Vrbo

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a global marketplace for vacation rentals and the primary competitor to Airbnb. Part of the Expedia Group, it specializes in whole-home rentals, meaning you won't find shared rooms or couches; every listing is a private space. This makes it particularly popular for families and groups booking larger trips.

Property owners can list their beach houses, cabins, and condos to earn significant rental income. Vrbo offers flexible fee structures for hosts, including a pay-per-booking model or an annual subscription. It is a legitimate, veteran platform in the travel industry that delivers high-quality bookings from verified travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. specific fees for hosts?

Vrbo offers two models: an annual subscription fee of $499 (best for high-volume hosts) or a pay-per-booking model where you are charged a 5% commission plus a 3% payment processing fee on each reservation.

2. Can I rent out a room?

No, unlike Airbnb, Vrbo generally prohibits listings for shared spaces or single rooms within an occupied house. The platform is dedicated to whole-home rentals, ensuring privacy for guests and higher average booking values for hosts.

3. How do I get paid?

Vrbo processes payments via direct deposit to your bank account. Payouts are typically disbursed one business day after the guest checks in, ensuring the guest is satisfied with the property condition upon arrival.

4. Is there insurance?

Yes, Vrbo provides $1 million in liability insurance for all bookings processed through the platform. This protects hosts against third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage that occur during a guest's stay.

5. Is it owned by Expedia?

Yes, Vrbo was acquired by Expedia Group in 2015 (originally as HomeAway). This means listing on Vrbo often gives your property visibility across the wider Expedia network of travel sites, increasing your exposure.