Airbnb Offers New Flexible Search Based On Travel Location

Airbnb is now offering flexible travel options based on location instead of specific travel dates, a solution the company said should appeal to people who will continue working from home in the near future.

The coronavirus pandemic made it necessary to work and learn remotely, which has opened the door to increased flexibility in when people choose to travel. The new travel trends report from Airbnb indicated that 25 percent of Americans are open to considering travel during off-peak months and days of the week. More than one-third of respondents searching on the Airbnb platform have been flexible in terms of the date or location of their stay, according to an Airbnb press release on Wednesday (Feb. 24).

“At Airbnb, we believe these shifts will continue even after the pandemic fades, and that for those with new flexibility to choose their dates, travel will increasingly become a way of life,” the release indicated. 

In addition to giving guests more flexibility, the new Flexible Dates feature also offers hosts increased transparency into interested travelers. Users will be able to see a flexible dates feature that will give them multiple options and also offer additional ideas for getaways.

The company revamped its platform in 2020 to streamline booking for nearby and longer-term stays. Airbnb’s newest feature is designed to complement what people are looking for when booking travel in the ever-changing landscape. 

Last month, Airbnb said that its travel trends report indicated that regional visits to friends and family will be more popular than outright vacation destinations this year, as people are seeking vaccines for the purpose of visiting their loved ones. The report also indicated that 53 percent of respondents were not feeling as connected to family as they were pre-pandemic, while another 53 percent also felt estranged from friends. 

Travel is also anticipated to be more focused on smaller cities rather than larger metro areas, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said in January. He expects the travel industry could see permanent changes, such as travelers looking to book rentals in smaller locales and places near friends and family.