Thinking about going on vacation? You're not alone. According to Vacasa, more than half of all Americans are planning a trip this spring. And whether they're heading to the beach or the mountains, the city or the country, travelers are looking for vacation homes they can spread out in for ultimate relaxation. Vrbo, one of the most popular vacation rentals websites, is seeing a nearly 50 percent increase in demand for rentals this March and April compared to last spring.
While the added space that comes with a rental like an Airbnb vs. a hotel is certainly appealing—you can have multiple bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and communal areas to enjoy with family and friends—it's not the only reason rentals are on the rise. According to a Vacasa survey, travelers who are booking vacation rentals for their spring getaways appreciate the value for money and access to a full kitchen.
Another sign of just how popular these rentals are: the sheer quantity of vacation rentals websites that will help you find everything from a cute cabin to a gorgeous castle and every cottage in between. Don't know where to start? We've rounded up the top vacation rentals websites to use whether you're looking for the most popular Airbnbs, the best international options, unique properties, or affordable family vacation ideas.
Best for extensive options
Airbnb
Airbnb is a commerce site where homeowners personally list a vacation rental and travelers can book it directly. What makes Airbnb unique is that you can choose to spend the night in anything from a bedroom in someone's home to a tree house to a castle in France. (No, really—the company reports that it has nearly 3,000 Airbnb castles and 1,400 tree houses in its current listings.)
There are more than 5 million Airbnb listings worldwide, so there's truly something for everyone, including charm-filled Airbnbs that cost less than $100, Airbnb Plus options that go beyond Superhost-hosted homes, and Airbnb Luxe options that feel like five-star hotels.
Pros:
- The variety of sizes and prices makes it easy to find the best fit.
- Hosts are often on-site or nearby, giving you the chance to meet a local.
Cons:
- Interacting with hosts isn't for everyone.
- Inconsistent bedding and amenities from property to property
Best for spacious getaways
Vrbo
Vacation Rental by Owner (aka Vrbo) is a platform for vacation home rentals. Vacationers deal directly with homeowners instead of going through a realtor or other middlemen. Unlike Airbnb, none of the listings on Vrbo are shared spaces, so you'll never find someone else's food in the fridge or clothes in the closet. Due to the exclusive use and privacy of the vacation homes available, this is a great option for family getaways—everyone can spread out instead of squishing into a hotel room. It's also a perfect fit for groups who want to stay together in a shared space.
Since Vrbo properties are always single homes, prices are higher than for the single rooms you can find on Airbnb. As for the cost of Airbnb vs. Vrbo when it comes to renting an entire house, you may not notice much of a difference. Houses of comparable size in the same destination should have similar costs on each site, though they may skew lower on Vrbo, where fees tend to be less.
Pros:
- Property sizes make this a great option for groups.
- Numerous vacation homes in popular destinations
Cons:
- Fewer options than Airbnb
Best for North and Central American options
Vacasa
North America's largest vacation rental platform, Vacasa, operates as a property management company, overseeing owners' properties. It manages 35,000 homes spanning 34 states plus vacation destinations like Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Canada. The homes run the gamut from privately owned vacation houses to vacation club condos. Vacasa-managed properties are synched to list on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
What you gain from booking a Vacasa property is consistency in management—there's a pro crew to answer questions—and high-tech apps and digital check-in for easy transactions.
Pros:
- Lots of North American properties
- The tech-savvy company has an app that offers property details and adds ease to booking.
- Consistent aesthetic and amenities from home to home
Cons:
- Not in every state
- Limited inventory
Best luxury properties
Third Home Rentals
Want to swap a stay in your luxurious second home for a vacation in someone else's? That's the concept behind Third Home. Depending on several factors, you'll earn travel credits for your property, which you can use to stay at homes that range from an apartment in the middle of Amsterdam to a tree house in South Africa and a ski lodge in Lake Tahoe.
Yes, we know such an exclusive home-exchange club isn't a fit for most people (us included). But this is where things get interesting: Certain homes are available to book as part of an exclusive rental program. With stunning Greek villas and grand Swiss chalets available to rent by the night, it's one of the best vacation rentals websites for truly luxe and relaxing getaways.
Pros:
- Unique luxury offerings, including French chateaus and Tuscan farmhouses
- Highly vetted properties
Cons:
- Limited inventory
- Rentals are often pricey (but you get what you pay for)
Best for a modern apartment
Sonder
An innovative addition to the apartment rental marketplace, Sonder uses a high-tech interface that makes it easy for guests to access everything from neighborhood guides and Wi-Fi to 24-hour customer service. The sleek, modern apartments are located in hip hoods in cities like Austin, Boston, Denver, and Los Angeles as well as cities in Europe, Canada, Mexico, and even Dubai.
Apartments are crisp, clean, and contemporary and also come stocked with bathroom amenities and fully outfitted kitchens for a mix of hotel-like detail and long-term rental vibes. Although you'll only be checking in with a code and a keypad, a digital concierge on Sonder's app can help with any issues.
Pros:
- Modern and clean apartment options
- Everything you need—from soap to towels to coffee—is stocked on arrival.
- High-tech, touch-free check-in and check-out
Cons:
- No hosts or human contacts
- Limited inventory
That concludes our list of the best vacation rental websites for your next relaxing getaway. Whether you're looking for extensive options, spacious getaways, luxury properties, or modern apartments, there's a website that's perfect for you. Make sure to book soon, as availability may be limited during peak travel seasons. Happy vacation planning!
Sources: Vacasa: "A spring break-down of the season's top travel trends", Vrbo: "The 2022 Vrbo Trend Report"