Booking.com and Airbnb are the preferred booking platforms of Digital Nomads

A new YouGov Survey has found that booking.com and Airbnb are the most popular booking platforms for digital nomads.

For this poll a ‘Digital Nomad’ was defined as someone who travels freely for an extended period (at least one week), while working remotely using technology and the internet.

YouGov Surveys have found that almost one in three (29%) Australians have previously worked as a digital nomad, and of those who hadn’t worked this way previously, 41% would consider this lifestyle.

Among those who had previously been, or would consider to be a digital nomad, the top two platforms preferred for booking accommodation was squarely Booking.com and Airbnb. Almost a third (30%) would opt for Booking.com, while nearly a quarter (24%) liked Airbnb.

Tripadvisor and trivago were the next most popular platforms, both with a lesser 7%.

Those aged 18-24 indicated that they slightly preferred Airbnb over Booking.com as a booking platform (35% vs. 34%).

For both digital nomads and considerers, 30% said that they’d be most likely to stay in a short-term holiday rental, such as an Airbnb, while living in this travel/working arrangement.

Following, 28% said they’d most like to stay in a hotel, while 26% opted for serviced apartments through real-estate agents.

Hostels were only the preferred accommodation type for 9%.

When asked to rank their top three priorities when looking to book accommodation as a digital nomad, almost two thirds (61%) said that cost was in their top three considerations. 52% highlighted access to fast and reliable internet.

51% indicated that location was a top three priority, and 50% said that safety of the area was one of their top three concerns.

Comparatively, only 37% selected access to amenities (e.g. laundry, air condition etc.) as of top three importance. Another 26% said they prioritised reviews and recommendations, with only 23% ranking a suitable and dedicated workspace in their top three.

Methodology: YouGov Surveys: Serviced provides quick survey results from nationally representative or targeted audiences in multiple markets. This study was conducted online between 6 and 10 June 2024, with a national sample of 830 Australians, using a questionnaire designed by YouGov. Data figures have been weighted by age, gender, and location to be representative of all working and/or retired adults in Australia (18 years or older) as per the latest population estimates provided by the ABS. Learn more about YouGov Surveys: Serviced.