The Millennials are coming to stay

Who are the millennials?

They are the major force in boosting the growth of the private holiday home rental industry. As per the report published by Airbnb, millennials and younger generations will account for 75% of all consumers and travelers by 2025*.

Millennials are very different from past generations and do have different expectations for travel brands. There is a higher demand for memorable moments and activities over material goods. This has created what is known as the experience economy, driven by the need for shared experiences which is being told every day on social media. Travel being the ultimate experience will continue and will always grow as a result.

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It has made me think about this opportunity and what will truly drive the future travel consumer. I think about a traveler, who wants and seeks a little extra, a little surprise and delight to share with family and friends.

What does this mean for vacation rentals?

As we approach the tipping point of millennials encroaching on the baby boomers’ status as the industry’s highest-value audience. It is time for vacation rentals to see they are on the cusp of riding this wave of Millennials driving travel growth with a key understanding about millennials — their desire for both experiences and control. 

Millennial travelers are seeking authentic local experiences, whether cultural, natural, artistic or culinary. They want to go where the locals go and do what the locals do, even if it means to “dump the Eiffel Tower visit,” like Anthony Bourdain once said.

The other important trend is sustainability. Our local tourism authorities are looking for ways to limit the impact tourists may have on the environment, heritage sites and local populations. Seasoned travelers have also become aware of this and know they have an important role and responsibility to preserve the places they are visiting.

Vacation rentals are the best positioned travel segment to do this. They are local, they are more often very authentic, they provide unique stay experiences which often can be controlled by the guest to suit their specific needs.

It’s here, I must pause and say. whilst there is great value in taking time to understand millennials now rather than later, I must reflect and say that the Millennial characteristics are not necessarily exclusive or unique. With the rise and rise of social media it has also developed a “millennial mindset” with similar interests and expectations not just to this millennial age demographic alone but to many of the Generation X and baby boomer generations as well.

For Aabode.com and millennials this means we are seeking to align our future and share the experience.

Our vision is simple. We want to be the best millennial vacation rental brand, with affordable luxury at its heart. Our purpose is to deliver a better stay experience through accommodation people love. We aim to innovate and consistently deliver a better experience for both owners and guests, while bringing people together to share in their love for a great stay experience from Aabode.com

Reading list and notes:

*A survey of 1,650 travelers found that 74% of millennial business travelers had stayed in a vacation rental, like those provided by Aabode.com, while just 38% and 20% of Generation X and baby boomer travelers had, respectively.

*Given that Millennials are the fastest-growing age group and now make up around 25% of the global population, it’s reasonable to assume they make up a similar proportion of international travelers. According to Copyrise, 200,000 million global tourists are Millennials and they spend US$180 billion on travel every year.

Pricing (aabode.com)

Channel Manager (aabode.com)

The Ultimate Guide to Bruny Island

We’ve got the ultimate know how on where to eat, stay and play in Bruny Island! If you’re looking for a stunning but tranquil weekend getaway or nature adventure, Bruny Island is the place for you! Just located an hour out of Hobart, there’s no excuse not to go! Whether it’s for a romantic getaway or a fun filled family retreat, Bruny Island is the next hot holiday destination you have to visit!

Things to do in Bruny Island

Go and visit Cape Bruny Island Lighthouse

Cape Bruny lighthouse is a 114 meter heritage listed attraction that is perched above dramatic cliff tops and stunning views of the wild Tasmanian coastline. Cape Bruny lighthouse is the only Southern Tasmanian lighthouse that is open for tours! The lighthouse stands on the tip of Bruny Island in the waters of South Hobart and is the perfect way to marvel at the sights of Bruny Island. This is the top must do that we recommend and can even be achieved in a day trip to Bruny Island!

Source: Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours

Head over to visit some penguins

If you’re heading to Bruny Island in the warmer months (September-February) you might get a chance at viewing some of Bruny’s furry friends! Head over to the Neck Game Reserve where they have boardwalks and viewing platforms where you can watch short tailed shearwaters and fairy penguins! This is the perfect activity for your family or even as a couple! From here, you’ll be able to see the little penguins return to their burrows in the sand dunes or make their way up to the beach in tight groups. While you’re here, the Neck lookout also offers jaw dropping 360 degree views of the beaches and flora.

Go berry picking at Bruny Island Berry Farm

For a relaxing and laid back day, take yourselves to Bruny Island Berry Farm to pick a variety of fresh berries and taste their delectable delights! The farm has more than 7000 strawberry plants housed on the farm so there’s always a plethora of supplies for you to pick from! After a few hours of basking in the sun and picking some luscious berries, treat yourself to some nibbles or a drink at their café. If you still want to enjoy the glowing sun after picking berries, you can even have a picnic on their grounds!

Spot some white wallabies

Never seen a white wallaby? Here’s your chance! Bruny Island is known for their population of white wallabies and their white coats attract a small crowd of visitors each year! You won’t spot them easily in any other place so see them while you can! They love to be near grassy areas and usually hang around early morning or during sunset. Head over to some of the parks or to Adventure Bay to spot them!

