Why Travelers Are Switching to VRBO — And Loving It
VRBO: Your Guide to Vacation Rentals Done Differently
If you're planning a getaway and looking for accommodation beyond traditional hotels, you've likely come across VRBO. But what exactly is it, and how does it stack up against the more widely known Airbnb? Let's dive into everything you need to know about this vacation rental platform.
What is VRBO?
VRBO (pronounced "VER-bo") stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner. Founded in 1995, VRBO is one of the original players in the vacation rental space—actually predating Airbnb by more than a decade. The platform connects property owners with travelers looking to rent entire homes, condos, cabins, and other vacation properties.
In 2006, VRBO was acquired by HomeAway, which was subsequently purchased by Expedia Group in 2015. Today, VRBO operates as part of the Expedia family, giving it access to a massive network and extensive resources.
VRBO vs. Airbnb: Key Differences
While both platforms connect travelers with vacation rentals, there are some notable distinctions:
Property Types: VRBO focuses exclusively on entire properties—whole homes, apartments, cabins, and condos. You won't find private rooms or shared spaces here. Airbnb, on the other hand, offers everything from shared rooms to private rooms to entire homes, giving it more variety but less focus.
Target Audience: VRBO traditionally caters to families and larger groups looking for whole-home rentals, often for longer stays. Airbnb has broader appeal, serving solo travelers, couples, families, and everyone in between.
Booking Philosophy: VRBO properties are typically managed more traditionally, with many owners treating their listings as legitimate vacation rental businesses. Airbnb has a mix of professional hosts and casual homeowners renting out spare rooms or occasionally vacant properties.
Platform Integration: As part of Expedia Group, VRBO integrates with other Expedia services, allowing you to bundle vacation rentals with flights, car rentals, and activities. Airbnb operates as a standalone platform with its own ecosystem of experiences.\
The Benefits of Using VRBO
Whole Property Guarantee: Since VRBO only lists entire properties, you're guaranteed privacy and space. This is ideal for families, groups of friends, or anyone who values having a complete home to themselves during their vacation.
Family-Friendly Focus: Many VRBO properties are specifically designed and equipped for families, with amenities like cribs, high chairs, games, and multiple bedrooms. Hosts often understand the needs of traveling families.
Transparent Pricing: VRBO has worked to improve pricing transparency, showing total costs upfront including cleaning fees and service charges, making it easier to compare properties and budget accurately.
Flexible Cancellation Options: Many VRBO properties offer flexible cancellation policies, and the platform provides clear information about each property's specific cancellation terms before you book.
Loyalty Benefits: If you're an Expedia Rewards member, you can earn and redeem points on VRBO bookings, adding value if you already use other Expedia services for travel planning.
Established Property Standards: Because VRBO focuses on whole-property vacation rentals, many listings are professionally managed or operated by experienced hosts who maintain consistent quality standards.
Less Crowded Platform: While Airbnb's massive popularity means more options, it also means more competition for desirable properties. VRBO's slightly smaller user base can sometimes mean easier booking and more responsive hosts.
Is VRBO Right for Your Trip?
VRBO excels when you're looking for a whole home for a family vacation, group getaway, or extended stay. It's particularly strong in popular vacation destinations like beach towns, mountain resorts, and tourist hotspots where entire-home rentals are the norm.
Whether you choose VRBO or Airbnb often comes down to personal preference and specific trip needs. Many savvy travelers search both platforms to compare options and prices. The good news? With VRBO's long history, extensive inventory, and family-friendly focus, you have a solid alternative that might just offer exactly what you're looking for on your next adventure.