During the beginning of the pandemic, rental homes and businesses suffered quite a bit due to a nearly worldwide lockdown. With traveling having come to a standstill, it was unclear for some time whether or not those who owned or managed rental properties would recover - but as the summer months came, guidelines were adjusted and domestic travel began to pick up. Suddenly, more and more people began booking flexcations and weekend getaways, ensuring that any 'vacationing' was done remotely and without coming into contact with other people outside of a person's approved bubble.
While vacation rentals, in general, have picked up in the last few months, there are still specific rentals that have fared better than others. As opposed to booking apartments or townhouses, travelers opted for more remote locations such as cabins and yurts. During the fall months, small homes and private getaways just outside cities soared. And in the winter, anything from igloo-reminiscent accommodations to cozy chalets were on the itinerary. So, which of these rentals became the most popular in terms of getaways, and social media influencer bookings of choice? Let's find out.
Yurts
Yurts originally appeared throughout central Asia where traditionally, they were built with wooden frames and felt or skins to form their structure. The top of the yurt has an iconic circular shape which is a compression ring and helps to keep the shape of the dwelling. The great thing about them is that they're simple to construct, require little support in doing so, and are easily moved (somewhat) from place to place.
They've become very popular in recent years due to the idea of 'glamping' or camping on an elevated level. Yurts provide more amenities than traditional camping would such as fireplaces or fire pits, full-sized beds, and even a sitting area and/or a dining area depending on how much space is inside of the yurt. Their remote locations allow people to co-habitat with nature without sacrificing their comfort zone, so to speak.
Cabins
One of the most popular rentals in the past year has undoubtedly been a cabin. These can be found nearly everywhere across the U.S. and many people only need to travel a short distance outside of cities in order to find one. They're isolated enough that social distancing has been made possible but also offer luxury in terms of cozy accommodations and the basics, providing an escape without feeling too remote.
Renting a cabin has also allowed people to bring their own food and supplies which limits the need to go out to stores or into town. Overall, this has been a great option for those looking to get away without raising their risk of getting sick.
Tiny Houses
Similar to the idea being a cabin rental, tiny homes have been wonderful - affordable! - ways to book a vacation. These tiny houses might look small from the outside but many of them can accommodate multiple people, or become a cozy getaway for one or two.
The fascination behind their construction is all part of the allure of having the chance to stay in one of these and just like cabins, many of them are pet-friendly, which has been another big bonus. When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, tiny houses are it.
RVs
The only truly safe way to get from place to place during a pandemic is by driving one's own vehicle or a certified rental. As such, RVs have become a great way to explore one's own backyard, so to speak, or travel safely to low-risk areas without coming into contact with anyone else.
For a vacation with a few more scenic vistas and the freedom to remain socially-distanced while still seeing the sights, an RV is the way to go. These rentals have fared decently, as more and more people become interested in spending life on the road rather than in their own homes.
Chalets
Looking for a winter escape? Chalets are often associated with ski resorts and popular winter recreation destinations but that doesn't mean one needs to be passionate about the slopes to rent one. Chalets are luxurious and extravagant and boast all the best in views and remote destination vacations.
As the winter season peaks, chalet rentals are on the rise with many people looking to reserve their remote vacations before there are no available dates left. There's something magical about a rustic house overlooking a snow-covered mountain range and this hasn't gone unnoticed during the pandemic.