The Memories Guests Don’t Want to Miss Out on This Year
July 6, 2022
The dash to explore has started for many travelers around the world who are fueled by years of pent-up wanderlust. We’ve already witnessed double the number of Americans taking a vacation in January compared to the previous year, and these figures look set to continue climbing.
One major driving factor influencing this increase is the demand for new experiences. No matter the generation, boomers and Millennials alike are looking to check off bucket lists, achieve travel goals, and create unforgettable memories to make up for the lost time.
Your vacation rental property is the foundation of a guest’s entire experience, it’s where they’ll rest after a long day exploring, where they’ll host dinner, sleep off an action-packed day, and plan their next adventure. So, here are some things to keep in mind:
4 top memories vacationers want to make this summer
1. Memories with loved ones – The past couple of years have taught us a lot, such as appreciating our homes and those who surround and care for us.
This shared realization of the importance of connection has been shown in research across the US, India, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Japan, and the UK. For example, in the US 72% of those surveyed said they plan to travel more with family this year than the previous year. All countries surveyed showed at least a 57% increase.
It’s no wonder this year has been dubbed the ‘year of the big family get together’ by Travel Weekly.
These potential guests will be on the hunt for cozy settings in vacation rentals to hunker down with cups of hot chocolate or glasses of wine and talk into the late hours of the night. So be sure to highlight your property’s large living spaces with quality photographs.
2. Memories to tick off the bucket list – We’ve been cooped up for so long even the less adventurous of us are keen to get out into the world and experience something new.
Tripadvisor’s travel in 2022 report shows this demand with over two-thirds of surveyors from the US, UK, Singapore, and Australia all placing high importance on new experiences this coming year.
According to the Global Travel Trends findings, popular vacation activities this year will be walking tours, museums, and dining out locally.
Provide guests with modern in-room technology, like SmartHost, for searching and booking activities with direct help from Destination Guides. So, whether they’re the 16% interested in physical activities like bicycling or the 37% interested in cultural learning at attractions such as museums, you can offer them exactly the kind of trip they’re looking for.
3. Memories that don’t break the bank – The cost of living is rising. Potential guests, especially those booking a family vacation, will be looking for ways to make the most out of their vacation without breaking the bank.
Offer guests better value for their money through the Xplorie program and help them create amazing memories for less, by including free passes and discounts to family-friendly activities in the cost of the rental.
4. Memories that don’t break the earth – Guest awareness of sustainability is reshaping travel, and many are now looking for alternative activities and attractions that don’t impact the environment.
Research shows eating and shopping at small businesses, visiting a landmark or heritage site, national parks, museums or cultural events, and outdoor activities are the top activities guests are interested in this year which have a positive impact on the local community.
Guests are swapping environmental impact for emotional impact and seek to immerse themselves in culture. Show these value-driven guests your beliefs align by partnering with local businesses, such as tour and attraction providers.
Make their stay memorable
Guests who have great experiences while staying in your vacation rental are going to remember it. This means they’ll be talking about your services and property at every family gathering and occasion in the future and unknowingly become one of your most powerful marketing tools.
So, excel at the basics. Keep the rental clean and in top shape. Ensure communication is quick, non-stop, and personalized with voice assist technology. Go above and beyond. Supply less common but equally essential amenities to guests, like a phone charger, in case they’ve forgotten theirs. All these little things show your guests you care a great deal about their stay.
Be what guests are looking for. Be memorable. Be connected. Be the home they return to after a day of exploring. Be the cozy corner where they’ll reconnect with a long-missed family member or friend. Be the comfortable bed they rest in from a day of action-packed activities. Be the foundation of an unforgettable vacation.
Xplorie
Xplorie is the leading platform in guest acquisition and retention solutions for leisure lodging providers. Since 1996, Xplorie has leveraged local and complementary activities to help lodging providers differentiate their properties, improve guest loyalty and increase top-line revenue. To learn more about how Xplorie enables lodging providers to deliver an unforgettable vacation experience to guests, visit xplorie.com/partner.
