If you’ve noticed a drop in bookings over the past six months, you’re not alone. Many Airbnb and vacation rental owners have been facing slower seasons, and there are a variety of reasons why.

While some factors are out of your control, there are still plenty of things you can do to boost occupancy, even during the off-season. Let’s break it down:

Why Are Bookings Slowing Down?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind the slump. Some factors affecting bookings include:

1. Market Saturation

With more vacation rentals than ever, standing out is harder. If your area has seen an influx of new listings, competition is naturally tougher.

2. Inflation & Extra Fees

Higher travel costs, hidden platform fees, and cleaning fees may be discouraging potential guests from booking. Travelers are becoming more price-conscious and comparing multiple options before committing.

3. Increased International Travel

In 2024, international travel saw a major rebound, meaning fewer domestic travelers were booking vacation rentals within the U.S.

4. Limitations in Airbnb & VRBO Search Algorithms

Your listing might not even be appearing in search results if you’re missing key amenities that travelers are looking for. If golf carts, bikes, heated pools, or beach gear are popular in your area but not listed in your amenities, you could be overlooked.

5. Your Listing Might Need a Refresh

Even if the travel demand is high, your listing could be the reason bookings are slow.

Common issues include:

Overpriced compared to similar listings – Guests compare prices before booking. If yours is too high without offering extra value, they’ll choose a competitor.
Negative reviews – A few bad reviews can hurt your ranking and deter potential guests. Address feedback quickly and improve where possible.
Outdated or poor-quality photos – Listings with dark, blurry, or outdated photos don’t perform well. High-quality images can increase bookings by 40%.
Lack of essential amenities – Guests expect WiFi, streaming services, and a comfortable workspace. If you’re missing key features, it could be a dealbreaker. Plus, with more rentals offering extras like pools, hot tubs, golf carts, and game rooms, not having these sought-after perks could make your listing less competitive.
Vague or missing details – Guests want to know what to expect. If your description lacks key information, they may scroll past.

6. Natural Seasonality & Travel Trends

Some months are naturally slower, depending on your location. For example:

Beach towns see fewer bookings in winter
Mountain rentals slow down after ski season
Lake houses may struggle in cooler months

Even beyond traditional seasonality, travel trends shift. Some guests delay trips due to economic uncertainty, while others plan vacations around school and work schedules.

Solution: If seasonality is affecting your rental, focus on off-season marketing, local guests, and unique experiences to attract travelers year-round. (More on that below!)

Pro Tip: Use tools like AirDNA’s host report to track market trends and see how your rental stacks up against competitors.

What You CAN Control to Boost Bookings

While you can’t control the economy or Airbnb’s algorithm, you can take proactive steps to improve your rental’s visibility and appeal.

1. Expand Beyond One Platform

Are you relying solely on Airbnb ? If so, you’re limiting your audience. Consider listing on multiple OTA (online travel agent) platforms like:

VRBO
Booking.com (great for international travelers)
Expedia

Or, you could add:

Your own direct booking website

Having a direct booking website not only builds your brand but also helps you bypass platform fees and increase profits. Check out this blog post I wrote about adding a direct booking website to your business.

2. Upgrade Your Marketing Strategy

Many hosts make the mistake of setting up a listing and waiting for bookings to roll in. Instead, take charge of your marketing:

Use Instagram & TikTok to showcase your property visually. Short videos perform well!
Start an email list to nurture past guests and offer exclusive deals.
Run Facebook ads targeting travelers interested in your area.
Reach out to your local chamber or tourism board to utilize their marketing tools.

3. Improve Your Listing

Is your listing doing your rental justice? If bookings are slow, revisit your description and photos.

Be detailed – Answer common guest questions in your listing to reduce uncertainty.
Upgrade your photos – High-quality, well-lit images increase bookings by up to 40%.
Highlight experiences – Instead of just listing amenities, show what a stay at your rental feels like.

How to Handle the Slow Seasons Like a Pro

When bookings dip, it’s time to get creative. Here are ways to keep revenue flowing even during slow months:

1. Cater to Locals & Weekenders

Many vacation rentals focus on out-of-town travelers, but locals can be a great source of bookings. Try:
+Offering locals-only discounts
+Promoting weekend getaways
+Highlighting flexible stays (not just Saturday-to-Saturday bookings)

2. Offer Last-Minute Deals & Flexible Check-Ins

Spontaneous travelers are more likely to book last-minute if you allow:
+Same-day or next-day check-ins
+Shorter stays (2-3 nights instead of full weeks)

3. Focus on Experiences, Not Just the Stay

Slow season doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! Market your rental as an experience, not just a place to sleep.
+Cozy winter retreats (fireplaces, hot tubs, movie nights)
+Girl’s weekend getaways (wine nights, spa packages)
+Hunting/fishing trips (if applicable to your area)
+Family-friendly stays (kids' activities, game rooms)
+Romantic escapes (candlelit ambiance, special packages)

4. Highlight Off-Season Activities

If your area relies on summer tourism, show guests why visiting in the off-season is still worth it.
+Local events, festivals, and seasonal attractions
+Indoor activities (museums, breweries, cozy cafés)
+Outdoor adventures that aren’t weather-dependent (hiking, fishing, hot springs)

5. Leverage School & Holiday Calendars

Take advantage of school breaks and holidays outside of peak summer travel:
+MEA Weekend (Minnesota school break in October)
+MLK Weekend (January)
+Presidents Day (February)
+Spring Break (varies by state, March–April)

Pro Tip: Research when nearby schools have teacher workdays or random school closures. Parents might be looking for a quick getaway!

Final Thoughts

Slower seasons are inevitable, but they don’t have to mean zero bookings. By diversifying your marketing, improving your listing, and catering to off-season travelers, you can turn quiet months into a steady revenue stream. If you need support with your vacation rental website or marketing, check out my service options below or contact me directly.

Have you found a creative way to fill your calendar during slow seasons? Drop a comment below and share your tips