The way we travel has changed. Even in the small windows of life outside of lockdown, those free from numerous social restrictions, fewer people are now travelling abroad. No longer are quick, weekend jaunts to European capitals as popular as they once were. Instead, as more people stay within the UK, staycationing is the taking over as the new tourism.
British tourists are still taking holidays, except this time they’re visiting British villages and coastal towns. The beaches of Ibiza are being swapped for the sands of Cornwall and romantic weekends to Milan are being exchanged for the charm of Edinburgh’s architecture. But what does this mean for local residents, those now experiencing a busier hometown? Well, for those who offer their property, or part of it, as a rental, their business has become very good.
If you haven’t already considered letting your property or opening your home to earn income from an increasing number of staycation travellers, it may now be worth considering.
Getting Started
Firstly, you need the space. These days, it isn’t as simple as welcoming visitors into your own home due to continued and residual coronavirus concerns, and a spare room inside a home, for example, is becoming harder to let. However, renting out an entire property or an outside space, such as a log cabin, means that contact can easily be minimised, allowing guests to come and go comfortably without disruption.
Promising you have a suitable space, you will then need to find a way to advertise your property as a place to stay in the area. Fortunately, platforms offering such services are growing alongside the popularity of staycation culture. Well-established websites, such as Booking and Airbnb, are easy to use and many also find success by advertising in local groups, such as those on Facebook.
Maintaining Operation
Once you have set up your home as a stay, you will need to maintain it. Essential items, such as soaps and other bathroom products, will need to be replenished and the rooms will need to be cleaned. This is especially important due to the current risk of COVID-19.
To maintain a stay when it is part of your home or garden is relatively easy. However, for those using a second property or staying elsewhere, it will be more of a challenge. Check your local area for cleaners as many now operate specifically for rental properties. Additionally, local shops, neighbours, and friends can keep ahold of spare keys, should a guest need access.
For those properties that are far away, such as remote cottages in Scotland, some homeowners choose to rent their property to a housekeeper for a subsidised rental fee. Then, when guests arrive, they can be accommodated for without the homeowner having to journey there themselves.
Standing Out
While the popularity of staycations will likely bring a certain amount of custom to your property, it is still important to both advertise and gather great reviews. As more people turn to transform their homes into stays, capitalising on inland tourism, it becomes increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd.
Work hard on your service, be flexible, and top your property up with small gifts, such as chocolate treats. This way, you’ll make a positive and lasting impression, one that will bring a visitor, and others, back to stay with you!
