House Rentals are on the Rise

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many are looking to travel and have a change of scenery from their everyday lives. 

With many schools entering spring break, lots of students and parents are taking this opportunity to travel.

As a result, hotels and the vacation rental industry have seen a considerable increase in their stocks and customers. 

A story by ABC 7, mentions that travel and vacation companies, such as Airbnb and Expedia, have seen a 20% and 30% rise in their stocks. 

An interview with Vrbo president, Jeff Hurst, says the rising stocks can be attributed to increased vaccinations and customers wanting to travel again. 

“We could be looking at a real boom period for leisure travel,” says Hurst. “People are searching for core urban destinations that had a falling out during the pandemic.” 

Hurst adds, “there is a certain degree of freedom that people who have gotten the coronavirus shots.” 

The increased vaccinations and arrival of spring break alleviates some concerns people have about traveling during the pandemic. 

Chapman Student, Martina Moussa, having traveled during spring break and being partially vaccinated shares her thoughts.

“When traveling thought the only way to travel was to stay somewhere secluded from others that were not in my covid pod,” she remarks, “An Airbnb seemed like an easy way to get away from home without risking me or my friends’ health.”

Martina and her friends are one of many who have utilized Airbnb and other similar services during spring break. 

An article by inman.com, says that Airbnb listing has more listing now than before the pandemic. 

The article mentions after Airbnb hit the market in December last year it has seen a record number of bookings in February. 

A report in the article by AirDNA, reports that locations such as small towns and resort areas have seen the best supply of rental units and rentals; with mountains and coastal locations seeing the more available listing in general. 

The rise in Airbnb listing and rentals can be correlated with the rise in people wanting to travel during this time. 

Mountainous and coastal regions are much more popular with people due to the scenery and the limitless activities you can do there.

Regardless of where people travel during the pandemic people should be cautious and be aware of who is around them at all times. 

Until most of the population is vaccinated, people should continue to social distance and reduce the amount of time spent traveling.