Insight
In August 2026, U.S. short-term rental RevPAR climbed 7.2% year-over-year to $217.17, with average daily rates rising in 49 of the 50 largest U.S. markets.
The Great Disconnect: Sentiment Cratered, Gas Set a Record, and Americans Booked Labor Day Anyway
Summary
US vacation rental sentiment cratered in August 2026, yet bookings surged. Gas prices hit record highs, but travelers booked Labor Day trips anyway. Calm weather provided a supply-side gift. Managers should trust booking data over sentiment.
Key takeaway