While the Airbnb app is a popular choice for booking vacation rentals, many other apps are also available.
Vrbo
Vrbo is the most comparable alternative to Airbnb you’ll come across on this list.
The platform operates similarly, allowing you to select your home type, price range, and the number of guests you’re searching for. It’s incredibly user-friendly as well, and I favor its interface over Airbnb’s.
While browsing Vrbo, you’ll come across a limited selection of hostels and hotels. However, most are rental apartments or private residences available for short-term stays.
No matter where you travel in the US, you’ll find plenty of choices available. The same is true for Europe and other regions around the globe.
Vrbo allows you to explore the whole US by accommodation type, including cottages and villas.
Additionally, it offers a variety of trip recommendations for you to choose from. The app also enables messaging with hosts beforehand to ensure all your travel itinerary needs are met.
In addition to visiting Vrbo’s website, you can explore Vrbo listings on Tripadvisor if you prefer its user interface. Just click on Vacation Rentals and enter your desired destination and travel dates.
Homestay
While Booking.com is fantastic, I occasionally find the vacation rentals there somewhat “formal.” For a more authentic experience, Homestay serves as an excellent alternative.
As the name implies, you’ll be accommodated in someone else’s home during your trip. This is an excellent choice if you love interacting with new people.
The website caters to budget-conscious travelers but also offers some pricier options for those interested.
Homestay is primarily designed for students, yet it also serves as a great option for solo travelers. Before booking, you can browse through host profiles that offer brief introductions to help determine compatibility.
Additionally, there’s the possibility of arranging meals with your host.
Homestay is available in multiple US cities like Seattle and Los Angeles. You can also find hosts throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, and many other global locations.
Booking.com
These days, I rely on Booking.com for nearly all my vacation rentals and consistently check it before any trip.
While the Airbnb app is renowned for its wide variety of hotels, it also offers a surprisingly extensive range of alternative lodging options.
For instance, during a city getaway in June 2024, I used Booking.com to rent an apartment for several days.
To locate vacation rentals on Booking.com, I recommend utilizing filters to refine your search. Some of the key factors for me are:
- Distance from the city center (when I’m on a city break)
- The scenery (I always opt for a place with a great view when booking a vacation rental)
- Enjoyable activities in the area (such as hiking, which I would love to do if available)
- You can refine your search on Booking.com using various convenient filters, such as kitchen facilities, vacation rental type, and the availability of a private bathroom.
In my view, the latter is particularly important since I prefer not to share a bathroom with others.
With Booking.com, you have the choice of paying either upfront or just before your trip; however, keep in mind that options and cancellation periods differ depending on the property.
Conclusion
Airbnb app is a popular choice for booking vacation rentals, but there are other alternatives like Vrbo, Homestay, and Booking.com.
Vrbo offers a user-friendly interface and a limited selection of hostels and hotels but offers rental apartments or private residences for short-term stays.
It offers trip recommendations, and messaging with hosts, and can be found on Tripadvisor.
Homestay is an authentic alternative to Booking.com, catering to budget-conscious travelers and solo travelers.
It offers host profiles, and meal arrangements, and is available in multiple US cities and globally. Booking.com is a popular choice for vacation rentals, offering a wide range of options.
To find vacation rentals, use filters like distance from the city center, scenery, and nearby activities. Booking.com allows users to pay upfront and can be accessed through various websites.
