Vacationers have few better ways of "living like a local" than actually staying at a property privately owned by a local, and it's a new market that has boomed in the past few years.
A study published today uncovers what motivates customers to book lodging in privately owned homes instead of a hotel.It was commissioned by
Roomarama, a booking engine for short-term rentals (STR), and
Tripping, a social networking message board and listings service to help travelers find homestays, rentals, and local connections.
More than 70% of those surveyed spoke at least two languages, compared with the average of only one language for the typical US hotel-going tourist.
More than 60% have been to 10 or more countries.
More than 65% believe STRs provide “more space" for the money and that it's a main motivation to pick them over hotel rooms.