since last year. It’s a smart move if you want to pocket some extra cash. This tiny rental home on wheels starts at just $146 per night. Your 2020 bucket list starts here.
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