HomeAway is now VRBO – What does it mean for travelers and homeowners?
If you are a fan of vacation rentals, you might have noticed that HomeAway, one of the leading platforms for booking and listing holiday homes, has changed its name to VRBO. This change is part of a rebranding strategy to unify the company’s global network and offer a better experience for travelers and homeowners alike. But what does this mean for you? How will it affect your future trips and bookings? In this article, we will explain the reasons behind the name change, the benefits of using VRBO, and the steps you need to take to make the most of the new platform.
Why did HomeAway change its name to VRBO?
HomeAway was founded in 2005 as a website that connected travelers with homeowners who offered their properties for short-term rentals. Over the years, HomeAway acquired and merged with several other vacation rental platforms, such as VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner), Abritel, FeWo-direkt, and Stayz. These platforms operated under different names and websites in different regions, creating confusion and inconsistency for users.
In 2015, HomeAway was acquired by Expedia Group, a global travel company that owns other brands such as Expedia, Hotels.com, and Orbitz. Expedia Group decided to rebrand HomeAway and its subsidiaries under one name: VRBO. The name VRBO was chosen because it was the original and most recognizable brand in the vacation rental industry, and it reflected the company’s mission of providing travelers with unique and memorable vacation experiences by staying in homes rather than hotels.
The name change was announced in 2023 and completed in 2024. The new VRBO website and app replaced the old HomeAway website and app, and all the existing accounts, listings, and bookings were transferred to the new platform. The new VRBO logo and design were also updated to reflect the company’s values of simplicity, trust, and joy.
What are the benefits of using VRBO?
The name change from HomeAway to VRBO is not just a cosmetic change. It also brings several benefits and improvements for both travelers and homeowners, such as:
– A more consistent and user-friendly platform. VRBO offers a single website and app that works across all regions and languages, making it easier for users to find, book, and manage their vacation rentals. VRBO also integrates with other Expedia Group brands, allowing users to access more travel options and deals.
– A more diverse and curated selection of vacation rentals. VRBO has over 2 million vacation rentals in more than 190 countries, ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious villas, from urban apartments to rural farmhouses, and more. VRBO also features collections of vacation rentals based on themes, such as family-friendly, pet-friendly, beachfront, mountain, and more.
– A more secure and reliable booking process. VRBO offers a Book with Confidence Guarantee, which provides users with 24/7 customer service, secure online payment, and comprehensive cancellation policies. VRBO also verifies the identity and ownership of the homeowners, and encourages users to leave reviews and ratings to ensure the quality and accuracy of the listings.
– A more rewarding and personalized travel experience. VRBO allows users to earn rewards to use on their next vacation on VRBO, Expedia, and Hotels.com. VRBO also provides users with local tips, recommendations, and assistance from the homeowners, who can offer insights and suggestions that are not available from hotels.
How to use VRBO as a traveler or a homeowner?
If you are a traveler or a homeowner who used HomeAway before, you don’t need to do anything to switch to VRBO. Your account, listings, and bookings are automatically transferred to the new platform, and you can use the same email and password to log in. You can also download the new VRBO app to access your account on your mobile device.
If you are a new user, you can sign up for a free account on VRBO.com or the VRBO app. You can then start browsing and booking vacation rentals, or listing your own property for rent. You can also contact the customer service or the homeowners if you have any questions or issues.
What are you waiting for?
HomeAway is now VRBO, and it is a better way to book and list vacation rentals. You can enjoy more variety, flexibility, security, and rewards when you use VRBO, and you can also support the local economy and the environment by staying in a home instead of a hotel. VRBO is easy, simple, and convenient to use, and it is open every day, all year round. So, what are you waiting for? Join VRBO today, and have a wonderful trip that you will never forget.
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