What does it mean to feel at home when you’re away? We asked travellers from the United States, Brazil, and France to tell us what draws them to short-term rentals and their answers painted a vivid, familiar picture. 

Despite cultural differences, travellers across all three countries agreed on one thing: they want more than just a place to sleep. They’re looking for comfort, privacy, personality and a sense of belonging…even if it’s only for a few nights.  

Objective 

We set BoltChatAI on a journey to uncover what truly defines the ideal short-term rental in the eyes of modern travellers across the United States, Brazil and France.  

Through meta-analysis, we explored what people value most when booking a space. From the freedom to disconnect, to the pull of local culture, to the comforts that make a place feel entirely their own.  

Audience & Methodology

We engaged individuals aged 18 to 45 in the United States, Brazil and France who frequently book short-term rentals, ensuring insights that reflect real behaviours, preferences and cultural nuances through first-hand travel experiences. 

Travellers Choose Short-Term Rentals for the Feeling of Home 

Whether in New York, São Paulo or Paris, travellers love short-term rentals for the freedom they offer. Rental users talked about being able to cook their own meals, move to their own rhythm and enjoy simple comforts like enjoy simple comforts like a living room or outdoor space.  

Families and groups especially, want more than a bed. They want multiple rooms, space to gather and areas for children to play. In the United States, this often means homes with pools or hot tubs. In Brazil, it’s about sharing costs and meals with loved ones. In France, it’s the quiet charm of countryside chalets or city flats filled with local flair. 

Privacy is a Key Driver for Choosing Short-Term Rentals 

Across the board, privacy came up again and again. Travellers don’t want to be tiptoeing around hotel hallways or interrupted by staff. They want to settle in, shut the door and feel like the space is truly theirs. 

In the United States and Brazil, privacy often went hand in hand with concerns about safety and a desire to avoid shared spaces. Many travellers saw short-term rentals as a way to create a secure, self-contained bubble. In France, travellers placed more emphasis on tranquillity, choosing places where they could simply unwind.  

Rooted in Culture: What Makes a Rental Feel Authentic 

There’s something magical about waking up in a place that doesn’t just look good but feels like it belongs there.

French travellers often seek out rentals with local architecture or creative décor. Brazilians love host-led touches that reflect the culture of the neighbourhood. And Americans, while more focused on amenities, still appreciate when a rental feels thoughtfully styled and rooted in the destination. 

In fact, across all three countries travellers placed the uniqueness of a rental’s design, alongside privacy and location, as one of the top factors shaping their decision.  

Cost, Convenience and Clever Planning  

Short-term rentals are often the smart choice too. Travellers consistently favoured them over hotels, especially for longer stays or group travel. The flexibility to cook, do laundry and enjoy more space made a meaningful difference.  

In Brazil, travellers were especially price-conscious, carefully weighing cost-saving opportunities. In the United States, self check-in and flexible arrival times were key. In France, emotional comfort played a bigger role, with people valuing peaceful design and calm surroundings.  

Want to check out the full report? You can access it here! 

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