The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to the 2025 College Football Season: Travel Trends, Hotspots, and Savvy Planning

Get ready, football fanatics! The roar of the crowd, the crisp autumn air, the smell of tailgates – it’s all coming back for the 2025 college football season, and it’s shaping up to be one for the books. If you’re like me, you live for game days, and that often means hitting the road. But where are the hottest spots, when should you book, and how can you make the most of your travel experience? Vrbo’s inaugural Gridiron Guest Report has dropped, and it’s packed with insights to help you plan your perfect college football pilgrimage. Let’s dive in!

The Unstoppable Force of Fan Travel

It’s no secret that college football is a massive draw for travelers. An Expedia Group study even confirmed that football is the sport American fans are most eager to travel for. But it’s not just about the game itself; it’s about the experience, the camaraderie, and the chance to spend quality time with friends and family. This is where vacation rentals really shine. They offer the space and comfort for entire groups to gather, create memories, and truly immerse themselves in the game-day atmosphere. Vrbo’s report gives us a data-driven look at exactly how fans are planning their journeys for 2025, and it’s fascinating stuff.

Peak Travel Weekends: Mark Your Calendars!

If you’re looking to catch the most in-demand games, you’ll want to circle weeks six and eight of the 2025 season on your calendar. These weekends are projected to see the highest demand for vacation rentals, so if you want the best selection, aim to book your accommodations *before* September. Trust me, waiting until the last minute can mean missing out on prime spots or paying a premium.

Matchups Igniting the Demand

It’s not just the general season that’s driving bookings; specific games are creating major buzz. Anticipated playoff rematches and intense conference rivalries are already causing demand for rentals near college campuses to skyrocket. In fact, for several key matchups, rental demand has more than doubled! Here’s a peek at some of the games causing a stir and the year-over-year increase in rental demand:

August 30: Columbus, Ohio for the Texas at Ohio State game. Demand surged by a massive 375%!
September 13: Notre Dame, Indiana for the Texas A&M at Notre Dame matchup. This game saw a 160% increase in rental demand.. Find out more about Vrbo Gridiron Guest Report 2025.
September 27: University Park, Pennsylvania for the Oregon at Penn State game. Demand rose by 90%.
October 25: Columbia, South Carolina for the Alabama at South Carolina game. Another game with a 160% year-over-year increase in demand.
November 15: Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the Oklahoma at Alabama game. This one saw a substantial 275% jump in demand.

These numbers really show how much these big games influence travel plans.

Beyond the Big Games: Emerging Trends and Hidden Gems

While the marquee matchups get a lot of attention, there’s a whole other layer to college football travel trends.

College Towns on the Rise. Find out more about College football travel trends 2025 guide.

It’s not just the perennial powerhouses that are drawing crowds. Several college towns are experiencing a notable uptick in travel demand, often thanks to the breakout seasons of their local teams. These spots offer that authentic college football atmosphere and are proving to be incredibly attractive to fans. Vrbo’s report specifically highlighted a few college towns that are seeing increased interest:

Columbia, South Carolina
Boise, Idaho
Boulder, Colorado

These destinations are becoming increasingly popular for fans looking for a vibrant game-day experience.

The Global Appeal of College Football. Find out more about 2025 college football vacation rentals tips.

For the truly dedicated fan, the idea of catching a college football game overseas is a bucket-list item. Dublin, Ireland, is a prime example, hosting the Kansas State vs. Iowa State game in August. This international matchup has already led to a 25% year-over-year increase in vacation rental demand in the city, showing just how much the appeal of international football tourism is growing. It’s pretty cool to think about experiencing that college football energy in a completely different cultural setting!

Navigating Game Day Costs: Finding Value Amidst the Excitement

Let’s be real, attending college football games can be a significant investment. Ticket prices for some of the most sought-after matchups can reach as high as $450 and are always subject to change. But don’t let that deter you! There are still ways to find value, especially when it comes to accommodations. Vrbo identified college towns where you can still snag vacation rentals for under $250 per night, even when they’re hosting major games. Often, these spots can be half the price of a single game ticket, offering a much more budget-friendly option for your game-day experience. Vrbo’s “Last Minute Booking” feature is also a lifesaver for those spontaneous trips or when your team makes an unexpected playoff run. This handy tool allows you to find deals within 30 days of check-in, perfect for those last-minute travel needs.

Affordable Stays for Big Games

Even with high ticket prices, some college towns offer a great balance of atmosphere and affordability. Vrbo points to destinations like Chapel Hill, North Carolina (for TCU at UNC), Austin, Texas (for Arkansas at Texas), and Eugene, Oregon (for USC at Oregon) as places where average daily rental rates remain under $250 per night, even during major game weekends.

Planning for Postseason Glory

The excitement doesn’t stop when the regular season ends. Demand for vacation rentals is already on the rise in key destinations that will host major bowl games and playoff matchups. Cities like Phoenix, which is hosting the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, and Miami, the site of the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship, are seeing increased interest from travelers. If you’re planning to follow your team into the postseason, booking your accommodations early is absolutely crucial.

Tips for Every Fan: Your Game Plan for a Successful Trip

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who plans months in advance or a spontaneous traveler, having a strategy is key.

Book Early for the Best Selection. Find out more about Best college football travel destinations 2025 strategies.

To maximize your chances of snagging those coveted game tickets, flights, and lodging, booking as early as possible is the name of the game. This proactive approach is essential for navigating the competitive landscape of college football travel.

Leverage the Vrbo App

The Vrbo app is your ultimate companion for planning college football getaways. It provides a seamless platform for finding and booking the perfect vacation rental that fits your needs and preferences.

Embrace the International Adventure

For a truly unique experience, consider an international college football game. The growing demand for rentals in cities like Dublin for major matchups is a testament to the expanding horizons of college football fandom.

Vrbo’s Commitment to Enhancing Your Fan Experience

Vrbo is all about making your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. They recognize the vital role hosts play in creating memorable trips, especially their “Premier Hosts,” who consistently go above and beyond for guests. Vrbo’s “Vacation Rentals of the Year” program also highlights exceptional properties, setting a benchmark for quality with outstanding guest ratings and sought-after amenities like private pools and hot tubs. This year’s collection of standout rentals also aligns with emerging travel trends like JOMO – the joy of missing out. These properties offer idyllic settings for guests to disconnect and reconnect with loved ones, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the excitement of game days. It’s about finding that balance between the thrill of the game and the relaxation of your home away from home.

Conclusion: A Season of Strategic Travel and Unforgettable Experiences

The 2025 college football season promises a dynamic travel landscape. With demand peaking around key matchups and popular destinations, proactive planning, especially for accommodations, is paramount for fans aiming to secure the best options and avoid disappointment. Vrbo, as a leading platform for vacation rentals, plays a crucial role in facilitating this fan travel. By providing data-driven insights and a user-friendly booking experience, Vrbo empowers fans to make informed decisions and enjoy seamless game-day experiences. The insights from the Gridiron Guest Report not only illuminate this season’s travel patterns but also offer a glimpse into the evolving preferences of college football fans, shaping future travel strategies for this passionate community. So, get out there, plan smart, and enjoy every moment of the 2025 college football season! Which game are you most excited to travel for this year? Let me know in the comments below!