Spring is here, and with it comes a fresh wave of travel habits. Guests are looking for different things this year—more meaningful stays, flexible plans, and spaces that feel personal. It’s not just about location anymore. It’s about how the place fits into the way they want to travel right now.

If you’re a short-term rental host, paying attention to these shifts can help you stand out. The changes aren’t hard to follow, but they do require you to adapt a little. Here’s what’s trending this spring and how you can tap into it.

1. Guests want places that feel personal, not polished

Travelers are done with generic listings. They want personality. Whether it’s quirky art, a handwritten welcome note, or shelves stocked with local books, small touches matter. People want to feel like they’re staying in someone’s favorite spot, not a showroom.

You don’t need a theme or expensive upgrades. Focus on warmth and intention. Add things you’d appreciate as a guest: real coffee mugs, a blanket on the couch, or a note with your favorite takeout. Personality builds trust and gets better reviews.

2. Work and travel are still blending

More people are booking stays with the idea that they’ll work during the day and explore in their downtime. That means quiet environments, good Wi-Fi, and a comfortable setup are essential. This isn’t just a trend, it’s a shift in how people live.

You don’t need a full office. A sturdy table and decent lighting will do. Mention the Wi-Fi speed in your listing and say it clearly: “Great for remote workers.” Even better if there’s a coffee shop nearby for work breaks.

3. Last-minute bookings are the new normal

Guests aren’t planning trips six months in advance. Many wait for the weather to turn, prices to drop, or their schedule to clear. That means a spike in same-week and even same-day bookings.

To catch these guests, keep your calendar up to date and offer instant booking if you can. Flexible cancellation policies also help. When travelers are booking on impulse, your listing needs to be ready to go. If someone decides to travel tomorrow, they’ll skip listings that feel unprepared or hard to reach.

4. Outdoor space is a deal-breaker

After winter, people are craving sun and fresh air. A small patio, garden, or balcony can instantly make your place more attractive, especially in spring. It’s not about size, it’s about how usable and inviting it is. You don’t need a big backyard. A small bistro table, a clean patio, or a hammock in a quiet spot can do the trick.

Add a few outdoor cushions, sweep the area, and take fresh photos. What matters is showing guests where they’ll unwind after a day out. And make it clear in your listing: “Enjoy your morning coffee outside” feels more real than “Outdoor amenities included.”

5. Travelers are more eco-conscious

More than half of travelers globally say they want to make more sustainable choices when booking stays. Sustainability isn’t just a bonus anymore—it’s expected. Guests are asking questions about waste, water use, and energy habits. Many will choose a home that aligns with their values, especially when all else is equal.

Even small changes make a difference. Skip plastic water bottles and offer a filter. Use bulk soap dispensers instead of mini bottles. If you do something green, say so. Guests care, and they notice. Add these touches and describe them clearly. “We use bulk products and avoid single-use plastic” can make the difference between a booking and a pass.

6. Health-focused travel is gaining ground

More travelers are prioritizing wellness. That doesn’t mean they’re looking for luxury spas—it means they want to sleep well, eat clean, and stay active while away. For some, that’s a quiet place with natural light. For others, it’s a spot near a trail or a kitchen with a blender.

Think beyond amenities and focus on atmosphere. Is your place free from clutter and noise? Do you offer blackout curtains, air purifiers, or calming decor? Even a yoga mat in the closet can catch someone’s eye. Mention anything that supports healthy routines—it helps your place stand out to guests who want to return home feeling better, not tired.

7. Clear pricing wins bookings

Guests are looking closely at the final total. Hidden fees, vague charges, and surprise costs are deal-breakers. They want to know what they’re paying for and why.

Be upfront. If you charge a cleaning fee, explain what it covers. If you allow pets, clarify any related costs. Listings that feel honest and straightforward build more trust, and trust leads to bookings.

8. Pet-friendly properties are filling up faster

More travelers are hitting the road with their pets this spring. And they’re actively filtering for places that say “pets welcome.” Pets being “tolerated” isn’t enough anymore—pet owners want to know their little furry companions are being appreciated and cared for.

If you allow pets, go the extra step. A water bowl, a list of local dog parks, or pet-friendly cafes nearby help guests feel prepared. Mention these things in your listing, and pet owners will reward you with glowing reviews.

9. Guests want local experiences, not tourist checklists

Travelers are skipping the bus tours. They want real recommendations—the kind you’d give a friend. That means the bakery you go to every Sunday, the quiet trail behind your place, or the secondhand bookstore that’s easy to miss. These little things help guests feel connected to the area, not just passing through.

You don’t need to write a full guidebook. A short welcome note or printed list on the fridge works. Mention where to get fresh bread, where locals go for lunch, or a spot with a great sunset view. These tips show you care, and they make the stay feel personal. When people feel like insiders, they’re more likely to enjoy the trip and your place.

10. Repeat guests are looking for consistency

Travelers who had a great stay once are likely to come back if they know what to expect. Spring 2025 is seeing more return guests, especially for short breaks or weekend getaways.

Keep your listing accurate. Don’t switch photos or amenities without updating your details. If someone loved your place last year, they want the same vibe again. Consistency keeps people coming back and spreading the word.

Turn trends into bookings

The way people travel is changing. They’re choosing places that feel human, not polished. They care about comfort, clarity, and character. If you can meet them where they are, you’ll stand out this spring and beyond.

Managing listings across multiple platforms can make staying flexible harder than it needs to be. That’s where Hosthub helps. It automatically syncs all your calendars, prevents double bookings, and saves you time. So you can focus less on juggling platforms and more on giving guests a stay they’ll want to repeat.

Want to keep up with spring trends and stay organized? Try Hosthub today.