Set yourself up for success with vacation rentals
Vacation rentals provide a whole-home experience to travelers, making them particularly suitable for families or groups of travelers. By understanding the key differences of booking vacation rentals compared to traditional lodging, you can be confident to better serve your clients and set yourself up for success.
In this article we break down the essentials, so you can embrace the unique opportunities vacation rentals offer and enhance your travel services,
1. Why you should offer vacation rentals
People have changed how they like to travel, and more travelers are now interested in vacation rentals instead of traditional hotels. Travelers are seeking alternative stays, like cabins, chalets, chateaus, boats, recreational vehicles, etc., with demand increasing by over 50% compared to Q2 2019 (Expedia Traveler Insights Report, Q4 2022).
Vacation rentals provide a unique and personalized experience, allowing travelers to enjoy a home-like atmosphere during their stay but it can also bring you amazing benefits.
Allows you to offer a broader range of accommodations, catering to various traveler preferences and needs.
Vacation rentals often come with longer stays, which could lead to higher earnings.
Helps you attract families, groups, eco-conscious travelers, and those seeking luxury or off-the-beaten-path experiences.
By offering vacation rentals, you can differentiate yourself from others that primarily focus on hotel bookings.
2. What to consider when booking vacation rentals
Booking this type of property is easy on Expedia TAAP. It's like booking a hotel and you can earn commission from it. We get vacation rentals from two sources: Expedia and Vrbo.
The process to book vacation rentals and conventional lodging is identical, but the way you'll be able to manage changes or cancellations can differ significantly. For example, on all Vrbo servicing requests, direct communication with the host is essential to ensure a successful stay to your travelers.
For a breakdown on service requirements and the differences you should expect when booking a Vrbo property, check the table below.
| SERVICE REQUIREMENT | VRBO | HOTEL |
|---|---|---|
Cleaning | Typically managed by host and often between stays. Service fees are included in the booking price and are collected at checkout. | Normally offers daily housekeeping provided by hotel staff. |
Additional fees | You may be requested to pay additional fees, directly to the host, via Vrbo.com or at check-in. Additional fees can include pet fees, hot tub fees, etc. | Usually collected by the property at check-in. Additional fees can include city tax, etc. |
Deposit | Once the booking has been completed, a refundable damage deposit can be requested by the host via vrbo.com. Refunds can take up to 14 days after check-out. | A credit card can be held on file by the property, at check-in, in order to cover potential expenses such as mini-bar, etc. |
Check-in | Arranged directly with the host prior to arrival. The traveler may also need to access the property without host supervision. | Typically offering standardized check-in times, managed by front desk staff. |
In-stay issues | Any issues must be raised directly to the host while in-stay, using their contact details. | Any issues can be raised to the front desk and/or concierge services when available. |
Booking modifications | Contact host directly to check for availability. Modifications cannot be done directly on Expedia TAAP. | Most modifications can be self-served online via Expedia TAAP or requested via our agent support. |
Agency cancellation & refunds | Policies may vary by host. Waiver requests not typically granted. | Generally standardized policies. Waiver requests are at the property's discretion. |
Host cancellation | If the host cancels, relocation support is only provided when the following two conditions are met: | Not applicable |
Relocation | Relocation support is only provided if the host cancels and the two above conditions are met (see previous row). | Handled by Expedia relocation team. |
Tip
Need to manage a Vrbo booking? Learn how with our step-by-step guide.
3. When to offer vacation rentals
You might be considering the best times to recommend vacation rentals to your clients and how to highlight their advantages for travelers. We've compiled some helpful points to keep an eye out for, which can guide you in determining the ideal moments to offer these appealing accommodation choices.
- Longer Stays: For travelers planning extended trips, such as a week or more, vacation rentals offer the comfort and amenities of a home away from home, making them a suitable choice. Vrbo properties can be booked up to 90 days (availability may be limited to specific Expedia TAAP points of sale).
- Last-Minute Travel: Vacation rentals often offer great value due to restrictive cancellation policies. If the travel is last minute and less likely to be canceled, you could be offering more space to travelers for less money.
- Group Travel: because of the space these properties offer, they are ideal when you have more than two travelers or for family events.
- Pet-Friendly Travel: For clients traveling with pets, vacation rentals often provide pet-friendly options that are more accommodating than many traditional hotels.
- Privacy and Seclusion: If clients are seeking a private and secluded getaway, such as a romantic retreat or a peaceful escape, vacation rentals in remote or secluded locations can be a perfect fit.
Ready to start booking?
Learn how to make a vacation rental booking on Expedia TAAP.