VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is an online marketplace that connects travelers with privately owned vacation homes, condos, cabins and other short-term rentals. Founded in the mid-1990s and now operating as part of the Expedia Group family of brands, VRBO emphasizes whole-home stays rather than individual rooms in shared properties. Its inventory skews toward single-family homes, beachfront houses, and large properties suited to families and groups who want a private space and amenities like kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private yards.

Search on VRBO centers on destination, dates, guest count and property type, with filters for amenities, accessibility features, pet policies and distance from landmarks. Listings come from individual owners and professional managers, and each listing includes photos, an amenities list, property rules, and guest reviews where available. Booking flows differ by property: some listings allow instant booking while others require owner approval; many hosts charge separate cleaning fees and security deposits in addition to the nightly rate and a service fee collected through VRBO.

For travelers who prefer a full house rather than a hotel room, VRBO is a practical first stop. The platform’s strengths are its large selection of whole-home rentals, clear amenity information, and the ability to message hosts directly before booking. Its weaknesses are typical of any marketplace of independent owners: quality and responsiveness vary by host, cancellation policies are set by owners and can be strict, and total trip costs often include multiple line-item fees. VRBO works best when you read listing details and reviews carefully, confirm cancellation and payment terms with the host before booking, and factor in additional fees when comparing options with hotels or other rental platforms.