Farm Stays See Surge in Popularity as Travelers Seek Simpler, Nature-Focused Escapes

The allure of rural life and farm stays is drawing an increasing number of Americans, with 84% of travelers expressing interest in agricultural vacations, according to Vrbo's recent trend report, Unpack '26. The vacation rental platform, owned by Expedia, has also observed a 300% year-over-year increase in guest reviews mentioning farms.

This growing demand is attributed to travelers' desire to escape daily stresses and reconnect with nature. Melanie Fish, global head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, noted that activities like apple picking and interacting with farm animals are becoming key attractions. However, these experiences often do not require sacrificing comfort, as many farm stays offer amenities such as private pools and gourmet kitchens, allowing guests to "slow down and connect with nature."

Several destinations are catering to this trend. In New York, Vrbo offers the DeVita House in Gardiner from $200 per night, a 1900s farmhouse accommodating up to six guests. Chestnut Hill in Saugerties, listed from $798 per night, provides a four-bedroom 1840s dwelling on 53 acres featuring a lily pond, swimmable creek, and farm animals. The Historic Centreville House in Layton, New Jersey, is available from $247 per night, offering a three-bedroom home on a working farm near the Delaware Water Gap.

For those interested in equine experiences, Rosemary Farm Sanctuary in the Western Catskills offers a three-bedroom guesthouse on Airbnb starting at $337 per night, providing views of horses and surrounding hills. Visitors can engage in guided horse grooming sessions or explore the natural landscapes. Driftwood Ranch Resort in White Lake, New York, offers stays from $750 per night on 200 acres with horses and Texas Longhorns, featuring Western-themed suites and activities like roping lessons and guided hikes.

Further upstate, D&K Ranch in Interlaken, located in the Finger Lakes National Forest, provides cabin rentals from $100 per night at a women-led working horse ranch. In Vermont, the Tanglebloom Tiny Cabin in Brookline, priced from $199 per night, is situated on a working flower farm. This unique accommodation features an open-air design with a transparent roof for stargazing and a wood-fired hot tub.

New England also boasts The Farm at Woods Hill in Bath, New Hampshire, with rates starting at $420 per night. This working produce and animal farm supplies its own restaurants and offers lodging in its Lodge or Farmhouse. Guests can participate in yoga or fermentation classes, or even help with farm chores during the summer months.

In Middleburg, Virginia, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant offers the White Cottage from $964 per night. This working farm includes cows, chickens, and a llama, alongside amenities like a private fire pit, saltwater pool access, and on-site dining.

Internationally, Pat's Farm by O'Reilly's in Canungra, Queensland, Australia, provides off-grid chalets from $395 per night on a working cattle operation, each equipped with a plunge pool and fire pit. In Italy, Palazzo di Varignana in Bologna offers stays from $334 per night on a 650-hectare agricultural estate featuring vineyards, vegetable gardens, and fruit orchards.

This surge in farm stays aligns with the broader "slow travel" movement, encouraging guests to engage in more analog activities such as reading, knitting, and gardening, providing a peaceful alternative to fast-paced modern life.