If you want to get your vacation rental seen and booked by millions of travellers, listing on a top platform like Vrbo is essential. As part of Expedia Group, Vrbo offers massive exposure, putting your property in front of a global audience.This guide is your roadmap to success on the platform. We'll cover how Vrbo works, how to make your listing stand out, and why it's a powerful tool for growing your rental business.

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What is Vrbo?

Vrbo, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is a leading online marketplace that connects homeowners with travellers looking for places to stay. Launched in 1995, it's one of the original platforms in the industry and now features over 2 million properties in 190 countries.Unlike some other platforms, Vrbo specializes in renting out entire properties, which attracts families and groups. You can list nearly any type of private property, including:

• Apartments and condos
• Cabins and cottages
• Villas
• Beach houses
• Unique stays like boats, castles, and farmhouses

Vrbo provides guests with detailed photos and descriptions of the property as well as information about the owner/manager before booking. It also offers insurance plans and guarantees to reduce the risk of fraudulent booking scams.

Are Vrbo and HomeAway the same thing?

Yes, for all practical purposes, Vrbo and HomeAway are now the same. While they started as separate companies, HomeAway acquired Vrbo in 2006. Later, in 2015, Expedia Group acquired the entire HomeAway portfolio.In 2020, Expedia Group streamlined its brands by merging HomeAway's website and listings into Vrbo. Today, Vrbo is the primary vacation rental brand under the Expedia Group umbrella, and all former HomeAway hosts are now Vrbo hosts.

How does Vrbo work for hosts?

As a property owner on Vrbo, you have the tools and control to run your business your way. The platform provides a secure environment for bookings and communication while giving you the flexibility to manage your listing as you see fit.

You have full control

Vrbo empowers you to manage every aspect of your rental. You are in charge of setting:

• Your pricing: Establish nightly, weekly, or monthly rates.
• Your availability: Block off dates and manage your booking calendar.
• Your house rules: Define policies on pets, parties, and more.

You also communicate directly with guests, manage your own photos and descriptions, and collect reviews to build your reputation.

You instantly gain massive exposure

When you list on Vrbo, your property isn't just visible on one site. It is automatically distributed across the entire Expedia Group marketplace, which includes high-traffic travel sites like:

• Expedia
• Trivago
• KAYAK

This expanded reach puts your listing in front of millions of additional travellers at no extra cost, significantly increasing your chances of getting booked.

You can manage your business seamlessly

For hosts with one or more properties, staying organized is key to success. Vrbo connects seamlessly with leading vacation rental software, allowing you to centralize your operations.Using a channel manager for Vrbo, like Lodgify, helps you sync your calendars, rates, and bookings across multiple platforms automatically. This prevents double bookings and saves you hours of manual work, empowering you to grow your business more efficiently.

Is listing on Vrbo worth it?

Yes, listing on Vrbo is worth it for most property owners who rent out entire homes. The platform’s focus on family and group travellers often results in longer stays and higher-value bookings compared to sites that feature single-room rentals.Key benefits of listing on Vrbo include:

• Global reach: Your property is shown to millions of travellers on Vrbo and its affiliate sites.
• High-quality guests: Vrbo attracts travellers specifically looking for private, whole-home experiences.
• Host control: You set your own rules, prices, and availability.
• Security: Vrbo offers liability insurance and secure payment processing to protect hosts.

If you're looking for a proven way to increase your property’s occupancy and revenue, creating a Vrbo listing is a confident step toward growing a successful vacation rental business.

Don't see the form to download our rental agreement template? Click here.