The Rise of Vacation Rentals
The vacation rental industry has witnessed a paradigm shift in the past decade. With social media and peer-to-peer communication channels on the rise, travelers are now open to more options than ever before. Airbnb, the most popular platform for vacation rentals, revolutionized the way travelers book accommodations. With over 7 million listings worldwide, the platform has turned into a one-stop-shop for travelers, with over 600 million nights booked since its inception.
The Best Airbnb Alternatives for Vacation Rentals
While Airbnb is still the go-to platform for many travelers, there are several other options for vacation rentals, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are ten of the best Airbnb alternatives for vacation rentals:
1. VRBO
VRBO, or Vacation Rental By Owner, is a popular vacation rental platform that is part of the Expedia Group. With over 2 million listings worldwide, VRBO offers a wide range of vacation rentals, from cabins in the woods to modern apartments in the city. VRBO differs from Airbnb in that it focuses exclusively on entire homes and apartments. This makes it an excellent option for families or larger groups.
2. HomeAway
HomeAway is another popular vacation rental platform that is now part of the Expedia Group. Like VRBO, HomeAway focuses exclusively on entire homes and apartments, making it ideal for families and groups. HomeAway has over 2 million vacation rental listings in over 190 countries, making it one of the largest vacation rental platforms.
3. FlipKey
FlipKey is a vacation rental platform owned by TripAdvisor. With over 300,000 listings worldwide, FlipKey offers a wide range of vacation rentals, including apartments, houses, and villas. What makes FlipKey unique is its focus on high-end vacation rentals and luxury properties, making it an excellent option for travelers looking for a luxurious vacation experience.
4. Booking.com
Booking.com is primarily known for its hotel booking platform, but the company also offers vacation rentals. With over 6 million vacation rental listings worldwide, Booking.com offers a wide range of vacation rentals, including apartments, houses, and villas. Booking.com differs from Airbnb in that it doesn’t charge any service fees to travelers, making it an attractive option for travelers looking to save on accommodation costs.
5. HomeToGo
HomeToGo is a vacation rental metasearch engine that allows travelers to search and compare vacation rentals from multiple platforms in one place. With over 18 million listings worldwide, HomeToGo offers a wide range of vacation rentals, including apartments, houses, and villas. What makes HomeToGo unique is its price comparison feature, which allows travelers to find the best deals on vacation rentals.
6. Wimdu
Wimdu is a vacation rental platform that offers over 350,000 listings worldwide. With a focus on apartments and vacation homes, Wimdu is an excellent option for travelers looking to get a local experience. What sets Wimdu apart from other vacation rental platforms is its focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness.
7. 9flats
9flats is a vacation rental platform that offers over 6 million listings worldwide. With a focus on unique and quirky vacation rentals, 9flats is an excellent option for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. 9flats also offers a rewards program that allows travelers to earn credits towards future bookings.
8. OneFineStay
OneFineStay is a luxury vacation rental platform that offers over 10,000 high-end properties worldwide. With a focus on luxury properties, OneFineStay is an excellent option for travelers looking for a luxurious vacation experience. OneFineStay offers a range of services, including personalized check-in and 24/7 concierge support.
9. Sonder
Sonder is a vacation rental platform that offers over 13,000 listings in over 30 cities worldwide. With a focus on high-end apartments and hotels, Sonder is an excellent option for travelers looking for a luxury experience. Sonder offers a range of services, including 24/7 concierge support and keyless entry to properties.
10. Vacasa
Vacasa is a vacation rental platform that offers over 25,000 listings worldwide. With a focus on vacation homes, Vacasa is an excellent option for travelers looking for a home away from home. Vacasa also offers a range of services, including professional housekeeping and maintenance.
Conclusion
While Airbnb is the most popular vacation rental platform, there are several other options for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a home away from home, there is a vacation rental platform suitable for your needs. With the rise of new platforms such as HomeToGo and Sonder, the vacation rental industry shows no signs of slowing down.
