VRBO and HomeAway are both vacation rental platforms owned by Expedia Group, offering similar services for travelers seeking rental accommodations. While VRBO tends to emphasize whole-property rentals, HomeAway caters to a broader range of options including apartments and condos, with slight variations in user interface and property listings, but ultimately providing similar experiences for users searching for vacation rentals.
Key Takeaways
- VRBO and HomeAway are popular vacation rental websites allowing travellers to book private homes and apartments for short-term stays.
- While VRBO was originally known as Vacation Rentals By Owner and focused on individual property owners, HomeAway was a larger platform that included professional property management companies.
- However, both websites are now owned by the same company and function similarly, offering travellers a wide range of vacation rental options.
VRBO vs HomeAway
The difference between VRBO and HomeAway is that VRBO is used more by homeowners in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. In contrast, HomeAway is used more by homeowners from Europe, India, and Australia.
Comparison Table
| Feature | VRBO | HomeAway |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Primarily focuses on vacation homes | Offers vacation homes, condos, cabins, and other unique properties |
| Target Audience | Families and larger groups seeking spacious accommodations | Diverse travelers, including families, couples, and solo travelers |
| Fees for Travelers | Service fee (6-12%) charged to the traveler | Guest service fee (3-12%) charged to the traveler |
| Fees for Hosts | Listing fee (optional) and commission (2-8%) | Listing fee and commission (percentage varies) |
| Marketing & Reach | Strong focus on targeted marketing to relevant audiences | Wider reach due to larger user base |
| Search Functionality | Advanced search options including amenities, location filters, and property type | Similar search options with additional filters like cancellation policy and minimum stay |
| Cancellation Policy | Varies by listing, often stricter | Varies by listing but may be more flexible options available |
| Customer Service | Dedicated customer service team for both travelers and hosts | Customer service team available but may be less specialized |
| Overall | Considered the go-to platform for vacation rentals, especially for families and larger groups | Offers a wider variety of unique properties and may be a good option for diverse travelers |
What is VRBO?
VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is an online platform that connects travelers with property owners who offer vacation rental accommodations. Founded in 1995, VRBO was one of the pioneers in the vacation rental industry and has since grown into one of the largest and most popular platforms for booking vacation homes, cabins, condos, beach houses, and other types of rental properties.
How VRBO Works
- Property Listings: Property owners can list their vacation rental properties on VRBO’s website by creating detailed listings that include photos, descriptions, amenities, availability calendars, and pricing information. Owners have control over the rental terms, including rates, minimum stay requirements, and cancellation policies.
- Search and Booking: Travelers can search for vacation rentals on VRBO’s website using filters such as location, dates, number of guests, and amenities. They can browse through property listings, view photos, read reviews from previous guests, and compare prices before making a booking directly through the platform.
- Booking Process: Once travelers find a suitable vacation rental, they can submit a booking request or instantly book the property if the owner offers instant booking. VRBO facilitates the booking process by handling payments securely and providing booking confirmation details to both the traveler and the property owner.
- Communication and Support: VRBO provides messaging tools that allow travelers and property owners to communicate directly regarding booking inquiries, rental arrangements, and any other questions or concerns. Additionally, VRBO offers customer support to assist both travelers and owners with any issues or inquiries they may have before, during, or after their stay.
- Payment Protection: VRBO offers a payment protection guarantee to travelers, which provides reimbursement for eligible losses resulting from fraud or misrepresentation by the property owner. This helps to ensure that travelers can book with confidence and have peace of mind when using the platform.
What is HomeAway?
HomeAway is an online vacation rental marketplace that connects travelers with property owners offering a wide array of rental accommodations worldwide. Established in 2005, HomeAway quickly became one of the leading platforms in the vacation rental industry, providing travelers with access to diverse lodging options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious villas.
How HomeAway Works:
- Property Listings: Property owners can list their vacation rental properties on HomeAway’s platform by creating detailed listings that include photos, descriptions, amenities, availability calendars, and pricing information. Owners have control over the rental terms, including rates, minimum stay requirements, and cancellation policies.
- Search and Booking: Travelers can search for vacation rentals on HomeAway’s website using filters such as location, dates, number of guests, and amenities. They can browse through property listings, view photos, read reviews from previous guests, and compare prices before making a booking directly through the platform.
- Booking Process: Once travelers find a suitable vacation rental, they can submit a booking inquiry or instantly book the property if the owner offers instant booking. HomeAway facilitates the booking process by handling payments securely and providing booking confirmation details to both the traveler and the property owner.
- Communication and Support: HomeAway provides messaging tools that allow travelers and property owners to communicate directly regarding booking inquiries, rental arrangements, and any other questions or concerns. Additionally, HomeAway offers customer support to assist both travelers and owners with any issues or inquiries they may have before, during, or after their stay.
- Payment Protection: HomeAway offers a payment protection guarantee to travelers, which provides reimbursement for eligible losses resulting from fraud or misrepresentation by the property owner. This helps to ensure that travelers can book with confidence and have peace of mind when using the platform.
Main Differences Between VRBO and HomeAway
- Ownership:
- VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) was originally founded as a platform for homeowners to directly list and rent out their properties to travelers.
- HomeAway, while similar in concept, was established as a broader vacation rental marketplace, encompassing both individual property owners and professional property managers.
- Emphasis on Property Types:
- VRBO tends to focus more on whole-property rentals such as houses, cabins, and villas, with an emphasis on the homeowner’s perspective.
- HomeAway offers a wider variety of rental options including apartments, condos, and resorts, catering to a diverse range of traveler preferences.
- User Interface and Experience:
- While both platforms are owned by Expedia Group and share many similarities in functionality, they may have slight differences in user interface and website design, offering users slightly different experiences when browsing for vacation rentals.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13683500.2019.1711027
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13683500.2019.1711027
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