If you’ve ever daydreamed about waking up in a cozy cabin in the mountains, a beach house with ocean views, or a chic city loft, chances are you’ve searched online for a place to stay. And if you stumbled upon Vrbo, you might’ve asked yourself: What is Vrbo?
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone just beginning to explore vacation rental options, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Vrbo in the most straightforward and human-friendly way possible platform.
Table of Contents
What Does Vrbo Stand For?
First things first: Vrbo (pronounced “ver-bo”) stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner. It was launched in 1995 before most of us even knew what vacation rentals were as a platform where homeowners could rent out their properties to travelers.
Back in the day, it was a simple directory of vacation homes. Now, Vrbo.com is a global platform with millions of listings across the world.
A Personal Anecdote: Discovering Vrbo for the First Time
I remember planning a last-minute road trip with my cousins to the Smoky Mountains. Hotels were either fully booked or too expensive. Then someone suggested checking out Vrbo. We found a rustic cabin with a fireplace, board games, and a hot tub — all for less than what three hotel rooms would’ve cost. That trip became one of our most memorable adventures. And just like that, I became a Vrbo believer.
Is Vrbo Legit? Absolutely. Here’s Why.
You might be wondering, is Vrbo legit? With so many online scams these days, it’s a fair question.
The answer is yes, Vrbo is 100% legit. In fact, it’s owned by Expedia Group — the same travel giant behind brands like Hotels.com and Travelocity.
To protect users, Vrbo offers:
- Book with Confidence Guarantee – Covering payment protection and access assistance.
- Verified reviews from actual travelers.
- Secure payment systems.
So rest assured, you’re not wiring money to a stranger in a foreign country — your booking is handled professionally.
Who Owns Vrbo?
In 2006, Vrbo was acquired by HomeAway, another vacation rental site. Then in 2015, Expedia Group bought HomeAway, and with it, Vrbo. Eventually, Vrbo became the brand’s flagship platform for vacation homes, and HomeAway was retired in 2020.
So if you’re still typing “home away” into your browser, now you know: it’s all under the Vrbo umbrella.
Is Vrbo Better Than Airbnb? Comparing the Giants
A common debate in travel circles is: Is Vrbo better than Airbnb?
Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Vrbo | Airbnb |
|---|---|---|
| Property Types | Entire homes only | Entire homes & shared spaces |
| Guest Fees | Lower overall | Slightly higher fees |
| Hosts | Typically professionals or second-home owners | A mix of casual and professional hosts |
| Customer Support | Highly rated | Mixed reviews |
If you’re looking for a full private space, maybe for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Vrbo is often the better pick. But if you’re cool with shared spaces, Airbnb might give you more variety.
Is Airbnb or Vrbo better? That depends on your needs. But Vrbo wins on privacy and family-friendly options.
Step-by-Step: How to Book on Vrbo
Booking on Vrbo is easy. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit Vrbo.com.
- Enter your destination, dates, and number of guests.
- Browse listings using filters like:
- Price
- Property type (condo, cabin, house)
- Amenities (pool, pet-friendly, etc.)
- Read reviews and check the photos.
- Click “Book Now” or “Request to Book”.
- Pay securely via credit card.
🎉 That’s it! You’ll get a confirmation email and details from your host.
How to Get My Vrbo Link?
If you’re a host and wondering how to get my Vrbo link to share with guests or friends, follow these steps:
- Go to your Vrbo Owner Login.
- Navigate to your property listing.
- Click “Preview” and copy the URL.
- Share the link via email, social media, or your website.
Simple and effective.
What Are Vrbo Host Requirements?
If you’re considering becoming a host, here’s what Vrbo expects:
- Your property must be private (no shared spaces).
- Provide accurate descriptions and photos.
- Set clear cancellation policies.
- Respond to inquiries quickly.
- Maintain positive reviews and housekeeping standards.
You’ll also need to create a Vrbo login to manage bookings, calendars, and communication.
Vrbo takes hosting seriously. But in return, hosts get access to millions of travelers.
Vrbo Vacation Rentals: A World of Possibilities
Vrbo offers millions of vacation rentals across 190+ countries. You can find:
- Beach houses in Florida.
- Lakefront cabins in Canada.
- Chalets in the Alps.
- Desert villas in Arizona.
The platform is tailored for travelers looking for privacy, space, and comfort — often for less than the cost of hotels.
Vrbo Customer Service: Always There When You Need Them
Got a problem or question? Vrbo customer service is known for its responsiveness. You can reach them via:
- 24/7 chat support.
- Toll-free numbers (varies by country).
- Email assistance for less urgent issues.
And their Help Center has detailed guides for everything from booking to refunds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few pro tips to make your Vrbo experience flawless:
- Read the cancellation policy carefully.
- Check for hidden fees like cleaning charges or service fees.
- Communicate with your host before arrival.
- Always book through Vrbo.com not third-party links.
What Is VBRO? A Simple Typo
You may have typed vbro instead of Vrbo and you’re not alone. It’s a common typo. Just remember: it’s Vrbo, not VBRO, and it stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner.
Conclusion: Why Vrbo Might Be Your New Favorite Travel Companion
To wrap it all up, Vrbo is a trusted, secure, and user-friendly vacation rental platform that offers private stays around the world. Whether you’re booking a family reunion, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat, Vrbo has something perfect waiting for you.
And once you try it, there’s a good chance you’ll be telling your friends: “Hotels? Nah, I Vrbo now.”
