Thanksgiving is one of, if not the, biggest times for travel. It kicks off the full holiday season and is a holiday that serves as a milestone for many in getting through the rest of the year. As a result, there is a big opportunity for short-term rental hosts to capitalize on Thanksgiving travel. This post explains who is traveling at Thanksgiving, how to market your rental, and ways to earn those 5-star reviews.
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Who is the Thanksgiving traveler?
This specific group of targeted travelers typically falls into one of two groups: those going on an off-season holiday or those traveling to see friends and family.
How to get your rental ready for Thanksgiving
Let’s talk about how to get your home ready to welcome guests for Turkey Day:
- Add some seasonal decor. Think fall accents like pumpkins, themed throw blankets, autumnal wreaths, etc. Perhaps some pumpkin spice candles.
- Have a fully stocked kitchen. Folks are likely planning a big Thanksgiving meal. They need all the essentials for a day in the kitchen.
- Have lots of comfortable seating. This is typically a big gathering of folks who haven’t gotten together in a while, so it’s important to have a nice area for everyone to sit (and a big TV for watching football)
- For a little bonus, offer something like an outdoor sauna or patio.
- Additionally, this is a great time to have a deep clean schedule since you’ll have so many folks staying at your home if you’re catering to big groups like family or holiday reunions.
Holiday pricing
As one of the busiest times for travel, you need to make sure your home is priced just right. Too high, and you miss out on guests. Too low, and you miss out on income. Check your local market and see what other folks are charging for homes with similar amenities as yours. You want to stay in the ballpark. To add value, offer some additional perks like a complimentary bottle of wine, late check-out, or discounts for long-term bookings.
Communicating well
Let’s talk management. Clear communication is always the center of a successful stay. For example, send an automated yet personalized welcome message before check-in. This sets the tone for the stay. Be clear about important information like house rules, check-in times, and other check-out tasks. It doesn’t hurt to include some local recommendations in this message as well, like your favorite spots around town.
How to market your Airbnb for Thanksgiving
Use social media
Platforms like Instagram and Meta (Facebook) are excellent for showcasing your listing’s holiday appeal.
- Post pictures of your dining room prepped for a holiday feast or your outdoor hot tub, perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving evening.
- Use hashtags like #ThanksgivingRetreat or #AirbnbThanksgiving to widen your reach.
Promote local events
Is your home near a Thanksgiving parade or within walking distance of a holiday market? Mention these attractions in your listing and social promotions to make it more attractive for browsing guests.
Offer exclusive deals
Run early bird promotions or offer discounts for extended stays that include both Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. These can encourage families to make advanced reservations.
Create a 5-star guest experience
Small gestures can elevate a good stay to a great one.
- Leave a festive welcome basket with items like cider, hot chocolate, or pumpkin-flavored treats.
- Provide a Thanksgiving-themed guide with fun local activities, like turkey trots or scenic hiking trails near your Airbnb.
- To foster a personal touch, pen a handwritten note wishing your guests a happy Thanksgiving.
For properties with standout features like a private swimming pool or stainless steel appliances, emphasize these extras as integral to enjoying the holiday. Breathing life into these details will keep your guests talking about their visit!
How to follow up after Thanksgiving
Always be sure to follow up with guests after their Thanksgiving stay. First, you need to remind them to leave reviews. Reviews are the core of this industry, and you want them to share their positive experience with other guests. If they booked directly, be sure to get their email address so you can send them email campaigns for special offers and more personalized thank-yous.
Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity to host new and returning guests. Create a top-tier experience, and you could become the home that guests return to year after year for their holiday celebrations. With some thoughtful prep and 5-star service, you’ll become the go-to Thanksgiving Airbnb in no time.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
