Yesterday at the Trailblazing to 2030 Summit hosted by Rent Responsibly, Devin Miller from Vrbo shared insights that speak directly to what travelers want nowâand what hosts need to adapt to stay visible, booked, and competitive.
Whether you're listed on Vrbo, Airbnb, or focused on direct bookings, these insights reflect larger shifts in guest behavior. And the good news? AI can help you act on them faster, with less effort.
Letâs break it down:
âł 1. Guests Plan Ahead â But Book Late
The average Vrbo traveler takes 83 days from âI need a breakâ to check-in.
You need to market for today and for what's next on the calendar.
How AI Can Help:
Use AI to prep seasonal content, blog posts, or listing updates now for future booking windows.
Try This Prompt:
You are a hospitality copywriter. Write a short seasonal update (2â3 sentences) for a vacation rental listing in New England targeting couples. The goal is to attract fall bookings by highlighting local foliage and cozy features. Use warm, romantic language.
đ¸ 2. Photos Hook Them â Descriptions Close the Deal
53% of travelers say images matter mostâbut descriptions seal the decision.
How AI Can Help:
Turn images into evocative captions, or rewrite your listing description to emotionally resonate with your ideal guest.
Try This Prompt:
Act as a vacation rental marketer. Write a 1â2 sentence Instagram caption for a photo of a beachfront hammock at sunset. Use sensory details and calming language to evoke a sense of relaxation and escape. Avoid hashtags.
3. Shorter Stays, More Gaps, Midweek Bookings
2â3 night bookings and flexible check-ins are now the norm.
How AI Can Help:
Quickly generate social media posts or emails to promote last-minute openings or fill midweek gaps.
Try This Prompt:
You are a vacation rental social media expert. Write a playful, 2-line Instagram caption promoting a 2-night midweek opening. Make it feel like a hidden gem or insiderâs tip. Keep the tone fun and exclusive.
đ 4. Filters Matter More Than Keywords
Vrbo doesnât use keyword searchâvisibility depends on properly selected filters.
How AI Can Help:
Audit your listing descriptions and enhance underused amenities so you show up in filtered searches.
Try This Prompt:
Rewrite the phrase âPets allowed upon requestâ to sound warm, inviting, and family-friendly. The goal is to reassure pet owners their furry companions are welcome. Use casual, conversational language (1 sentence).
đ 5. Flexible Cancellation = More Bookings
Relaxed (14-day) and moderate (30-day) cancellation policies drive over 60% of bookings.
How AI Can Help:
Frame your policy in a way that builds trust and reduces friction.
Try This Prompt:
You are a customer experience expert. Write a 2â3 sentence explanation of a flexible 30-day cancellation policy for a vacation rental. The tone should be friendly and reassuring. Emphasize that plans can change and the guest wonât be penalized.
đ 6. Reviews Drive Visibility
You can nudge reviews by reviewing guests first. And how you respond builds guest confidence.
How AI Can Help:
Use AI to craft replies that are sincere, efficient, and reflect your brand toneâwithout spending 20 minutes on each.
Try This Prompt:
Act as a professional host responding to a 4-star review. The guest praised the property but mentioned confusion during check-in. Write a calm, appreciative reply that thanks them for their feedback, briefly addresses the issue, and explains how youâve improved it. Tone: courteous and proactive.
đ 7. Youâre Being ComparedâRelentlessly
Most guests narrow their search down to 5â7 properties. If you donât stand out, youâre invisible.
How AI Can Help:
Compare your listing to nearby competitors and refine based on whatâs working.
Try This Prompt:
You are a conversion copywriter for vacation rentals. Compare the two following listings. Based on tone, structure, and emotional appeal, suggest 3 ways to improve Listing A so itâs more compelling to potential guests. Focus on clarity, trust-building, and unique selling points.
(Paste both descriptions.)
đŻ Bonus: Automate Your Content Calendar
Need help staying consistent with email or blog posts? Let AI help you plan.
Try This Prompt:
Act as a content strategist for a vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest. Create a 3-month editorial calendar with weekly blog post or newsletter topics designed to attract off-season bookings. Include local events, nature themes, and seasonal highlights. Audience: couples and families.
