Airbnb has identified next week as the prime time for budget-conscious families to book their holiday for 2024. According to new data released by the rental platform, Sunday 20 October stands out as the cheapest day to secure a family staycation before the new year. Additionally, the 18th and 19th of October are also among the top five most affordable days to make a booking.
The analysis, based on family bookings made in winter 2023, highlights mid-October as the opportune period to save money on domestic getaways. However, for those looking to plan a family holiday abroad, the data suggests that 4 November offers the best value for bookings.
The report also reveals some interesting insights into family travel behaviours. Notably, 40 per cent of parents tend to revisit the same destination every year due to the convenience of booking. Furthermore, half of UK parents find the holiday booking process stressful, with more than a third admitting difficulties in agreeing on a destination.
To assist families in finding the perfect accommodation, Airbnb’s general manager for Northern Europe, Amanda Cupples, recommends keeping an eye out for last-minute discounts from hosts in the UK. She suggests utilising the Pay Over Time feature for budget bookings and searching for keywords like “family” and “children” in listing reviews. Filtering for amenities such as high chairs and cots can also help narrow down options.
For families looking to plan a getaway, creating Airbnb wishlists can be a helpful tool. Cupples emphasises the importance of checking for essential safety features, such as pool fences, especially when travelling with children. In addition, she advises following tips from Safe Kids Worldwide to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
On the other hand, for adults seeking an escape to vineyards, autumn emerges as an ideal time to visit when harvesting season begins. Recent data from Airbnb shows a 20 per cent increase in guest bookings for vineyard getaways in the UK and Europe compared to the previous year.
As families and travellers gear up to plan their adventures for 2024, these insights from Airbnb provide valuable guidance on finding affordable and safe holiday options. From budget-friendly tips to safety considerations, the data offers a comprehensive outlook for holidaymakers.