While summer sees a steady stream of tourists, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day bring the most intense booking surges of the year.

This is the season when travel shifts from solo business trips to large-scale family logistics.

So, if you want to catch those high daily rates, your fleet needs to match the specific needs of families on the move.

The Holiday Favorites for 2025

This winter, demand is grouping around two main types of cars: large family haulers and capable all-wheel-drive SUVs.

#1 - The Minivan: A Top Earner

Minivans are often the most profitable cars on the platform during the holidays. They solve a huge problem for families landing at the airport with piles of luggage, strollers, and car seats.

Models like the Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Pacifica are currently ranking high for ROI, sometimes yielding over 150% in annual returns.

In cold-weather cities, having an all-wheel-drive Toyota Sienna can help you pull in big reservations.

#2 - The Full-Size Mountain SUV

For guests driving to ski resorts or traveling through mountain passes, all-wheel drive is a requirement they won't compromise on.

Search data shows that the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Explorer are the most searched options for snow-ready travel.

Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler stays a fan favorite for winter adventures, hitting that perfect mix of utility and vacation style.

#3 - The Luxury "Homecoming" Sedan

Not every guest is moving a large group.

Some are simply visiting their childhood home and want to arrive in something impressive.

For these travelers, comfortable and stylish cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series are the go-to choices for highway comfort and making a solid impression.

Features Guests Look For

Having the right car is a great start, but the final booking often comes down to the features people filter for during winter trips.

  1. Tech Basics: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are non-negotiable for holiday travelers navigating new routes.
  2. Cold Weather Comfort: Listings that mention heated seats and remote start see much better booking rates in northern cities.
  3. Winter Gear: Offering ski racks or snow tires as paid "Extras" can bump up your revenue per trip by nearly 20%.
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Bonus Tip: Think about adding ski racks, snow tires, or even pre-installed child car seats to your listing to make your car the easiest choice for a busy family.