AI is transforming the search for vacation rentals

The way people search for vacation rentals is changing. While for years it was standard practice to search through major booking platforms and compare endlessly, we are now seeing a clear shift. AI is transforming the search for vacation rentals, and with it, how and where guests find their ideal stay.

More and more often, the search no longer starts on a platform, but with inspiration. Travelers use AI tools and smart search functions to discover places that truly suit them. They are less guided by filters and more by feeling, experience, and specific wishes. And this is changing the entire dynamic of vacation rentals—not just where you’re visible, but especially how your property is found and positioned.

At By Kiki, we’re seeing this trend become increasingly clear. And for luxury vacation homes in particular, this offers new opportunities to stand out—not as just one of many options, but as a place that’s deliberately chosen.

From searching to describing what you’re looking for

Whereas travelers used to search using short keywords, we’re now seeing a clear shift. The way people search is becoming more personal, more specific, and much more detailed. Instead of “vacation home Norway 8 people,” people now ask questions as if they were talking to a travel advisor. They describe their ideal stay in detail: from location and atmosphere to amenities and surroundings. They don’t do this with isolated keywords, but with complete wishes and stories, and that is exactly where the change lies. The question is no longer just: where are you visible? But above all: does your vacation home match what someone is really looking for?

How AI is changing the search for vacation homes and determining what the perfect answer is

When someone asks a question about their vacation, AI doesn’t look at just one platform or one source. The system builds a complete picture based on everything available online. This includes:

• vacation rental websites

• booking platforms

• location data and Google Maps

• guest reviews

• content about the surrounding area

• social media

All this information is combined into a single cohesive picture. The more consistently and clearly your vacation rental stands out in this picture, the greater the chance it will be seen as the perfect match. This also underscores how important it is to publish the right content online and to ensure you’re easily discoverable so you can “feed” the search engines.

The role of the overall experience is growing

What stands out is that AI looks beyond the property itself. When someone is searching for peace and quiet, nature, or a particular atmosphere, the surrounding area is also taken into account. The location, the view, nearby activities, and the overall experience are playing an increasingly important role. This means that visibility is no longer just about the number of bedrooms or amenities, but rather about the big picture. The better that story comes across online, the faster your property will be found. In this context, having your own website, for example, is also becoming increasingly important to truly highlight the strengths of your vacation home.

A clear spot on the map

A solid foundation starts with a clear and consistent online presence. Consider, for example, a well-filled-out Google Maps listing. Here, guests (and AI) can immediately see where your property is located, what the surroundings look like, and what others think of it. When this information is consistent across all platforms and tells the same story, it builds trust—both with potential guests and in how your property is found online.

Why having your own website is becoming increasingly important

This is a very important aspect and therefore also very interesting! AI systems look for context, detail, and coherence, and that is exactly where having your own website makes the difference. On a platform, you’re part of a larger whole, with limited space to tell your story; on your own website, everything revolves around your property. You can showcase:

• what makes the place special

• what it feels like to stay there

• what the surroundings add to the experience

For AI, this is valuable information, and for guests, it makes the difference between browsing and booking. At By Kiki, we therefore strongly believe in this combination: the reach of platforms, combined with a unique space where your vacation home truly comes to life.

The role of platforms is changing

That doesn’t mean platforms are disappearing—in fact, the opposite is true. Platforms remain very important for reach, trust, and bookings, but they are no longer the only gateway. The way guests search is becoming broader, so it’s also important to be visible in multiple ways—not just through a platform, but also through your own story.

Ready for the next step

The way people travel and search is changing, and that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.

For vacation homes with character, a prime location, and a distinct experience, there’s more room to stand out. Not as just one of many options, but as a place that’s deliberately chosen. And that’s exactly what we focus on with a vacation home.

Let’s take a look at your property together

Are you considering renting out your vacation home and want to market it the right way? At By Kiki, we combine strategy, positioning, and guest experience so that your property isn’t just visible—it really stands out. Feel free to contact us, and we’d love to brainstorm with you!