Key takeaways

• Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia now offer bundled vacation services

• Travelers average $10,600 on vacations yearly; many are prioritizing meaningful, memory-rich experiences

• While Airbnb goes upscale, Vrbo courts families and Expedia goes for value

Summer travel has always been about escape. This year, it may also mean taking a break from vacation planning. Major platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia are turning vacation planning into an all-in-one experience, rolling out high-touch service bundles that let travelers book luxury perks and daily comforts alongside their accommodations.

Americans are prioritizing travel like never before: In 2024, people averaged two domestic trips per year, one of which being international. Travelers spent an average of $2,904 for trips within the U.S. That willingness to invest in fun is meeting a wave of new offerings, giving vacationers more control over how they spend their money — and their time.

Airbnb expands into curated experiences

Airbnb is doubling down on services that make rentals feel more like resorts. Through its “Icons” collection (boasting behind-the-scenes set tours with singer Sabrina Carpenter, for example), and an expanded range of options on its “Experiences” listings (hugging a Scottish Highland cow on a Pennsylvania farm), travelers can now book vetted add-ons such as private chefs, massage therapists, personal trainers, and even tamale-making classes in the Southwest.^1,2,3 More than 260 cities offer these new concierge-style extras.⁴

Instead of being host-driven offerings, these experiences are hosted by verified third-party providers, and are designed to elevate the guest experience to that of an amenities-laden hotel.⁵ Whether it’s an in-home yoga session or a hike with an experienced guide, the main attraction is flexibility and customization.

Immersive, personalized stays reflect a broader shift in vacation goals. Half of Americans say the memories made during a vacation are priceless, and travelers increasingly seek experiences that make them feel recharged and inspired. For travelers searching for meaningful getaways, these curated experiences may be more than a luxury: They could be an opportunity to fully disconnect from their routines and reconnect with family, friends, or once-in-a-lifetime solo experiences. Whether it’s cooking side-by-side with a renowned chef or lacing up for a sunrise run, these opportunities can elevate the emotional return on a vacation investment in ways few traditional trips can match.⁶

Read more: Adding Value: How to travel smart and live a little

Vrbo packages for families and friend groups

Vrbo, known for specializing in family-sized rental properties, is also offering its own version of customizable add-on vacation experiences for families and groups. Vrbo makes up a sizable part of the U.S. vacation rental market, with more than two million active listings around the world.⁷ It also offers a “Vacation Rentals of the Year” list, showcasing premium listings that feature amenities such as private pools, game rooms, and gourmet kitchens.⁸

Many high-end listings now come with options like grocery delivery, access to private chefs, and massage therapists on demand.⁹ When paired with bundled services that reduce the need for outside planning, Vrbo’s format lets travelers focus on shared experiences rather than coordination. Think more experiences, less sleuthing.

All-in-one rentals can also be well suited to extended stays — a feature of “slow travel” where people spend more time in one destination during their trips. More Americans are embracing immersive travel to amplify the meaningful experiences and memories people want to make when hitting the road. With the opportunity to live luxe, bring in groceries, and have them prepared by a chef, these experiences and others offer ways to get the most out of a journey. 

Read more: Pets on a plane: Americans’ newest vacation companions are transforming travel

Expedia explores bundles and perks

While Airbnb and Vrbo add new features and custom experiences, Expedia is approaching summer travel from a different angle, focusing on bundling trips as a cost-cutting and convenience tool.¹⁰ Travelers can book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one spot on the Expedia website.

Expedia is banking on bundling to offer simpler vacation math, which is crucial for traveling on a budget. As with other bundling products, planning a trip via just one travel platform may help bring down costs versus booking on several sites. Plus, it may be an alternative to bargain-hunting across different travel sites — letting people focus on the journey instead of the logistics.

There may be another opportunity to plan for summer fun off the tourist trail here as well. Sixty-three percent of travelers plan on opting for “detour destinations” this year — locations that are less crowded but still compelling.¹¹ Bundled packages to detour destinations, or off-season travel spots, can make quieter, slower-paced trips easier to put together.

Wheels up

The differences between travel, wellness, and lifestyle continue to blur, meaning memorable and customizable travel is becoming a must when travel is about creating memories. It’s no longer about renting a home or staying in an apartment versus a hotel: it’s about what travelers do when they get there.