Airbnb vs Vrbo for family vacations

Renting an affordable home for a vacation can be tricky when children are involved. Family-friendly homes need to be secure, accessible, and entertaining. Deciding between Airbnb and Vrbo can also add another level of difficulty.

After countless reviews and list checking, I know the feeling all too well. Sometimes, you need a step-by-step guide to get the information you so desperately need. Whether you’re renting your first place or relying on your experience to tide you over, let me help you navigate the world of vacation rentals.

Why This Decision Matters

Cohesively unpacking everything from destination to flights is a lot of hard work; self-inflicted pressure with a rental adds to it greatly. The last hurdle shouldn’t be a make or break. What happens when you finally check in? Rentals being shut down or having a lack of responsiveness makes the entire ordeal even worse. Strained wifi, busy neighborhoods, using air quotes “safety,” and lack of functional appliances. It’s a nightmare scenario and unfortunately, all too common.

That’s the essence of the problem. Airbnb / Vrbo for families overlooks parent-friendly rentals and the industry of digitally marketed vacations supports the need manufactured by customer facing service companies that re-market homes. The potential for a bad experience will keep families stressed and anxious the entire trip.

What Are Airbnb and Vrbo?

Let’s go over the fundamentals first before we get to the details of selecting the ideal property for your vacation with family. Before discussing the nitty-gritty details of choosing between Airbnb vs Vrbo for family vacations, let us start from the fundamentals. It’s important to know what services each platform provides in order to make a thoughtful decision.

1- Airbnb: A World of Options

Imagine walking into a treasure chest filled with endless possibilities—that’s Airbnb for you. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in the heart of the city, a rustic cabin in the woods, or even a quirky treehouse, Airbnb has it all. I’ve been using Airbnb for years, and I can tell you firsthand that the variety is unmatched.

What Makes Airbnb Unique?

My Personal Experience with Airbnb

Last summer we booked an Airbnb and spent a week at their beach house. Heaven on Earth doesn’t do it justice. Furthermore, it was right on the sand with a separate kitchen. There was more than enough space for the kids to run around and play too.

 

The host was really welcoming and even provided a list of kid-friendly restaurants that were in the area. This was one of the greatest vacations we had as a family and Airbnb made it possible. Everything was organized under one platform which made the planning much easier.

2- Vrbo: Space and Privacy

Now, let’s talk about Vrbo. If I had to choose which platform makes renting a vacation home easier, it has to be Vrbo. While Airbnb is a mixed bag, Vrbo offers a straightforward user-friendly experience, especially for families. It goes without saying that privacy is a huge factor when selecting accommodations and Vrbo gets that. At the same time, they give the guests a home-away-from-home experience.

Why Vrbo Stands Out

Vrbo (abbreviation for Vacation Rentals by Owner) has been gaining traction for decades. Reason for this is simple: It exclusively provides accommodations for families and bigger groups, something they already have a reputation for. Unlike Airbnd which provides a mix of shared spaces and entire homes, Vrbo offers whole homes. This means guests will always have the place to themselves without needing to share with strangers.

Something I personally value is the transparency within Vrbo. Their listings are simple and straightforward to read, but more importantly the pricing is upfront as well. No surprises waiting, no hidden fees lurking, and a very simple booking process guaranteed.

My Experience with Vrbo

A couple years back, I took a family reunion trip and I shared it with my entire family. To make things easier, we needed a huge house containing a spacious kitchen for family dinners as well as abundant bedrooms for everyone. The best part is that the kids had a place to play and enjoy. Vrbo helped us select the perfect farmhouse to fulfill our requirements. Renting the property was very easy.

Key Differences Between Airbnb and Vrbo

Though both sites provide vacation rentals on offer, there are some important features that differentiate them.

1. Property Types

• Airbnb: Various types of accommodation are offered alongside rooms that are shared. Moreover, entire houses and singular stays are available. For someone in dire need of vacation, going the unusual route would land them to Airbnb.
• Vrbo:  Homes are focused on and does not include property listings best suited for people wanting privacy and space such as families.

2. Target Audience

• Airbnb: Vacationing on their own, couples or even families is facilitated through the many services offered geared towards a wide audience.
• Vrbo: Emphasizes on renting complete houses and focuses on families accompanied by larger groups.

3. Additional Features

• Airbnb: An additional benefit with Airbnb is the availability of Experiences which are activities that locals run.
• Vrbo: No activities or experiences but accommodation focus is solely on Vrbo.

