COVID-19 has had a massive impact on our way of traveling, and the ways in which this impact has our travel habits can be seen, among other places, in Airbnb’s latest trend compilation – everything from the duration of stays to most wish-listed rentals.

 Airbnb wants to help travelers see less-visited national parks

From what Airbnb has put together, it’s clear that travelers are drawn to secluded and unique places – ones that will offer them a true “change of scenery” and provide new surroundings. The rentals that appear in the list of the most wish-listed places confirm this since they range from treehouses to cave suites to cabins.

Lakefront Cottage on Lake Arrowhead, Georgia
This newly-renovated cottage boasts some of the best sunset views of the lake and of the Blueridge Mountains surrounding it. It can sleep up to twelve people and offers a packed list of activities for a holiday that's both relaxing and fun – like fishing, swimming, kayaking and hydro biking.

Secluded Romantic Treehouse, North Carolina
Treehouses are the real winners of this list, especially when they're luxurious and perfectly-decorated like this one. You can access it through a short swinging bridge and then enjoy your oasis in the woods, surrounded only by native trees and chatty birds who'll keep you company as you sip your coffee or relax in the hot tub.

A picture of the glamping dome under a starry sky
Guests tend to prefer secluded and isolated rentals, where they can relax while also keeping up with social distancing practices © Airbnb

Chimney Rock Glamping Dome, North Carolina
This secluded glamping dome is the perfect spot to mix nature and luxury, enjoying peace and quiet while never sacrificing on comfort. The dome is designed with a couple in mind as the ideal guests and offers all sorts of features like a hot tub, hammock and a BBQ.

Live Oak Treehouse, Texas
This cosy and bright treehouse is built in a cluster of oaks on the Palo Alto creek but it's also close enough to Fredericksburg to let you enjoy the best of both worlds – calm nature and city life. One of the most charming features of this treehouse is the nook by the window, a perfect spot for reading and writing and daydreaming.

A picture of the hot tub inside the Lava Cave Suite in Santorini
International destinations keep fueling fantasies and wanderlust, but the vast majority of bookings are for domestic trips  © Airbnb

Lava Cave Suite, Santorini
This cave in the always-popular Greek island of Santorini used to be a sailor's abode in the 19th century, and modern-day guests can relive that myth by renting it out a luxurious and unique holiday stay. Luminous and traditionally-decorated, the suite features a bedroom, an adjoining kitchenette and a glorious indoor-outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

Cabane dans les Arbres, Belgium
Located right in the middle of the Belgian Ardennes, this treehouse perched at six meters above the ground is the perfect place to rediscover one's bond with nature. It can hosts up to four guests and features a sun patio and a hot tub to enjoy every outdoor moment with only one rule – no high heeled shoes allowed!

A picture of the treehouse and the access walkway
Travellers have also shown a preference for rentals that can offer them a unique experience, which is why treehouses are so popular in Airbnb's list © Airbnb

Casa del Árbol Pinochueco, Mexico
Yet another stunning treehouse, the Casa del Árbol is the perfect place to meditate and unwind in complete peace and serenity. It features a tiny but exquisitely-decorated interior and a sunny outdoor space, as well as a suspended walkway.

Extraordinary Treehouse, Texas
The last treehouse on the list, the Extraordinary Treehouse blends Bauhaus contemporary design with rustic details to create a timeless and unique place to enjoy the heart of Little Forest Hills surrounded by countless Japanese Maples. The treehouse features both a king and a queen-sized bed, as well as a cosy and luminous living room, full kitchen with dining area and an outdoor patio.

A picture of the boat house and the adjacent cabin
Unique glamping spots and cabins are also in high demand, like this rental featuring a bed inside a converted forties boat © Airbnb

Unique Glamping Experience, United Kingdom
This unique glamping cabin is made out of a 1945 converted boat that sits right in the middle of a private forest for the ultimate relaxing and secluded retreat. The boat houses a king-size bed, while the kitchen and bathroom are located in the adjoining cabin. And if you feel like enjoying some city life, the towns of Cambridge and Ely are no more than a half-hour drive away.

These rentals reflect the overall travel trends that Airbnb has registered – the preference is for domestic stays that tend to be longer than past years (because of the possibility of working remotely), but international destinations are still “fueling wanderlust” and making people dream of holidays abroad.

If you’re curious to read about these fall trends for yourself, you can check them out at Airbnb’s official website here.

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This article was first published September 2020 and updated September 2020

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