When Sarah opened the door to her vacation rental, she was hit by a familiar scent—a hint of lavender and fresh linen that reminded her of home. She looked around and saw a cosy living room with soft couches, a warm throw blanket, and a shelf stocked with books. A basket of welcome treats was on the kitchen counter, and a handwritten note from the host saying, “Make yourself at home.” Instantly, her travel fatigue began to melt away. Even though she was miles away from her house, Sarah felt at ease. For the next week, this rental would be her Home away from home she knew she could relax and truly enjoy her time there.
Sarah’s experience reflects a growing trend in travel, where people prioritize comfort and familiarity when choosing accommodations. The concept of a Home away from home has become a significant factor for travellers, with vacation rentals and short-term stays catering to those who want to feel at home, even when they’re far from it. But what exactly makes a place feel like home? And how are vacation rental platforms and hosts working to create these comforting spaces?
The Rise of Vacation Rentals as a “Home Away from Home”
The vacation rental market has boomed in recent years, with platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com offering a wide range of options for travellers seeking more than just a place to sleep. Statista said the global vacation rental market was valued at $87 billion in 2020, with projections to grow to $113 billion by 2027 (Source: Statista, 2023). This rapid growth is driven by the desire for unique, personalized accommodations that allow travellers to feel at home.
A 2022 survey by Airbnb found that 62% of travellers prefer staying in a vacation rental over a hotel because they want more personal and comfortable space. This preference has only been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, as people seek safer, more isolated options to cook, relax, and live as they would at home.
What Makes a Vacation Rental Feel Like Home?
Creating a Home away from home involves more than just providing a bed and basic amenities. Travelers want to experience comfort, warmth, and a sense of belonging, even in a temporary space. Here are some key factors that make a vacation rental feel like home:
- Personal Touches and Welcoming Décor
Many vacation rentals are designed to be more than functional—they are crafted to evoke warmth and personality. Hosts often include personal touches, like books, board games, and cosy blankets, which help guests feel more at ease. According to a survey by Vrbo, 72% of guests reported that unique décor and thoughtful details, like welcome notes or local recommendations, made their stay more enjoyable (Source: Vrbo, 2022).
Vacation rental hosts often tailor the design of their spaces to reflect local culture or their personalities. For instance, a beachside rental may have nautical-themed décor, while a cabin in the mountains may feature rustic furnishings and a fireplace. These elements help guests connect to their environment and create a memorable experience.
- Amenities That Mimic Everyday Life
A key aspect of feeling at home while travelling is having access to everyday amenities. This includes a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and reliable Wi-Fi. Airbnb’s 2022 Travel Trends Report found that 89% of travellers consider a kitchen a must-have amenity in vacation rentals, as it allows them to cook meals and maintain routines (Airbnb, 2022).
Some travellers also appreciate pet-friendly rentals, as bringing a pet can enhance the feeling of home. According to Booking.com, 35% of travellers say that the ability to get their pets makes their stay more enjoyable and comforting (Source: Booking.com, 2021).
- Privacy and Space for Relaxation
Unlike hotels, vacation rentals often provide private spaces with room to spread out and relax. This is particularly important for families or groups who need separate bedrooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces. The Pew Research Center reports that 71% of travellers prefer vacation rentals over hotels for the additional space they offer (Source: Pew Research Center, 2022).
This privacy preference also aligns with the growing popularity of more extended stays. According to Airbnb, the average length of stay in vacation rentals has increased by 23% since 2019 as more travellers combine work and leisure, seeking a quiet and comfortable environment to relax and be productive (Airbnb, 2023).
The Impact of a “Home Away from Home” on Well-Being
Creating a comfortable and familiar environment is not just about aesthetics—it has tangible effects on travellers’ mental well-being. Studies show that people feel less stressed and more content when controlling their environment and maintaining familiar routines, even while travelling.
A 2021 study by the American Psychological Association found that individuals who can establish routines and access comforting elements while travelling report 30% lower stress levels than those staying in impersonal accommodations like traditional hotels (Source: APA, 2021). For many, cooking their meals, relaxing in a cosy living room, or bringing their pets can significantly improve their overall experience.
Vacation Rental Hosts: The New Hoteliers
Hosts are crucial in creating a Home away from home for guests. Unlike traditional hotels, where services are standardized, vacation rental hosts have the flexibility to tailor the experience to meet their guests’ unique needs. This often includes providing local recommendations, offering personalized welcome baskets, or even decorating for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
Airbnb reports that 55% of guests leave positive reviews, mentioning the host’s personal touches and highlighting how these small details enhance the feeling of home (Airbnb, 2022). For many travellers, a good host can distinguish between a mediocre stay and an exceptional one.
Challenges in Creating a “Home Away from Home” Experience
While many vacation rentals succeed in creating a homey atmosphere, there are challenges and inconsistencies. Not all rentals offer the same level of comfort, and some guests may feel that the properties lack certain essentials.
Consumer Reports found that 23% of vacation rental guests reported issues with cleanliness, missing amenities, or inaccurate listings in 2021 (Source: Consumer Reports, 2022). These issues can disrupt the feeling of home and lead to negative experiences. As a result, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have introduced measures to ensure higher standards, such as guest reviews and host verification processes.
Future Trends: The Evolving Concept of “Home” in Vacation Rentals
The concept of a Home away from home is continuously evolving. With the rise of remote work, more travellers seek extended stays that allow them to live and work from their chosen destinations. In response, platforms like Airbnb have launched features tailored to remote workers, including dedicated workspaces and monthly rental discounts.
Additionally, eco-conscious travellers are looking for rentals that offer sustainable amenities, such as energy-efficient appliances, recycling options, and eco-friendly toiletries. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022, 61% of travellers say they seek accommodations with sustainable practices, which adds a new dimension to what they consider a comfortable and inviting home (Source: Booking.com, 2022).
Conclusion
The Home away from home concept reshapes the vacation rental industry as travellers seek accommodations beyond the basics. Many feel at home while on the road, which means having access to personalized spaces, everyday amenities, and the freedom to establish routines. Vacation rental hosts play a vital role in this process, offering thoughtful touches and flexible environments that cater to diverse needs.
As travel continues to evolve, so will the ways vacation rentals create comforting, familiar spaces for guests. Whether on a short getaway or an extended stay, finding a place that feels like home can transform a simple trip into a truly memorable experience.
In the words of Sarah, who eventually settled into her cosy rental, “It’s not just about where you are, but how a place makes you feel.” For travellers worldwide, the search for a “home away from home” continues as they seek places that allow them to reconnect, recharge, and feel at peace—no matter where their journey takes them.
