Ultimate Guide to VRBO: How to Find Your Dream Vacation Rental

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, romantic retreat, or group trip with friends, finding the perfect vacation rental is key. Instead of booking a boring hotel room, why not rent a whole home with amenities, space, and privacy?

That’s where VRBO comes in. VRBO lists over 2 million unique homes, cabins, beach houses, and condos in over 190 countries. From cozy cottages to lavish villas, you can find your dream rental for an upcoming trip.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through tips for using VRBO to find and book an incredible vacation home rental.

How to Use VRBO Like a Pro

Browse Listings

Use VRBO’s search filters to find rentals matching your trip details:

  • Location – Search by city, area, landmark, etc.
  • Dates – Enter your trip dates to see available rentals.
  • Guests – Select the number of people staying to filter for proper room/bed counts.
  • Price – Set a per-night price range that fits your budget.
  • Amenities – Choose features like a hot tub, pool, ocean view, etc.

Look through listing photos, details, reviews, and amenities offered. Save favorite rentals to refer back later.

Book with Confidence

VRBO offers tools for a seamless booking process:

  • Instant booking – Book immediately with owner approval upfront.
  • 24/7 customer support – Get assistance with any aspect of your booking.
  • Secure payments – Safely pay through VRBO with credit card or PayPal.
  • Rental guarantee – Get full refunds if your rental is unavailable upon arrival.
  • Travel insurance – Opt into insurance to protect vacation investments.

Read Reviews

Reviews from past guests provide valuable insider information:

  • Accuracy – How accurately did listing photos and details match the rental?
  • Cleanliness – Was the home tidy and well-maintained?
  • Location – Did the neighborhood and surroundings meet expectations?
  • Communication – How responsive was the owner to questions or issues?
  • Value – Did guests feel they received a good deal?

Contact Owners

Reach out with any questions before booking:

  • Specific details about the home
  • Amenities, bedding, kitchen supplies, etc.
  • Policies on pets, smoking, parties, etc.
  • Nearby attractions and activities

Many owners are happy to provide recommendations to help you plan an amazing trip!

Find Your Dream Getaway

By leveraging the search tools, listings, and owner communications on VRBO, you can easily discover the perfect vacation home rental for your next trip, whether with family, friends, a significant other, or even solo. Bon voyage!