Exploring Reservation Patterns of Luxury Travelers: Top Destinations and Trends

If you’ve seen our videos, explored our pages, or spoken with our executive team, you already know this: we take pride in doing far more than simply managing or promoting properties—we unlock their full potential.

But what does that really mean? 

It means we’re constantly tracking market trends, hour by hour, ensuring every property in our portfolio is strategically positioned. When demand slows, we proactively optimize performance behind the scenes. And when market trends heat up, we seize the moment to maximize revenue potential.

Yet, our commitment doesn’t stop there. We’re not just partners in our owners’ current success—occasionally, we also serve as their guides to tomorrow’s opportunities.

With data-driven insights, we empower our owners to make confident, forward-thinking decisions about their future ventures.

As we kick off the year, we’ve analyzed recent data to uncover key behavioral patterns among luxury travelers, and we’re excited to share those insights with you.

For this update, we’re focusing on properties in the East and West—currently the heart of our portfolio. 

However, as we expand into the Central region, things are changing quickly.

Let’s dive in.

What Types of Homes Perform Best?

Across both regions, homes with 3–5 bedrooms that accommodate 8–12 guests consistently outperform others. These properties strike a balance between space and luxury, making them ideal for group travel—whether for families, friends, or special occasions.

The success of these homes emphasizes the importance of designing accommodations that cater to modern travelers’ needs for comfort, functionality, and upscale amenities.

How Landscape Influences Traveler Choices

The property’s setting plays a crucial role in driving booking trends and revenue. Some landscapes truly stand out:

Most Booked Settings

1. Ocean (39.72%) and Forest (33.53%) Properties: These top the list, offering serene environments perfect for relaxation and exploration.

2. Desert (13.44%) Locations: Known for their unique appeal and adventurous vibe.

3. Mountain Retreats (7.17%): A go-to for cozy, scenic getaways.

Revenue by Landscape

• Oceanfront Homes: Leading with 46.58% of the revenue, these properties combine high ADRs with broad appeal. Guests are drawn to activities like beach outings, water sports, and stunning views.

• Forest Properties: Generating 30.98% of revenue,  these homes offer a peaceful escape that balances tranquility with accessibility.

This diversity of landscapes ensures Wander caters to a wide range of traveler preferences, from those seeking solitude to those craving adventure.

Opportunities in High-Demand Locations

Demand for accommodations in beach and ski destinations far exceeds supply, creating significant opportunities for property owners and investors. These locations offer the chance to capture market share by meeting the expectations of luxury travelers who seek exclusive, high-quality experiences.

• City or Urban Area: 49% of travelers are planning trips to urban areas, slightly lower than the supply (55%).

• Nature or Countryside: 56% are planning trips to these locations, which slightly exceeds the supply available (23%).

• Beach or Sunny Weather: 63% of travelers prefer beach destinations, far outpacing the available supply (20%).

• Skiing or Mountain: 26% of travelers are planning skiing or mountain trips, which is much higher than the supply (2%).

*McKinsey & Company

Ultimately, Wander’s portfolio reflects the best of both worlds. Whether travelers are drawn to the East’s exclusivity or the West’s variety, Wander ensures an unparalleled luxury experience tailored to their desires.

East or West?

We took a deep dive into the performance of every property in our portfolio, uncovering fascinating insights about how location influences success. 

Here’s how Wander homes are performing across the East and West regions:

In the East, Wander properties shine with an impressive yearly average revenue of $271K. With an occupancy rate of 79% and an ADR (average daily rate) of $1,028, these homes truly maximize their potential.

Meanwhile, in the West, properties generate a strong yearly average revenue of $215K. An occupancy rate of 76% and an ADR of $823 reflect the region’s steady performance and growing appeal.

Today’s Luxury Traveler: What Do They Want?

The luxury travel market is shifting.
Many travelers are younger and prioritize experiences over material possessions:

• 54% of all luxury travel spending comes from travelers aged 20-50

• 35% have a net worth between $100K–$1M.

• They value authentic, personalized experiences that offer both comfort and connection.

For these travelers, luxury means:

• High-quality amenities

• 24/7 concierge-level service

• Strong digital connectivity

Wander’s properties meet these demands, providing a seamless blend of luxury, convenience, and personalization.

As the data evolves, one thing remains clear: Wander sets a new standard for luxury vacation rentals, offering properties that go beyond expectations and create memories that last a lifetime.