Travel trends in the festive season

Travel is booming again! A survey conducted in September 2023 revealed that approximately 60% of Europeans planned to travel within Europe, outside their home country, in the following six months. With Christmas widely celebrated across Europe, each country carries its own unique traditions. Common festive activities include visiting Christmas markets, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals.

If your guests are planning to travel during the festive season, they might be interested in visiting some of the popular Christmas markets in Europe. For instance, the Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, which attracts nearly two million visitors over a period of five weeks.

For those planning to travel within the UK, it's worth noting that the AA estimates 16.1 million car journeys will occur on December 22, and 16.4 million on December 23. This indicates high mobility during the festive season, which might translate to an increased demand for accommodations.

1. Embrace the festive decor

You might be thinking about how to make your rental property feel more festive for your guests during the holidays. Simple holiday decorations can transform your space into a cosy and welcoming environment. Consider adding small, tasteful holiday items that evoke cheer without overcrowding the space. A small Christmas tree in the living room, wreaths on the doors, or scattered garlands can create a warm holiday atmosphere.

A thoughtful gesture would be to leave a jar of holiday cookies, treats, or a welcome pack with champagne and chocolates on the kitchen counter for your guests. They'll certainly appreciate the thought! Lastly, but not least, hanging a "Season's Greetings" sign on your front door or leaving a Christmas card can serve as a warm welcome to your guests and a demonstration of your festive spirit. Guests always appreciate when hosts go the extra mile to make them feel special.

2. Create a cosy atmosphere

Comfort and warmth are key elements of the festive season. Ensure your property feels cosy by offering soft, extra blankets, comfy pillows, and a reliable heating system. If your guests have access to a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to leave extra logs for them. It would also be beneficial to provide fire safety tips - these can be sent via email or explained in person during check-in, if you live nearby.

To further assist your guests, provide a metal ash bucket for their use; they might otherwise resort to using plastic bags. Also, ensure a fire extinguisher is readily available on the wall for safety. By making it easy and safe for your guests, you're not only offering warmth but also creating a safe environment for them. For more information you can check more best practices here.

3. Stock up on essentials

The holiday season is a time of joy and relaxation, and as a host, your goal should be to create a seamless experience for your guests. The last thing you want is for them to be scrambling for basic necessities that may have been overlooked. To prevent this, ensure your property is well-equipped with all essential items such as toiletries, kitchen utensils, extra towels, and linens.

But don't stop at just the essentials; go the extra mile to make their stay memorable. Consider adding thoughtful extras like a hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and holiday cookies. These small touches can make your guests feel truly at home and add a personalised touch to their holiday experience.

4. Provide local information

Help your guests make the most of their stay by giving them information about local festivities and attractions. Whether it's a Christmas market, a New Year's Eve fireworks display, or the best spots for holiday shopping, provide your guests with insider tips on local events.

5. Ensure safety

In the holiday excitement, safety can sometimes take a backseat. Take time to double-check your property for potential hazards and ensure all safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, are in working order. Also, provide clear instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.

With these tips, you can ensure that your property is ready for the festive season. By doing so, you'll provide not only a comfortable stay for your guests but also a holiday experience.

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