Booking with VRBO can offer a fun and unique experience combining the comforts of home with the thrill of staying in a new location. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended family vacation, there are the best tips for booking VRBO that will ensure that you have an amazing experience
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DEFINE YOUR VACATION NEEDS
Before you even start to check through the available listings on VRBO, keep in mind the type of vacation you want. Also, think of certain things that are necessary for your stay. These are some things to have in mind:
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms: Make sure there is enough space for everyone to be comfortable.
Kitchen facilities: One of the benefits of booking through VRBO is the ability to cook and/or store food and save on meal expenses.
Accessibility: Look for places with the accessibility needs that you require such as wheelchair access, elevators, first floor accommodations.
Other amenities: Families often love accommodations with wi-fi, a swimming pool, air conditioning, or other items.
Pet-friendly options: If you have pets with you, make sure that the property allows them. Once you select a property check the list for any additional fees for keeping your pet there.
MAKE USE OF SEARCH FILTERS
VRBO provides plenty of filters to help you narrow down your search, which makes it easier to find what you like. These filters are especially helpful:
Price range: Set the budget to what you’re comfortable spending
Property type: Pick between cabins, homes, condos, villas, or something a bit more specialized.
Instant booking: Check for properties that provide instant booking for immediate confirmation.
Cancellation policy: This is handy in case your plans change. Be aware of your options before the unexpected happens.
READ REVIEWS AND RATINGS
Reading through the actual experiences of people who have stayed at the property gives you a needed perspective on what it’s like to stay there.
Cleanliness: Always look for if a property has numerous positive comments regarding cleanliness.
Accuracy: Check to see the review responses to the descriptions compared to the real-life view.
Host responsiveness: Look for reviews that mention interactions with the host particularly when questions or issues were raised.
Previous guests’ experiences: Pay particular attention to the experiences of people who are similar to you, for instance, families, couples, and pet owners.
COMMUNICATE WITH THE HOST
Before you book your accommodation, communicate with the host to cover up any questions or uncertainties you may have. Make sure to discuss:
House Rules: Understand rules about noise, visitors, or other restrictions.
Check-In and Check-Out Times: These are usually included in the listing, but it’s good to verify. Ask about the procedure for early or late arrivals if needed.
Local Recommendations: Find out what they suggest regarding meals, shopping, or other local attractions.
BE AWARE OF EXTRA FEES
Many listings on VRBO include additional fees of some sort. When reviewing the listings be sure to check for:
Cleaning Fees: They can be minimal or almost as much as the nightly stay, so be sure to check.
Service Fees: VRBO charges a service fee for each booking
Extra Guest Fees: Some places charge additional fees for guests beyond a certain number. Be clear on what this includes if you’re traveling with kids.
ASSESS THE LAYOUT AND SPACE
Consider the layout and the space that the location provides to make sure it’s what you need.
Open Floor Plans: This can be a good thing for families, but for other groups, it may not provide enough privacy.
Private Bedrooms: Make sure there is adequate privacy as needed.
Outdoor Space: A patio or balcony can add a great deal to the amount of living space that is available, especially in warm climates and seasons.
EVALUATE THE LOCATION
The location of your rental is one of the most important factors to consider and can be essential to your experience.
Neighborhood Safety: Thoroughly research the safety of the area.
Proximity to Attractions: Find out how far you’ll be to places that you want to visit. Use your itinerary and Google Maps to find out travel times and distances.
Public Transportation: If you’re not using a car, and plan to rely on public transportation, be sure that there are good options nearby and safe routes to access them. Google Maps is good here as well.
FIND FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
If you’re traveling with your family, some amenities can make your stay more enjoyable.
Children’s Gear: Some properties provide high chairs, cribs, and toys.
Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry and especially laundry within the unit can be convenient. This can be vital for extended stays or vacations.
Entertainment Options: You can look for properties that come with TVs, gaming consoles, or board games.
CHECK FOR LONG-TERM DISCOUNTS
If you’re planning for an extended stay in your location, some hosts will offer discounts by the week or the month. You can save a lot of money this way.
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
No matter how well you plan, the unexpected happens. Be prepared and don’t worry
Alternative Accommodations: Find other hotels or rentals nearby. You can do this quickly by checking the VRBO site or Booking.com. Both have extensive selections of quality accommodations.
Emergency Contacts: Keep the host’s contact info and local emergency numbers available. Save them in multiple locations including where you don’t need wifi/service to access them.
ENJOY YOUR VRBO STAY
VRBO is an excellent option for your vacation because it provides options that are unique and personalized. If you follow these tips, you’ll find the perfect accommodations for you and your family. While you’re planning your family trip, be sure to check out our essential guide for planning a family trip as well as our checklist for what to pack when staying in a vacation rental.
