What Today’s Travellers Want: Trends You Can’t Ignore
The travel landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years—and so have the expectations of modern travellers. Whether they’re planning a weekend escape, a spontaneous road trip, or a long-overdue family holiday, today’s guests are looking for more than just a bed for the night.
If you run a motel, staying in tune with what travellers actually want is key to keeping your bookings up and your reviews glowing.
Here are the top trends shaping traveller behaviour—and how your motel can adapt.
1. Authenticity Over Luxury
Many travellers are no longer chasing 5-star opulence. Instead, they want real, down-to-earth experiences.
What this means for your motel:
Be proud of your local roots and share your story
Offer honest, friendly service—not scripted interactions
Highlight your connection to the local community (e.g., local art, produce, or recommendations)
🌿 Guests are looking for somewhere that feels genuine, not generic.
2. Digital Convenience
Travellers want things to be easy—and that starts with booking.
Ensure your motel offers:
A mobile-friendly website
Clear availability and pricing
Instant confirmation and flexible policies
Optional contactless check-in/out where possible
📱 If it takes too long to book, they’ll look elsewhere.
3. Sustainability and Eco-Awareness
People are more eco-conscious than ever, especially younger travellers and families.
Simple changes that make a big impact:
Offer recycling bins in rooms
Use refillable toiletries instead of single-use minis
Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Support local eco-tours or nature experiences
♻️ Show your guests that you care about the planet and the place they’ve come to visit.
4. Personalised Recommendations
Travellers want local insight, not just a brochure rack.
Stand out by offering:
Handwritten welcome notes with nearby dining tips
A curated guide to local favourites (not just the tourist spots)
Suggestions for activities based on guest type (families, couples, pet owners)
🗺️ Small personal touches leave a lasting impression.
5. Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
It might seem basic, but slow or spotty Wi-Fi is still one of the top complaints in motel reviews.
Fix this by:
Investing in quality hardware and signal boosters
Making Wi-Fi login info easily visible in rooms
Offering free, unlimited access—don’t charge extra!
📶 Good Wi-Fi is expected, not optional.
6. Pet-Friendly Options
Australians love their pets, and more are travelling with them—especially on road trips.
How to cater for pet owners:
Designate a few pet-friendly rooms with easy outdoor access
Provide water bowls or treats at check-in
Highlight pet-friendly parks, cafes, and walks nearby
🐾 This small effort can lead to big loyalty.
7. Unique Aesthetic and Instagram Appeal
Today’s travellers (especially Millennials and Gen Z) love a space that’s photo-worthy.
Give them:
Retro signs, quirky murals, or themed rooms
A visually pleasing garden, lounge, or pool area
Local design touches that reflect the vibe of your region
📸 When your motel looks great on Instagram, guests do the marketing for you.
8. Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies
Life is unpredictable. Guests are wary of rigid terms that don’t accommodate changes.
Offer:
Free cancellation windows (24-48 hours)
Easy rebooking or date swaps
Clear terms written in plain English
📝 Trust is built through transparency and flexibility.
9. Wellness and Outdoor Appeal
After years of lockdowns and screen fatigue, people want to reconnect—with nature, with themselves, with simplicity.
You can support this by:
Offering rooms that open to outdoor spaces
Providing walking maps, yoga mats, or bike hire
Promoting local wellness offerings like hot springs, massages, or nature reserves
🌳 Health, rest, and simplicity are now top motivators for getaways.
10. Memorable Moments
Ultimately, guests remember how a place made them feel. That’s what brings them back—or prompts them to leave a glowing review.
Try this:
Surprise guests with a handwritten note or local treat
Remember repeat guests and welcome them back
Go the extra step when it’s least expected (e.g., lending an umbrella or offering a lift)
✨ Kindness is the most underrated amenity.
Final Thoughts
Modern travellers don’t just want a bed—they want a story, a smile, and a sense of place. By aligning your motel with today’s expectations, you’ll attract the kind of guests who truly appreciate what you offer.
You don’t need to be fancy or expensive. You just need to be relevant, real, and ready to welcome the next generation of Aussie adventurers.