Global data from the Unpack ’26 travel trends report shows travellers are embracing farm stays and slow travel experiences.

As travellers increasingly seek peace, simplicity, and connection to nature, Vrbo is seeing a significant rise in demand for “Farm Charm” — a growing trend in vacation rentals that offer rural experiences. According to the Unpack ’26 travel trends report, mentions of farm-related experiences in Vrbo guest reviews have skyrocketed by 300% year-over-year, with 84% of travellers expressing interest in staying on or near a farm in 2026.*

“One guest review pointed out collecting eggs is a great way to teach city kids where breakfast comes from, and another guest said their Vrbo was like living in a nature documentary,” says Melanie Fish, VP of Communications at Expedia Group. “The ‘Farm Charm’ trend reflects travellers’ desire for what they can’t get elsewhere — whether it’s picking their own apples or eating dinner in a candlelit garden.”

Farm Charm vacation rentals invite travellers to disconnect and immerse themselves in rural life. From sunrise hikes to hands-on gardening, these stays offer a refreshing alternative to fast-paced itineraries. Top activities among travellers include:

• Hiking trails (73%)
• Animal interactions such as collecting eggs, feeding animals, or birdwatching (62%)
• Gardening or harvesting produce (42%)

Top Farm Charm Finds on Vrbo:

• Lincoln, Ontario, Canada
• Sharon, Connecticut, U.S.
• New Haven, Vermont, U.S.
• Cambridge, Maryland, U.S.
• Worcester, England, U.K.
• La Roche-l’Abeille, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
• Lübstorf, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
• Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
• Rosevale, Queensland, Australia
• Kaikoura, Canterbury, New Zealand

Explore more rental properties with Farm Charm here.

Expert Travel Tip: Use Vrbo’s filters to zero in on properties that match exact requirements and find discounted vacation rentals using the “early booking” or “last-minute booking” filters.

Notes to Editors:

*Vrbo — Farm Charm

Vrbo guest review increase based on global data from May 2023 to April 2024 vs. May 2024 to April 2025. Top Farm Charm finds on Vrbo based on global guest reviews with farm-related terms such as “farm” or “homestead.”

*Third-Party Methodology

Third-party research was conducted by market research partner OnePoll in accordance with the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct. The study was conducted online among 24,000 adult respondents across 18 countries, who are planning domestic or international travel in the next three years. Gen Z respondents are defined as those aged 18 to 24, while the combined Gen Z and Millennial group includes all respondents aged 18 to 44.

About Unpack ’26

Q: What is Unpack ’26?

A: Unpack ’26 is the annual global travel insights report from Expedia Group, building on years of trend forecasting and traveller behaviour analysis. It draws on first-party data from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, along with insights from 24,000 travellers across 18 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive travel trend reports in the industry.

Q: What makes Unpack ’26 a credible source for travel trends?

A: The report combines real-time platform data from millions of users with third-party research conducted by OnePoll, following the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct. Its findings are backed by behavioural insights, booking patterns, and cultural signals, making it a trusted resource for media, industry leaders, and travellers alike.

Q: Where can I access the full Unpack ’26 report and assets?

A: Visit www.expedia.ca/newsroom/ for the full Unpack ’26 report, downloadable assets, and brand-specific insights from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.