Vrbo

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is one of the world’s largest vacation rental platforms, connecting travelers with private property owners offering full homes for short- or long-term stays. Founded in 1995 and now owned by Expedia Group, Vrbo specializes in standalone vacation properties—such as villas, cottages, cabins, apartments, and holiday homes—rather than shared spaces. It caters primarily to families and groups seeking spacious, private accommodations with kitchen facilities, outdoor areas, and amenities for children or pets. Vrbo is a major competitor to Airbnb and Booking.com in the vacation rental segment and has a strong presence in North America and Europe.

Key Services

• Online booking of full homes, villas, cabins, and apartments
• Focus on private, non-shared accommodations
• Trip boards for planning and sharing with travel companions
• 24/7 customer support and reservation assistance
• Trust & security features such as Book with Confidence Guarantee
• Property listings managed by owners or professional hosts

Included Features

• Advanced filters for property type, amenities, pet-friendliness, and accessibility
• Detailed listings with reviews, photos, rates, and house rules
• Interactive map search and destination inspiration tools
• Booking calendars with real-time availability
• Messaging system for host-guest communication
• Multilingual platform and currency selection options

Pros

• Ideal for families and larger groups
• No shared spaces—entire home is always included
• Strong reputation and backing from Expedia Group
• Clear cancellation policies and damage protection options
• Trip boards are helpful for collaborative planning
• Extensive supply in the U.S., Canada, Spain, France, and Italy

Cons

• Less suitable for solo travelers or those seeking shared rooms
• Some listings carry additional cleaning or service fees

Service Areas

• North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
• Europe: Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, UK, Germany
• Growing coverage in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean

Guest Ratings

Vrbo is highly rated by travelers who prioritize comfort, privacy, and space. Families appreciate the platform’s emphasis on full-property rentals, while group travelers highlight its ease of use and detailed property pages. Hosts are generally responsive and professional, with many offering family-specific amenities. Guests also value the ability to filter for pet-friendly, waterfront, or kid-proof homes. Some reviews note the importance of carefully reading the fine print on service fees or host cancellation policies.

Suitable For

• Families seeking full houses with kitchens and outdoor areas
• Groups booking multi-bedroom villas or cabins
• Longer stays in rural or beach destinations
• Travelers wanting independence from hotels and shared spaces

Integrations

• Full compatibility with leading channel managers and PMS platforms
• Host dashboard for managing pricing, calendars, and bookings
• API integrations available for professional property managers

Pricing Summary

Guests pay nightly rates plus cleaning and service fees where applicable. Payment is processed securely via Vrbo, with options for upfront or scheduled payments. Damage protection and refundable security deposits may be required. Cancellation policies vary by listing but are clearly displayed.

Why Choose Vrbo

Vrbo is a go-to platform for travelers who prefer private, full-property stays over hotels or shared spaces. With strong support, transparent listings, and a wide international inventory, it’s especially popular among families and groups planning beach getaways, countryside escapes, or extended holidays.

Official website:

https://www.vrbo.com

View all online travel agencies:

Back to Online Travel Agencies Directory