Why I’m Investing in Slow Travel–and Why You Might Want to Consider It
Have you noticed how travel is changing? As both an Airbnb investor and someone who loves the slow travel lifestyle, I’ve seen more and more people opting for longer stays that let them really get to know a place. This trend, known as slow travel, is catching on with remote workers, online entrepreneurs, full-time real estate investors, and retirees who have the freedom to live and work wherever they choose.
Being part of this group and investing in it has opened my eyes to the opportunities this shift presents. By offering mid-term rentals, we can attract guests who are looking for a home away from home for weeks or even months, whether they’re traveling within the country or exploring abroad.
What Is Slow Travel?
Slow travel is about savoring the journey rather than rushing from one destination to the next. Instead of packing their itineraries with sights to see, slow travelers settle into a place, sometimes for months at a time. They want to experience local life, connect with the community, and feel like residents rather than tourists.
Why Mid-Term Rentals Make Sense
Mid-term rentals, typically lasting from one to six months, are perfect for slow travelers. From my experience, these guests value accommodations that allow them to work remotely, have comfortable workspaces, and feel integrated into the neighborhood. This type of rental is especially appealing to adventurous travelers seeking the flexibility to explore different cultures, connect with local communities, and enjoy a higher-quality lifestyle at a more affordable cost.
In fact, the demand for mid-term furnished rentals has been growing rapidly, driven by factors such as the rise of remote work, flexible housing needs, and the desire for hassle-free living. According to Furnished Finder, bookings for stays of 30+ days have increased by 94% year-over-year, highlighting this trend.
By offering mid-term stays, we can enjoy longer bookings and reduce the costs and hassles of frequent guest turnovers. These travelers are often willing to pay more for spaces that meet their needs for both work and leisure. The market for mid-term rentals is still relatively untapped, giving investors a chance to capture a growing niche.
Why This Niche Is Still Underserved
Many investors and hosts are missing the mark when it comes to targeting the slow travel niche. While competition exists, much of it comes from hosts who overlook key details that matter to these guests. Slow travelers want more than just a place to stay—they need a well-equipped home office with quality workspaces, professional tools, and insider knowledge on local networking opportunities and hidden gems.
Our experience has shown that by focusing on these areas, we’ve been able to attract higher-quality tenants—responsible, reliable guests who result in lower vacancy rates and solid profit margins without the hassles of nightly turnovers.
About a Movement Gaining Momentum
Slow travel isn’t just a passing trend—it’s quickly becoming a way of life. As more travelers adopt the conveniences of mid-term stays and embrace the benefits of hassle-free living, this type of travel is likely to become even more popular. For many, this lifestyle makes financial sense, as it eliminates the need to buy and move furniture, manage moving costs, or deal with large deposits.
As an STR investor, you’re well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand for fully furnished rentals. With an influx of inventory expected to hit the market in the coming years, there’s a tremendous opportunity to cater to this demographic and meet their needs for flexibility and convenience.
Key Trends Shaping Slow Travel
Understanding what’s driving the slow travel movement can help us tailor our Airbnb listings to attract this growing market:
- Sustainability Matters Travelers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact. Slow travel reduces carbon footprints by cutting down on transportation and supporting local businesses. Highlighting eco-friendly features of your property and promoting nearby local ventures can make your listing more appealing.
- Living Like a Local Slow travelers crave authentic experiences. Providing tips on neighborhood events, favorite local eateries, and cultural activities can enhance their stay. A personalized guidebook or your own recommendations can make a big difference.
- Overland Travel Preferences Many slow travelers prefer trains, buses, or biking over flying. Properties that are easy to reach by public transportation can be especially attractive. If your place is near transit lines or scenic walking paths, be sure to mention it.
- Wellness and Mindfulness There’s a growing desire to step back from the fast pace of life. Features like quiet spots for meditation, proximity to nature trails, or connections with local wellness centers can set your property apart.
- Remote Work Freedom With remote work on the rise, more people are taking advantage of the ability to work from anywhere. Make sure your property has reliable high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and amenities that support a work-from-home lifestyle.
How to Adapt Your Rental Strategy
- Flexible Pricing: Offer discounts for longer stays to encourage bookings of a month or more.
- Comfortable Amenities: Equip your property with a full kitchen with quality utensils, laundry facilities, and cozy furnishings to make longer stays enjoyable. Fully equipped high quality, comfortable, dedicated office space.
- Promote the Lifestyle: Highlight not just your property but the local immersive experience guests can have during their stay. Use your listing to share what makes living in your area special.
- Know the Rules: Be aware of local regulations regarding mid-term rentals, as some places have different rules for stays over 30 days.
The slow travel movement is changing how people explore the world, and it’s opening new doors for Airbnb investors willing to adapt. As someone who both lives and invests in this lifestyle, I’ve found it enriching personally and promising professionally.
By understanding what slow travelers are looking for and adjusting our offerings, we can tap into a market that’s set to grow globally. In a time when the travel industry is evolving, sometimes taking things slow is the best way forward. If you’re thinking about catering to slow travelers, now might be the perfect moment to consider mid-term rental strategies.
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