Rise of the superior exteriors

In 2024, it’s what’s on the outside that counts. Analysis of Vrbo travelers’ booking habits shows that they are increasingly influenced by what outdoor amenities are on offer. In fact, according to consumer research conducted on behalf of Expedia Group, 31%* say that the quality of a home’s outdoor amenities is the key factor in deciding which vacation home to book.  

As Melanie Fish, chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands, notes: “We all want to see a picture of the bedrooms and bathrooms of that Vrbo before we rent, but what really seals the deal is that cold plunge pool, urban roof terrace, or firepit.”

Here’s why when it comes to booking your ideal vacation home, travelers are thinking way beyond the four walls. 

Filter and find

Vrbo’s advanced search options mean it’s easy to filter for specific al-fresco favorites—properties that have, say, a private pool, garden, or an outdoor kitchen—and guests are making use of that flexibility. Swimming pools are the most in-demand amenity, sought by 46% of travelers, while a third are for hot tubs, and approximately 40% want outdoor areas like gardens or terraces. Fruit trees and vegetable patches are also a winner for some: One in eight travelers favor these. 

Get competitive

Guests are introducing an element of competition to their stay, with a 14% looking for the likes of padel ball, pickleball, and corn hole as an amenity. Meanwhile, if it’s an endurance test you’re after, join the hardy one in 10 who are looking for a property with a cold plunge pool or an ice bath. 

Travelers searching for an outdoor oasis can also find them in the middle of a metropolis. Take the contemplative Japanese zen garden at this townhouse near Shinjuku, Tokyo; or in suburban São Paulo, this villa’s vast grounds accommodate groups of up to 99 for parties, and offer a trampoline and kids’ play facilities. Attracting kingfishers and herons, a river runs through the grounds at Hare House in Wiltshire, England, whose guests can even roam the owners’ private island.  

Of course, Vrbo homes have always been offered on an exclusive-use basis, and some are so comprehensively equipped that they’re akin to standalone resorts. This is much appreciated by the 28% of survey respondents who choose vacation homes with so many outdoor amenities that they never have to leave the property. 

Try before you buy

And a final key motivator? Research: 42% of survey respondents said they book homes with big-ticket products they can’t afford for their own homes, or which they want to test before buying for themselves. As essential research trips go, a vacation spent barbecuing, swimming and hot tubbing with family and friends sounds like a pretty great deal. 

* Based on consumer research conducted among 20,000 respondents across 14 countries by OnePoll between Sept. 12 – Oct. 5, 2023, on behalf of Expedia Brands. 

John O’Ceallaigh

Writer

John O’Ceallaigh is a luxury travel editor, and journalist with The Telegraph, National Geographic Traveler and many more. He is the founder of LUTE travel consultancy.