Which One Should You Choose?

In the case of Airbnb and Vrbo for family vacations, the decision comes down to your family’s requirements.

• Airbnb is preferable if you seek novel adventures and different options.
• On the other hand, if you prioritize privacy, space, and simple booking, then Vrbo is likely the best choice.

The Big Question: Which is Better for Families?

Since we’ve already established the basics, let’s get to the burning question: For family vacations, which is better—Airbnb or Vrbo?

The answer is… it depends. Each platform has its pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on what your family requires. Let’s examine both in detail.

1. Property Types: Variety vs. Space

When planning a trip with my family, the first thing I consider is the property is a listing that I want to book.

Airbnb does not disappoint when it comes to offering choices—shared rooms, unique stays, and entire homes. If you ever desired to stay in an extraordinary treehouse or beachfront villa, then you definitely should consider looking out for them on Airbnb.

Vrbo, on the other hand, focuses on whole homes. This is perfect for families who need space and privacy. If you’re traveling with a large group, Vrbo is a great choice.

2. Fees and Pricing: What You See is What You Get

Airbnb’s listing for properties may often surprise many due to the options available. Including many fees, service payments, as well as taxes, there are many ways to spend more than planned.

Surprises are not welcome by anyone when it comes to expenditure. Airbnb is ideal especially with the variety of its offerings, although purchasing some services may make it a bit pricier than planned.

In the case of Vrbo, purchasing whole homes allows access to easily quote listed services without going through the pain of hidden costs.

I typically find that Vrbo has less complicated pricing and hidden fees, meaning budgeting is easier because the total is more clear.

3. Safety and Trust: Peace of Mind for Parents

Keeping children secure is the most important part of parenting, which is why childcare leaves safety to the guardian’s prioritization.

Parents can rest assured knowing Airbnb provides extra safety with verified listings, safe payments, and an extensive review system. To be extra cautious, I like to look at reviews from other families to make sure the property doesn’t have any unexpected surprises and is actually kid friendly.

Verified listings and safe payments are just a couple of the things that provide safety on Vrbo’s platform. Because Vrbo mainly focuses on entire homes rather than portions, I find there are less chances for unpleasant surprises.

4. Cancellation Policies: Flexibility for Unpredictable Schedules

With kids in the picture, things rarely go to plan, which is why having a accommodating approach is useful.

Airbnb offers a range of cancellation policies and, in my case, flexible ones are always preferred. For whatever reason, plans may change and I want the ability to be able to cancel without any issues.

Unlike other platforms, Vrbo isn’t very strict when it comes to cancellation policies and doesn’t really check too much, but does seem to let you cancel without asking much. Read the fine print first.

5. Family-Friendly Amenities: Making Life Easier

Traveling with children can be a chore and requires far more planning and packing than normal.

Looking after your kiddos comes naturally, and so does grabbing a listing that contains cribs and other features that are beneficial to children. Aid to guides are also easy-to-use, as I have been able to discover listings that cater towards my wishes rather quickly.

Vrbo specializes in listing whole properties, many of which include a kitchen, a washing machine, and even a swimming pool. These amenities can be helpful for families.

Which Platform is Right for You?

Deciding on Airbnb vs Vrbo for family vacations can be tricky, especially when considering a budget, rental space, and special experiences. Let’s ease the burden with a few real-life examples that showcase each platform’s offerings.

Scenario 1: A Family of Four on a Budget

The Situation

Let’s say you’re parents with two children looking forward to a week-long vacation somewhere nice. Given that you’re on a budget, you want to find a rental that meets your family’s basic requirements. Most importantly, air and space must be clean, as well as a proper kitchen to prepare meals.

Why Airbnb Might Be the Better Choice

Airbnb works best for families on a budget. Here’s why:

1. Wide Range of Options: You choose the property type, whether it’s shared rooms or entire homes. For families traveling during the off-season, there are listings significantly cheaper than traditional hotels available.
2. Budget-Friendly Listings: Many hosts are more than willing to set affordable budget-friendly listings for families willing to travel during the off-peak. I personally don’t find it hard to browse properties a bit farther from tourist hotspots.
3. Kitchen Facilities: An incredible way to cut costs on your holiday is by preparing your own meals, which most Airbnb listings kitchens. Particularly for families, this is a game changer.

