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Are you planning for a vacation but tired of staying in hotels? Do you want a more personalized experience while on vacation? A vacation rental may be what you need. VRBO, also known as Vacation Rentals by Owner, is a platform that connects travelers with homeowners who are renting out their properties. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about VRBO travel agent and its services.
What is VRBO?
VRBO is an online marketplace that connects travelers with property owners who are renting out their homes, apartments, condos, cabins, and villas for short-term stays. The platform was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. It was later acquired by Expedia Group in 2015 and became a part of its vacation rental portfolio, which includes other popular brands such as HomeAway and Vrbo.
How does VRBO work?
Using VRBO as a travel agent is straightforward. You can search for rental properties on the platform using various filters such as location, dates, amenities, and price range. Once you find a suitable property, you can book it directly with the owner or property manager. VRBO acts as a middleman, handling the payment and security deposit on behalf of both parties. The platform also offers a range of tools and services to help both renters and owners manage their bookings and communication.
What are the benefits of using VRBO?
VRBO offers several advantages over traditional hotel stays, such as:
- More space, privacy, and comfort
- Full kitchen facilities and other home amenities
- Lower overall costs, especially for large groups or extended stays
- Unique and authentic travel experiences
- Flexible cancellation policies and payment options
What types of properties can you find on VRBO?
VRBO offers a wide variety of rental properties to suit different travel needs and preferences. Some popular types of properties include:
- Beach houses and condos
- Mountain cabins and lodges
- City apartments and lofts
- Luxury villas and estates
- Family-friendly homes with pool and playground
What are the fees and charges of using VRBO?
VRBO charges both renters and owners various fees and charges for using its platform. These include:
- Rental rate: the amount paid to the owner for the stay
- Service fee: a fee charged by VRBO to cover the cost of platform maintenance and customer support
- Cleaning fee: a fee charged by the owner for cleaning the property before and after the stay
- Taxes: local and state taxes that may apply to the rental
- Security deposit: a refundable deposit held by VRBO to cover any damages or losses to the property
How to become a VRBO rental owner?
If you own a property that you want to rent out on VRBO, you can sign up as an owner on the platform. To do this, you need to create a property listing, which includes photos, descriptions, and rental terms. You also need to decide on the rental rate, cleaning fee, and other charges. Once your listing is published, you can start receiving booking requests from potential renters. VRBO offers several tools and resources to help owners manage their listings, bookings, and payments.
What are the safety and security measures of VRBO?
VRBO takes safety and security seriously and has implemented several measures to protect its users and their transactions. These include:
- Verified owner and guest profiles
- Secure payment processing and fraud detection
- 24/7 customer support and emergency assistance
- Reviews and ratings system for renters and owners
- Terms and conditions that govern the use of the platform
What are the alternatives to VRBO?
While VRBO is a popular and reliable platform for vacation rentals, there are other alternatives that you may consider. Some of these include:
- Airbnb: a global platform that offers short-term rentals in over 220 countries
- Booking.com: a travel booking site that also offers vacation rentals and apartments
- TripAdvisor Rentals: a rental platform that specializes in luxury and premium rentals
- FlipKey: a rental site that is owned by TripAdvisor and focuses on vacation homes and condos
Conclusion
VRBO travel agent is an excellent option for travelers who want more space, privacy, and comfort on their vacation. The platform offers a wide variety of rental properties, from beach houses to luxury villas, and provides several tools and services to help renters and owners manage their bookings and communication. While VRBO charges various fees and charges, it also offers flexible payment and cancellation policies and a reliable safety and security system. If you are looking for an alternative to hotels, VRBO may be the perfect choice.