The Evolution of Travel in 2025
The travel landscape has transformed dramatically over the past few years. Gone are the days when vacationers would rush through itineraries, checking destinations off their bucket lists at lightning speed. Today's travelers are seeking something different – more meaningful connections, authentic experiences, and the flexibility to blend work and leisure seamlessly.
At 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals, we've been paying close attention to these shifting trends, especially in our Sonoma and Marin County properties. We're noticing two major patterns emerging: extended stays are becoming the norm rather than the exception, and group travel is experiencing a significant revival.
Let's explore what today's travelers really want and how we're adapting to meet—and exceed—these evolving expectations.
The Extended Stay Revolution
Why Travelers Are Staying Longer
Remember when a weekend getaway felt sufficient? Those days are increasingly behind us. Modern travelers are stretching their stays for several compelling reasons:
Remote Work Flexibility: The work-from-anywhere revolution hasn't slowed down. With many companies maintaining flexible policies, professionals are embracing "workcations" that blend productivity with pleasure. A standard 2-3 day trip has expanded into 1-2 weeks or even longer, with travelers working during weekdays and exploring on weekends.
Deeper Local Immersion: Quick visits barely scratch the surface of a destination. Today's travelers want to experience places like locals—discovering hidden gems, establishing routines at neighborhood cafés, and developing connections with community members.
Recovery from Travel Fatigue: After years of restricted movement, many travelers are rejecting the exhausting pace of destination-hopping. Research shows that truly unwinding takes a minimum of 8 days—pushing travelers to extend their stays for genuine relaxation.
Cost Efficiency: Extended stays often offer better value, with many vacation rental managers (including 3 SUNS) providing significant discounts for longer bookings. This economic advantage makes lengthier getaways more accessible.

What Extended-Stay Travelers Need
These longer-term guests have distinct requirements that differ from traditional vacationers:
- Fully-equipped kitchens for regular meal preparation
- Reliable, high-speed internet for remote work commitments
- Comfortable workspaces with proper seating and surfaces
- Laundry facilities for extended wardrobe management
- Local recommendations that go beyond tourist highlights
- Responsive property management for any issues that might arise during longer stays
The Group Getaway Renaissance
Why Travelers Are Gathering Again
While solo travel had its moment in the spotlight, group experiences are making a powerful comeback:
Reconnection Priority: After periods of separation, friends and family are placing unprecedented value on quality time together. Multi-generational trips, friend reunions, and milestone celebrations are driving group bookings.
Shared Experiences: Today's travelers value creating memories together rather than accumulating possessions. Group travel offers the perfect opportunity to forge lasting bonds through shared adventures.
Economic Advantages: With rising travel costs, groups are leveraging economies of scale. Splitting expenses for premium accommodations makes luxury experiences more accessible to everyone involved.
Specialized Interest Travel: From wine enthusiasts exploring Sonoma's vineyards to cycling clubs tackling Marin's scenic routes, activity-based group travel is thriving.
What Group Travelers Require
Group travelers have specific needs that differ from solo or couple travelers:
- Spacious common areas for gathering and socializing
- Multiple bathrooms to accommodate morning routines
- Flexible sleeping arrangements for various group compositions
- Entertainment options for diverse interests and ages
- Outdoor spaces for relaxation and activities
- Proximity to group-friendly attractions and dining options

How 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals Delivers for Today's Travelers
At 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals, we've adapted our properties and services to meet these evolving needs. Here's how we're addressing what modern travelers want:
For Extended-Stay Guests
Work-Ready Environments: Our properties feature dedicated workspaces, ergonomic seating, and enterprise-grade WiFi that supports video conferencing and large file transfers. Many homes also offer inspiring views that make workdays feel less like, well, work.
Home-Away-From-Home Amenities: Extended stays require more than just the basics. Our properties feature fully-equipped gourmet kitchens, premium laundry facilities, and comfortable living spaces designed for everyday living, not just vacation moments.
Weekly Cleaning Options: For guests staying multiple weeks, we offer flexible cleaning schedules to maintain a fresh environment without disrupting their routines.
Local Immersion Resources: Our comprehensive digital guidebooks go beyond tourist attractions to highlight local farmers' markets, recurring community events, and hidden gems that even locals treasure. We can also arrange introductions to local experts in wine, outdoor activities, and cuisine.
Extended Stay Discounts: We offer tiered discounts for stays of 7+ nights, with even more significant savings for monthly bookings, making longer getaways more affordable for our guests.
For Group Travelers
Right-Sized Properties: Our portfolio includes properties specifically selected for group gatherings, with spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and thoughtful layouts that balance togetherness with privacy.
Entertainment Features: From outdoor game areas to media rooms with large screens, our group-friendly properties offer numerous options for shared entertainment.
Gathering-Friendly Kitchens: Many of our properties feature oversized kitchen islands, expansive dining tables, and outdoor dining setups perfect for group meals and celebrations.
Concierge Services: Our team can arrange group activities like private wine tastings, guided hikes, or catered meals that accommodate everyone's preferences and dietary requirements.
Flexible Booking Policies: We understand that coordinating multiple schedules can be challenging, so we offer reasonable policies for changes and additions to group bookings.

Real Success Stories: How We've Delivered for Travelers
The Remote Work Retreat
Last spring, a group of tech professionals from Seattle booked one of our Sonoma properties for a three-week working retreat. They needed reliable internet, separate work areas, and space to collaborate. We provided:
- A pre-arrival tech check to ensure all WiFi systems were optimized
- Additional monitors and ergonomic chairs upon request
- A reconfigured dining area to serve as a conference space
- Introductions to local caterers for team meals
The result? They've already booked their return visit for next year and referred two similar groups to us.
The Family Reunion
A multi-generational family of 14 chose one of our larger Marin properties for a two-week reunion. Their priorities included accessibility for grandparents, activities for children, and spaces for meaningful conversation. We delivered:
- A ground-floor suite for seniors with mobility concerns
- Local babysitter recommendations for the parents' night out
- Specially arranged outdoor movie nights in the garden
- A professional photographer to capture their gathering
The family has since made this an annual tradition, returning to the same property each summer.
Looking Ahead: What's Next in Travel Trends
As we look toward the future, we're already preparing for emerging trends:
Regenerative Travel: Beyond sustainability, travelers increasingly want their visits to positively impact destinations. We're developing partnerships with local conservation efforts and community initiatives that guests can support.
Wellness Integration: The lines between vacation and wellness retreat are blurring. We're enhancing properties with features like meditation spaces, home gym equipment, and connections to local wellness practitioners.
Multi-Destination Stays: Travelers are combining destinations within regions. Our partnerships across Northern California allow guests to experience both wine country and coastal retreats with coordinated logistics.
Experience the 3 SUNS Difference
Whether you're planning an extended working retreat in wine country or organizing a milestone celebration with loved ones, 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals is uniquely positioned to deliver what today's travelers truly want.
Our deep understanding of evolving travel preferences, combined with our carefully curated properties and personalized service, ensures that your Sonoma or Marin getaway exceeds expectations—whether you're staying for a week, a month, or even longer.
Ready to plan your extended stay or group getaway? Explore our properties or contact our team to discover how we can tailor the perfect experience for your specific needs.