My Personal Experience

My family and I spent the last summer in an airbnb studio apartment for a week. It was located in a calm coastal town. While the apartment was a little cramped, it did come with a berth, dinning table, and kitchenette, which was all we had need of. Even better, it was half the price of a hotel room in the area. By preparing buck breakfast and dinner, we saved a huge chunk of money, which was further complimented by the host leaving a list of free local activities to do.

Scenario 2: A Large Family Needing Space

The Situation

Now consider this: it’s time to plan a long overdue trip with your extended family. A total of 10 people, this includes children and grandparents. You now require a rental that has sufficient beds and bathrooms, as well as ample room for family meals and games nights in communal areas.

Why Vrbo Might Be the Better Choice

When it comes to accommodating bigger families or groups, Vrbo excels. Here are the reasons:

1. Whole Homes Only:  You will never have to share your Vrbo accommodation with strangers. You have the place entirely to yourself – something that can be especially enjoyed by families renting vacation homes.
2. Plenty of Room: The ones listed on Vrbo frequently have large houses that come with several bedrooms along with large living rooms, and outdoor courtyards or yards. Just right for family reunions!
3. Family-Friendly Amenities: Numerous vacation rentals on Vrbo include family-friendly amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and even toys for small children. Some even offer game rooms or pools that help in keeping children active.

My Personal Experience

A few years ago, my extended family and I booked a Vrbo property for a week-long family reunion. The house had five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen, and a backyard that had a fire caused by a pit. It was a dream come true for my family. We spent evenings cooking, telling each other stories, and playing games around the flame. The highlight of it all? Everyone had their corners to escape to when they wanted some quiet time.

Scenario 3: A Family Seeking Unique Experiences

The Situation

Let’s assume that you are an adventurer of a family. You don’t just search for a vacation, but something memorable and out of the ordinary. It can be a treehouse located in the middle of a forest, a beachfront villa with great ocean views, or even an old-fashioned rustic barn.

Why Airbnb Might Be the Better Choice

The buying of a unique and out-of-the-stay place is why the first choice is generally Airbnb. The following lists show why:

1. Endless Variety: One of the major advantages of Airbnb is the most vacation unmatched rental you will find. The options are limitless: castles, yurts, houseboats, and even tiny homes.
2. Local Experiences: Besides offering distinct accommodations, Airbnb features ‘Experiences’, which are activities executed by locals. Examples include hiking, cooking, and even guided stargazing. These aspects can enhance your travel experience.
3. Memorable Stays: Airbnb’s diverse inventory of properties guarantees that anyone who visits will create memorable lifetime experiences.

My Personal Experience

A few years ago, we took a family vacation to the mountains, and we stayed in an Airbnb tree house, which is exactly how it sounds – a house built in a tree. With birds chirping, drinking coffee on the balcony that is surrounded by trees, and toasting marshmallows near the fire put during the evening is definitely magical to say the least. The eye opening experiences is incomparable to any other vacation we took over the years. Even to this day, my kids reminisce over that vacation.

Tips for Booking the Perfect Family Vacation Rental

These are some tips I’ve learned from my own experiences.

1. Start Early: Your concern should be toward reviews by other families in order to verify if the property is secure and comfy.
2. Read Reviews: Make inquiries concerning amenities, rules, and any of your concerns that require clarification.
3. Communicate with Hosts: Use filters for familes and pets, as well as entire properties to make the search easier.
4. Use Filters: Use filters for familes and pets, as well as entire properties to make the search easier.
5. Check Cancellation Policies: It’s advisable to consider listings that allow cancellations because plans change quite often.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s examine some of the mistakes I have done when booking vacation rentals.

1. Not Reading the Fine Print: The listing’s details have to be checked for additional charges and conditions as a precaution.
2. Overlooking Location: Verify that the property is situated within reach of sites, grocery shops, and other basic needs.
3. Ignoring Reviews: Reviews provided are a good source in many respects to prepare for what lies ahead.

My Opinion | Airbnb vs Vrbo for Family Vacations

Having to choose Airbnb or Vrbo for family vacations, in the end, will depend on what the family needs. For those seeking great choice and novelty, Airbnb is a fabulous option, but, if a greater number of people wish for more economical space, privacy, and transparent pricing, then the answer is Vrbo.

Regardless of the platform you choose, it is crucial to read reviews, talk with the hosts, and reserve in advance in order to obtain the best properties. To the next adventure!