Rise of the superior exteriors

In 2024, it’s what’s on the outside that counts. Analysis of Stayz 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 Daniel Finch, Managing Director of Expedia Brands, notes: “We all want to see a picture of the bedrooms and bathrooms of that Stayz before we rent, but what really seals the deal is that cold plunge pool, rooftop terrace or fire pit.”  Here’s why when it comes to booking your ideal whole home, travellers are thinking beyond the four walls.

Filter and find

Stayz’s advanced search options mean it’s easy to filter for specific al-fresco favourites—properties that have, say, a private pool, garden or outdoor kitchen—and guests are making use of that flexibility. Swimming pools are the most in-demand amenity, sought by 57% of travellers, while 45% are after a nice garden, terrace or balcony and about a third are looking for a BBQ or excellent outdoor kitchen. Fruit trees and vegetable patches are also a winner for some (almost 20%).

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. 

TTravellers searching for an outdoor oasis are also turning to Stayz properties. This private Oasis,in Wooyung NSW has over a dozen varieties of fruit trees and an organic vegetable garden for guests to use, plus a recovery space with sauna, hot tub and ice bath, while Terrara House on the NSW South Coast is surrounded by immaculate gardens, dairy cows and its own extensive herb garden.

Of course, Stayz homes have always been offered on an exclusive-use basis, and some are so comprehensively equipped that they’re akin to standalone resorts—something that’s much appreciated by the 23% of survey respondents who choose holiday homes with so many outdoor amenities that they never have to leave the property. 

Try before you buy

And a final key motivator? Research: Almost 20% 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 holiday 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.