What is a Staycation?

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How it works

Travelers on a staycation select a local vacation rental that offers amenities they lack at home, such as a pool, hot tub, unique architecture, or a prime location near attractions. For property managers, attracting staycationers involves targeted local marketing.

This can include optimizing for local search terms, running geo-targeted social media ads, and creating special offers for residents. To capture this local market, hosts can build a professional direct booking website to promote their property to nearby residents, bypassing OTA fees and building a local brand.

Why it matters

The staycation market represents a significant and resilient source of revenue for vacation rental owners. These local guests can help fill occupancy gaps, particularly during the shoulder seasons, weekdays, or periods of economic uncertainty when long-distance travel declines.

Cultivating a base of local staycationers can lead to higher year-round occupancy rates, more repeat bookings, and a stronger business that is less vulnerable to global travel disruptions.

Examples

• A couple from Austin rents a secluded cabin in the nearby Texas Hill Country for a few days to disconnect and enjoy nature.
• A family living in a suburb of Los Angeles books a downtown apartment with a rooftop pool for a weekend to visit museums and experience city life without driving home each night.
• During a city-wide festival, a group of local friends rents a large house with a backyard and grill to have a central base for activities and social gatherings.
• A resident of a coastal town books a beachfront condo just a few miles from their own home to enjoy ocean views and a resort-like experience for a special occasion.