Source: Tasmania.com

Go hiking

Bruny island is home to enchanting forests, stunning coves, unique wildlife and striking coastal scenery so why not explore them! There are a plethora of walking and hiking trails for your to explore and it’s a great way to spend a sunny morning or afternoon! Some of our favourites include Maycista Nature Walk, Alonnah-Sheepwash Bay Track and the Labillardiere Peninsula Track. During these hikes you’ll be able to witness Bruny Island’s tranquil environment and be showered with spectacular views.

Where to eat in Bruny Island

Get Shucked

Looking to taste some of the freshest oysters in town? Look no further than Get Shucked, a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar. Their oysters are harvested, shucked and served everyday to the public who can’t get enough! Find yourself a seat outside and enjoy a plate of oysters with a glass of bubbly ! It’s the perfect place for to stop after a morning exploration or an afternoon chatter!

Source: Get Shucked

Bruny Island House of Whisky

If you’re keen to experience a once in a lifetime whisky, there’s no better place to go than to the Bruny Island House of Whiskey! With 110 expressions of Tasmanian Single Malts available to taste and rare Tasmanian Single Malts, tantalise your taste buds with the finest whiskey around! If you haven’t had time to travel around Tassie to visit independent distillery’s and bottlers, this is the perfect place to visit as they have a range of award winning malts under one roof!  This is perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea!

Bruny Island Cheese Company

If you’re after a long and lazy lunch that’s paired with a few beers, Bruny Island Cheese company is the way to go! You can sit under the eucalyptus trees on their property with their cheese platters or enjoy a simple coffee and cake. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax with some friends and family or just as a couple. Situated only 15 minutes away from the ferry wharf, it’s the perfect place to visit on a sunny day in Bruny Island!

Penguin and Pardalote Cafe

Penguin and Pardalote is the perfect place for a little nibble and sip! This café is situated in an old school styled house and has a laid back atmosphere where you can start your mornings or spend your afternoons. Indulge yourself with their range of brunch bites, savoury crepes and sweet crepes! If you’re feeling a little extra special, order yourself one of their decadent cheese boards or some freshly shucked Bruny Island oysters! Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy

Source: TripAdvisor

Where to stay in Bruny Island

Bruny Ocean Cottage

Bruny ocean cottage is a beautiful three bedroom self contained holiday home suitable for couples or families! It’s equipped with free Wifi, Netflix and bicycles which is suitable for a weekend full of unwinding and relaxation. The properly is situated in a prime place that’s adjacent to Adventure Bay Beach! The cottage is also close by to great cafes, South Bruny National parks and other nearby attractions!

The Lookout

The Lookout is a stunning brick property that is located near Denned Point and has 180 degree views looking over Storm Bay. It’s set on two acres of private parkland and is close to Nebraska Beach and the Jetty Beach Café! It’s the perfect place to invite company as the property had three entertaining areas for you to choose from and a spacious covered deck with a four burner barbecue!

Captain’s Cabin Bligh Point

Captain’s Cabin is located at Bligh Point on North Bruny and has access to more than 1600m of private beachfront! The cabin boasts stunning wooden walls and ceilings with rooms that look directly out to the water! The main bedroom boasts a beautiful four poster bed and the guest room has a spacious queen bed. Stay at the Captain’s Cabin to be completely encapsulated by panoramic views of the channel.

Meet Jan and Lin: Bells by the Beach Holiday House

Meet Jan and Lin, owners of Bells By the Beach Holiday House located in Ocean Grove, Victoria!

Jan and Lin Bell – business owners

With retirement on the horizon and after working in the fire service and retail/admin sectors, the pair were in search of somewhere to live permanently or open a holiday rental business.

The pair first visited the Bellarine Peninsular in search of somewhere to live permanently or a place that felt right to open a holiday rental business. Jan and Lin found a two bedroom unit in Ocean Grove; their first holiday rental business. It was later on when they found it a right time to buy a larger home around the corner on Roditis Drive, the start of Bells By The Beach Holiday House. The couple moved permanently to another location in Ocean Grove to be close to the investment and serve guests 24/7, which they still do.

Bells By The Beach Holiday House is now a welcoming holiday home for families to spend a short or extended time, with or without their dogs.

During the past 15 years or so, Jan and Lin have welcomed more than 400 different dogs, with pet-parents from regional Victoria, suburban Melbourne and interstate to holiday in their home. Guests return time and time again to the welcoming home as they love the property facilities, the squeaky clean house and the neat and tidy dog-friendly coastal garden…not to mention the beach is just a short doggy stroll (500 metres) to the sand dunes and over onto the beach.

We love being holiday accommodation owners, it gives us much satisfaction to know we are helping families plan and budget for holidays well in advance

Dog-lovers are delighted to find that the house truly is dog and family friendly, where dogs are welcome to sleep indoors with their family and be safe and secure in the fully fenced property.

About the area

Ocean Grove is growing into the largest township on the Bellarine Peninsula. The area is surrounded by renowned wineries, walking trails, pristine beaches, fishing spots and golf courses. Bring your dogs down to run along the beach, crash through the waves, or just enjoy a swim. Head further away and explore the many local attractions across the region. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Ocean Grove.

