We Didn’t Buy a Vacation Rental Just to Make Money
If you’ve spent any time researching short-term rentals, you’ve probably seen the same promise over and over again:
“Buy a vacation rental and let it pay for itself.”
While it’s certainly possible for a well-managed vacation rental to cover its expenses—or even generate additional income—I don’t think that’s the whole story.
When my husband and I purchased our vacation home nearly five years ago, profitability mattered. We wanted a smart investment that would help pay for itself over time.
But if I’m being completely honest, money alone wouldn’t have been enough motivation.
Owning a short-term rental is work. Between cleaning, maintenance, guest communication, and ongoing improvements, it truly is a labor of love.
Looking back, the biggest rewards we’ve received have had very little to do with our monthly income.
If you’re wondering whether buying a vacation rental is worth it, here are the unexpected benefits that made us fall in love with the decision—and why we’d do it all over again.
1. Hosting Guests Has Given Us a Sense of Purpose
One of the biggest surprises of owning a vacation rental has been how much joy we’ve found in creating memorable experiences for complete strangers.
My husband and I have always loved making our own home feel peaceful, welcoming, and comfortable. It’s where we’ve hosted holidays, celebrated milestones, and created memories with the people we love.
Creating our vacation rental simply became an extension of that.
Every thoughtful detail—from cozy blankets to a well-stocked kitchen—is another opportunity to make someone else’s vacation special.
There’s nothing quite like receiving a message from a guest saying they felt at home, celebrated an anniversary, or made unforgettable memories with their children inside your home.
Knowing you’ve played a small part in someone’s vacation is incredibly rewarding.
2. Our Family Gets to Enjoy It Too
One of the most overlooked benefits of owning a vacation rental is that your investment isn’t just for guests.
During slower seasons, we invite friends and family to enjoy the home.
One of my favorite memories was when my niece brought several college friends from the Midwest to visit. For many of them, it was their first trip to the Pacific Northwest.
They explored Olympic National Park, wandered the rainforest, visited the beaches, and even took the ferry to Victoria, British Columbia.
Being able to provide experiences like that for people we love has been priceless.
3. It Opens the Door to Home Swapping Around the World
This is something we’re just beginning to explore, but it’s one of the perks I’m most excited about.
Several reputable home exchange programs allow vacation homeowners to swap properties with other owners across the globe.
Instead of paying for accommodations, you exchange homes.
We’re currently researching platforms like:
- HomeExchange
- Kindred
- ThirdHome
I’ll definitely share our experience once we’ve tried it ourselves.
The thought of using our vacation rental to unlock affordable travel opportunities is an incredible bonus.
4. We Finally Have a Home Away From Home
Honestly…
This was part of the dream from the very beginning.
We intentionally chose a location we’d actually want to visit ourselves.
Our little coastal town has hiking trails, lakes, beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, incredible restaurants, and easy access to Olympic National Park.
Nearly five years later, we’re still discovering new places every time we visit.
Without guests helping offset the cost, we probably never would have been able to justify owning a second home.
Today, that dream has become our reality.
5. It Helped Us Discover Where We Want to Retire
This was probably the biggest surprise.
We originally chose our location because it was a popular tourist destination with strong vacation rental demand.
What we didn’t expect was falling completely in love with the community itself.
Every year we’ve owned the property, we’ve spent more time imagining ourselves living there permanently.
Now our vacation home isn’t just an investment.
It’s our future retirement plan.
The slower pace, outdoor lifestyle, and lower cost of living compared to Seattle make it exactly the lifestyle we’ve always hoped to have.
Sometimes your investment becomes something much more personal.
6. It Encouraged Us to Slow Down
Owning a vacation rental has changed how we vacation ourselves.
Instead of rushing through crowded tourist destinations, we’ve learned to appreciate slower mornings, local coffee shops, long walks on the beach, and simply spending time together.
Ironically, owning a vacation home has helped us feel like we’re on vacation more often—even when we’re working on the property.
7. The Income Is Great…But the Memories Are Better
Of course, we appreciate that our guests help pay the mortgage.
That financial benefit absolutely matters.
But when I look back over the past five years, I don’t remember the monthly revenue.
I remember the guest messages.
The sunsets.
Family visits.
The projects my husband and I completed together.
The excitement of making the house just a little better every season.
The investment has paid us in experiences just as much as it has financially.
And honestly?
Those memories are worth even more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering buying a vacation rental, don’t evaluate it solely based on spreadsheets and projected income.
Ask yourself another question:
Will this property add value to your life?
For us, the answer has been a resounding yes.
We’ve created unforgettable memories, shared our favorite place with the people we love, discovered where we want to retire, and built a business that aligns with the lifestyle we want.
Even if our vacation rental only covered its expenses, we’d still make the same decision again.
Sometimes the greatest return on an investment isn’t measured in dollars.
It’s measured in the life you get to build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is owning a vacation rental worth it?
It depends on your goals. Financially, a well-managed vacation rental can help cover expenses and generate income. But many owners also enjoy personal benefits like having a second home, creating family memories, and eventually retiring in a place they already love.
What are the biggest benefits of owning a short-term rental?
Beyond earning income, many owners enjoy:
- Having a vacation home for themselves
- Sharing the property with family and friends
- Meeting guests from around the world
- Exploring home exchange opportunities
- Building a long-term retirement plan
Can you use your own Airbnb whenever you want?
Yes. Most owners block dates on their calendar whenever they’d like to use the property themselves. The tradeoff is balancing personal use with potential rental income during peak seasons.
Is buying a vacation rental a good investment?
A vacation rental can be an excellent investment if you purchase in a desirable location, manage expenses carefully, and maintain high guest satisfaction. Like any real estate investment, success depends on market conditions, occupancy, pricing, and thoughtful management. I highly recommend AirDNA to help you build a run market analytics and see if your area is a strong contender for a profitable vacation rental. If you want to learn more about AirDNA, just click HERE!
