Travellers planning a holiday next year should start thinking big – 2019 will be the year of staying in castles and luxury estates, according to HomeAway.
An ivy-covered castle in Marmanhac, France. Image by HomeAway
The vacation rental website released its trend report for 2019 and found that, based on 2018 data, the demand for castles and estates is up by 55% and 25% respectively. The report is designed to look at how people will travel in the coming year and HomeAway is declaring it the year of the super-size holiday. While it may seem extravagant to rent a luxury estate or castle for a holiday, the company notes that bigger homes can lower the cost of stays for big groups. It’s also not too surprising that groups want a big estate, as many will come with the most desired vacation home feature – a swimming pool.
According to HomeAway’s travel expert Melanie Fish: “As millennials get older and start families of their own, they’re travelling with grandparents in tow or going on vacation with other families, which means they need a space big enough to accommodate the whole brood. Castles and other big homes not only provide enough space but also tremendous value. The prices can be as low as $20 per person, per night. Plus, you get an accommodation upgrade most people can’t afford when travelling alone or as a couple.”
The interior of a castle at La Flocelliere, France. Image by HomeAway
The most popular US destinations on the site are: Maui, Hawaii; Miramar and Rosemary Beach, Florida; Panama City Beach, Florida; Gulf Shores, Alabama; and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. While those many offer up plenty of luxury estates for travellers, they may have better luck finding a castle in the most popular international destinations, which are: Florence, Italy; Rome, Italy; London, England; Puerto Penasco, Mexico; and Paris, France.
A swimming pool at Romenay, France. Image by HomeAway
However, some of the top properties are less ancient castle and more “Magic Kingdom”, as homes in Lake Buena Vista and Davenport, Florida – both close to Walt Disney World – are the most-booked and “most-hearted” properties, respectively.
Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon, France. Image by HomeAway
Earlier this year, Airbnb reported that Harry and Meghan’s wedding coincided with a 43% increase in listings with the term “royal” in the title since the previous year. The company found that the countries with the most popular castles on the booking site were found in the UK and Italy.
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