With the property in easy reach of shopping, activities and the glorious beach, it is no wonder that the property is thriving with guests in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

We look forward to meeting new guests and welcoming back others who consider our house as a home away from home. We sometimes wish we had another house to ‘spread the beach love’ to everyone who wants to stay and who are disappointed to find we are booked out.   

Interested in staying at Jan and Lin’s Pet and Family Friendly accommodation? Book NOW >> https://aabode.com/australia/ocean-grove/pet-and-family-friendly

Meet Linda: Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages

Meet Linda, owner of the beautiful 30-acre property, ‘Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages’ in Pinbarren on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. The property consists of three cottages, Avalon Homestead, Kangaroo Lodge and an Amphitheatre to enjoy and relax with a step back in time to a simpler lifestyle. 

‘Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages’ started as a 30-acre bare paddock 30 years ago, without power, water or even a phone, Linda started it all while living in a caravan with her two children as a single mother without trees or wildlife. The property has now been reforested by Linda herself and enjoys many species of birds, butterflies, native animals including feather tailed and sugar glider possums, lizards, frogs and micro-bats that eat 300 insects every night. 

Linda prides herself in the cottages being poison free since 1986 and has been a leader of environmental tourism and education since 2002. The cottages boast 5 kW solar panels and 80% of all buildings and our cottages are recycled and built with pre-loved materials. Each cottage has 5000-gallon rainwater tanks and the property itself has a 60×70 meter lake, 8 metres deep which is home to rare Mary river turtles. 

The property is home to friendly cows; Woody, Creamy, Bubbles, Red girl and Bambino, who assist guests in composting their scraps, with extra straps going to the trees for local wildlife to feed on – nothing gets wasted. At the farm, recycling is done wherever they can, with septic systems allowing everything to stay on the property. 

“It is expensive to be green, to lock up your land for your dreams of a better world, this is a drop in the ocean, but many drops make the worlds oceans, lakes and rivers.”

“How can you love and protect something, if all you see is cement and bitumen? We have an amazing world let’s look after this beautiful planet as we need the earth but the earth does not need us. I love to share my passion with families, friends and stressed out people to bring them back down to earth. I could not have achieved what I have done without the amazing people that have walked my road with me with there love and support, I thank you all.”


Interested in experiencing the wonders of Linda’s cottages? Click here to book now!

8 essentials for your winter snow trip

Winter is coming! Instead of hovering over the heater all night, pack your bags and head out on a frosty adventure! Going on a snow trip is definitely different than going on your average vacation, so we’ve complied the top 10 things you must pack when you head on a snow trip!

Inner thermal clothes

You don’t need to spend a fortune when preparing for a snow vacation, but good quality inner thermal layers will make an extreme difference. Often inner thermal layers are extremely thin and go under all other layers of clothing. Look for clothing with heat tech technology as they’ll keep you warm but you won’t feel like you’re suffocating under layers and layers of clothing

Waterproof ski clothes

Make sure you’re bringing along thick outer layers to protect you from the cold and snow! Although most people remember to bring thick outer layers of clothing, not all of them are waterproof! This could be a big issue because you’ll be surrounded by snow the whole time. If you’re not careful, any dampness in your clothing in extremely cold weather can lead to some major sicknesses. Be sure to double check your outer layers are waterproof!

Headwear

You got to make sure you’re covered from head to toe in order to stay warm. Keep your noggin toasty by bringing along headwear on your snow trip. If you’re just playing around in the snow, a thick beanie should be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on doing any fast paced activity, be sure to bring along a helmet or rent one.

Sunglasses/goggles

Just because its super cold, doesn’t mean it won’t be super bright! The snow is beautiful but sometimes it can be blinding! If you’re driving there or just hanging around, be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes. If you’re speeding down and doing activities with lots of movement, be sure to grab some goggles with sun protection.

Warming accessories

Once you’ve packed your basics, you can pack some other accessories to make sure you stay extra warm on your trip. We recommend bringing an extra thick pair of socks, a scarf and gloves for keeping your body extra toasty. If you’re extra sensitive to the cold, consider getting some heat packs to place in your pockets or on your body!

Small toiletries including sun protection

Along with your normal toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, you should bring some little extras to ensure your skin doesn’t get extremely dry. Be sure your skin is SPF ready with lip balm, sunscreen and moisturizer.

Snacks and non perishable foods

When you’re embarking on your snow trip, you’ll likely be in an area where there are not many places to purchase food or snacks. With food establishments and supermarket selections being quite limited, it’d be a wise idea to bring some snacks along. Whether it’s some small granola bars for the ride or some instant noodle packets for your midnight snack, you won’t regret it.

Extra chargers

The only place you’ll be likely to charge your devices is back at your accommodation. Ski resorts or other ski parks will rarely have outlets so it’s a good idea to bring a battery pack that will last for the day! Although reception is sparse in the area, batteries are much needed for listening to music or keeping kids entertained!

Haven’t booked your accommodation yet? Head to Aabode.com now to check out our properties!