Vrbo predicts record demand for 2025, urging travelers to book early for Spring Break and rare long weekend for July 4
The ideal timing is different for booking beach and lake houses than booking hotels, and the race for 2025 rentals is heating up, with demand for peak periods like the Fourth of July and Spring Break already surging. Vrbo’s newly released 2025 Vacation Planning Guide reveals the year’s top trends, from in-demand destinations to money-saving tips, helping travelers secure their ideal private vacation home before it’s too late.
“It’s a mistake to treat vacation homes like hotels. With space for only one group at a time, there’s more competition to book homes, especially those with standout amenities in top locations,” says Melanie Fish, Vrbo travel expert. “When you find that dream house – beachfront, game room, bunk beds, and a pool steps from the ocean – don’t wait. A week or two delay can make the difference between being just steps from the beach or on the other side of town.”
When to Book: Most Competitive Dates of 2025*
Spring Break – Book Now
- Act Fast: By February, 80% of beach houses in popular Florida spots like Clearwater Beach will be booked. Beach goers can also consider Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Gulf Shores Ala.; and Myrtle Beach S.C. where there is currently more availability.
- Timing Tips: Demand peaks during the weeks of March 9 and March 23. For more options, travel in late February or early April.
- Booking Advice: Book in January for the best selection.
July Fourth – Busiest Week of the Year
- Friday Holiday Fuels Record Demand: With Independence Day falling on a Friday for the first time since 2014 — a rare alignment that won’t happen again until 2031 —Vrbo reports the week leading up to July Fourth will be the busiest of the year.
- Limited Availability: Demand is already soaring in Outer Banks, N.C.; Cape May N.J.; and Cape Cod, Mass., with less than 50% of homes still available more than six months out.
- Booking Advice: Confirm your beach or lakefront vacation rental at least three months in advance.
Hottest Vacation Destinations in 2025*
Whether you’re dreaming of beaches, slopes, or cityscapes, here are the in-demand destinations where travelers are headed this year on Vrbo:
- Spring Break: Florida’s Gulf Coast (Clearwater, Rosemary Beach and Miramar Beach), Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., Colorado ski resorts (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone)
- Memorial Day: Florida Panhandle (Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach, Rosemary Beach), Charleston, S.C.
- July 4: Outer Banks, N.C.; Hilton Head, S.C.; Gulf Shores, Ala.; Delaware beaches; Cape Cod, Mass.
- Labor Day: Outer Banks, N.C.; Ocean City, Md.; Cape Cod, Mass.
- Winter Break: Maui, Hawaii; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Breckenridge, Colo.; Park City, Utah
5 Vrbo Booking Tips to Beat the Rush*
Securing the perfect vacation home takes strategy, especially during peak seasons. “Vacation homes are one-of-a-kind, and once they’re booked, they’re gone. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to lock in the perfect rental before someone else does,” says Fish.
- Beach and lakefront homes go fast: Properties on the water book up faster than cabins or other homes. “If you want to be on the water, competition is fierce,” Fish says. “Use Vrbo’s flexible date search to find the best rates and availability and consider nearby beaches or lakes — you might discover a hidden gem.”
- Dreaming of a longer escape? Book early: “The more days you plan to stay, the sooner you need to lock it in,” says Fish.
- Stay ahead of the rush: Reserve your vacation home at least two months before travel. “Booking early puts you among the first 50% of travelers, giving you the best selection.”
- Labor Day is the underrated holiday: “Labor Day weekend offers great value and less competition compared to Memorial Day or July 4,” says Fish. Vrbo recommends booking by July 4 for the best selection.
- Take advantage of seasonal dips: October is the sweet spot for savings, with some of the year’s lowest rates and perfect fall weather.
Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation Rental
Saving on a vacation rental doesn’t mean sacrificing your dream getaway. Try these expert-approved strategies to get more value for your booking:
- Travel during a “dead week”: Book during the weeks following peak travel times like Spring Break and Memorial Day, when demand dips and prices drop. Vrbo reports average nightly rates decrease in late February, early April, and the first week of June.
- Score discounts for longer stays: Save an average of 19% on select monthlong stays and 10% on select weeklong bookings. Use the “Monthly discount” and “Weekly discount” filters to find thousands of homes offering these deals.
- Search for new listings: Be one of the first three guests at select newly listed properties and save up to 20%. Look for homes using the “New listing discount” filter to secure these deals.
- Redeem vacation rental rewards: Vrbo’s free loyalty program, One Key, lets travelers earn and redeem OneKeyCash on eligible bookings, helping save year-round.**
- Get a refund if the pool or hot tub is broken or missing: With Vrbo’s updated Book with Confidence Guarantee, you’re protected if key amenities like pools or hot tubs aren’t working as advertised.
*Based on analysis of Vrbo booking and occupancy data for 2024 stays.
**OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.