🍍 Facing Booking Rejections? You're Not Alone—Here's Why

This article helps vacation rental owners secure holiday bookings by addressing common challenges and offering practical solutions.

Holiday Booking Struggles?

You're Not Alone.

❌ 1st holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.
❌ 2nd holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.
❌ 3rd holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.
❌ 4rd holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.
❌ 5th holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.
...
❌100th holiday inquiry: Didn’t book.

🙌 But then, the 120th holiday inquiry, finally booked!

If you’re facing daily rejections, potential guests who ghost you, or the worst—potential guests booking your place through an OTA—you're not alone.

I’ve been there. Over the years in reservations, I've experienced it all. New Year’s often books up faster than Christmas week, and some properties still sit empty over the holidays.

If your availability calendar is looking bleak, here are a few tips to secure your holiday bookings below.

📆 Countdown to the Holiday Season

You still have time for these strategies

Flexible Booking

For the holiday season, keeping booking policies flexible can help attract more guests and ease the booking process. Here are some ideas:

1. Deposit & Balance Payment: Offer guests the option to pay a 25-30% deposit upfront and the balance closer to their stay, easing the financial burden.

2. Group Payment Splitting: Let large groups split payments so each guest contributes directly, avoiding one person covering the full cost.

3. Flexible Cancellation: Provide free cancellations or rescheduling options to accommodate unexpected changes.

4. Installment Plans: Allow guests to pay in installments over several months leading up to their stay.

5. Hold Reservation: Let guests hold a booking for a few days with a nominal fee, credited toward their final payment.

By offering these flexible booking options, you create a guest-friendly experience that can attract more bookings and accommodate various financial needs during the holiday season.

Always tell guests to buy travel insurance!

Package up Fun + Togetherness

🎄For Families offer a package that could include:

• Offer tree decorating

• Provide the option of Festive Meals

• Family Activities

• Holiday decor

❣️ For Couples offer a romantic package:

• Spa Treatments

• Romantic Dinners

• Cozy Rooms

🎊 For Groups offer consider including:

• Communal Meals

• Special Pricing

• Festive Events

• Group Activities

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Social Media + Content Marketing

Is it just us, or do retailers start rolling out the winter wonderland in July? You can practically smell the gingerbread while it's still BBQ season! But hey, if they can get ahead of the holidays, why shouldn’t you?

Here’s how you can start adding some holiday cheer:

• Showcase festive decor in your property photos—think twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and holiday vibes.

• Highlight Christmas and New Year’s events like local fairs, fireworks, and markets in your blog, social media, and newsletters.

• Use festive overlays on your social media posts for an extra dash of holiday magic.

• Offer holiday promotions to past guests for your open dates—everyone loves a good deal!

• Promote local holiday attractions like fairs and markets in your guest guides and blog posts to add extra value.

Guests are already dreaming of their perfect winter escape—make sure they’re dreaming of your property!

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Travel Trends For The Holiday Season ✈️

2024 holiday travel trends from Travel Noire

• Airfare: prices will be at their lowest in September and start increasing in October.

• Domestic Travel: US destinations lean heavily towards areas with national parks and outdoor activities.

• International Travel: Shanghai tops the list of trending international destinations, followed by other Asian cities like Osaka, Bangkok, and Taipei. European cities such as Nice, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Venice, and Madrid are also trending.

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On-Demand Video Feedback 📹

Join a community that values your growth.

Feeling stuck with your marketing? Struggling to boost bookings or improve guest experience?

• Unsure if your listing descriptions truly stand out?

• Wondering if your social media posts or property photos grab attention?

• Need help interpreting guest reviews or feedback?

I’m here to help you overcome these challenges and drive growth for your property.

Submit a video explaining your situation—whether it’s a challenge, goal, or specific question. I will send you back a video response.

For more details, join our community. Sign up by October 15 to become a founding member for free! After that, new members will pay a subscription fee.

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Kay Walten

Founder

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