- Family travel on Airbnb includes nearly 20% of nights booked in early 2024.
- Thanksgiving is the top time for pet-inclusive trips in 2023.
- Searches for international holiday destinations are increasing among US families.
- Airbnb helps families enjoy more space and spend quality time together.
The Appeal of Family Travel with Airbnb
In the first half of 2024, families booked nearly 20% of all nights on Airbnb, marking a 15% increase from 2023. According to a recent survey, this growth reflects families’ desire for location and value. Airbnb’s extensive portfolio of over 8 million homes worldwide offers options from quaint cabins to large villas, meeting the needs of various family sizes. A typical Airbnb with two bedrooms and baths often costs around the same as a single hotel room. Notably, over 25 million nights were booked in Airbnb’s popular homes in just the first half of this year.
Families are embracing travel that spans multiple generations. There’s been more than a 35% increase in travel involving older adults staying with children or grandchildren. Popular destinations for such travel include scenic locales like San Diego, Cape Coral, and Galveston.
Thanksgiving and Holiday Travel Trends
Thanksgiving is a time for gatherings, and US families opt for larger accommodations. Nearly 20% of bookings for this holiday involve ten or more guests, often indicating multigenerational or multifamily gatherings. About 40% of US listings provide three or more bedrooms, ensuring comfort for all. With 90% of listings offering kitchens, families can prepare traditional meals in comfortable settings. Over 1 million listings feature amenities like pack-and-plays for easy family travel.
Roughly 20% of family reservations house ten or more guests, hinting at multigenerational stays or joint family accommodations.
- Spacious Comfort: Say farewell to cramped spaces; around 40% of US listings have three or more bedrooms.
- Home Cooking: Most Airbnb homes feature kitchens, making homemade holiday meals simple; many also provide baby-friendly items.
- Pet-Friendly Options: A quarter of Airbnb listings welcome pets, an appealing feature during Thanksgiving travels when pet-inclusive stays are common.
Pets are part of the family, too, and Thanksgiving 2023 saw significant pet travel, with more than 35,000 pets accompanying their families. Many Airbnb hosts welcome pets, with over a quarter of locations allowing furry friends. Top domestic destinations for Thanksgiving include Gatlinburg, Orlando, and San Diego.
Expanding Horizons for Holiday Travel
While many plan domestic vacations, there’s an upward trend in international holiday searches by more than 25% for the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
- Scenic Getaways: Many families seek tranquil, uncrowded places for a serene holiday gathering, with 70% booking in non-urban areas.
- Relaxation Amenities: Searches for stays with hot tubs and fireplaces peak at year-end, facilitating quiet family moments.
- Distant Travels: There’s a marked interest in faraway destinations, especially Latin America, with favourites like Mexico and Costa Rica leading the choices.
Families seek out quieter landscapes, with 70% of bookings in rural settings for a serene experience. Destinations over 3,000 miles away are gaining interest, especially in Latin America. Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil frequently appear in family search queries.
Paris, London, and Tokyo are the leading destinations for international travel. These locations offer vibrant and enriching experiences for families looking to explore.
Pro Tips for a Memorable Airbnb Experience
When booking on Airbnb, families should use search tools to ensure the property meets their needs, particularly for children, by filtering for specific amenities. Sharing wishlists helps families collaboratively choose and vote on potential Airbnb homes.
Safety and security are paramount, so families should book, pay, and communicate via Airbnb’s platform. This process ensures secure payments and refund policies safeguard against unexpected issues. Discounts are available, especially for extended stays, as many hosts provide weekly or monthly rates. Features like ‘Guest Favorite’ and ‘Superhost’ assist families in finding top-notch accommodations. Families are encouraged to check for child safety features when booking homes to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.
