23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

Tips & advice

  • Inspiring homes
  • Testimonials
  • Top destinations
  • Co-ownership 411

Published Date: May 29, 2024

23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (5)
Imagine waking up in a charming Parisian apartment and eating croissants on your balcony. Or perhaps a rustic cabin nestled amidst towering Redwoods sounds more your speed. Everyone has different travel preferences and budgets, and the best vacation rental sites will cater to yours.

Short-term rental alternative: Co-owned second homes

  • Pacaso$1,200,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds4.5 ba307 Goldenrod Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
  • Pacaso$549,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba3599 Ridgeline Drive, Park City, UT 84060
  • Pacaso$630,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds5 ba735 Betty Lane, Incline Village, NV 89451 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$429,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds3.5 ba342 Palisades Circle #5, Olympic Valley, CA 96146 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$555,0001/8 ownershipOwn now3 bds2.5 ba253 Kolmar St, La Jolla, CA 92037 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$675,0001/8 ownershipOwn now5 bds4 ba108 Windwood Circle, Breckenridge, CO 80424 5% Financing
  • Pacaso$907,0001/8 ownershipOwn now6 bds8 ba2488 Avalon Ave, Avalon, NJ 08202
  • Pacaso$410,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds3 ba237 Basque Dr, Truckee, CA 96161
  • Pacaso$1,200,0001/8 ownershipOwn now4 bds4.5 ba307 Goldenrod Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

    View all

To help you find the ideal accommodations for your trip, we've compiled a list (ranked in no particular order) of the top vacation rental sites:
  • Airbnb
  • Vrbo
  • FlipKey
  • Booking.com
  • Agoda
  • Plum Guide
  • HomeToGo
  • Casamundo
  • Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals
  • HolidayLettings
  • Tripping.com
  • Homestay.com
  • Atraveo
  • Onefinestay
  • Sonder
  • 9flats
  • Love Home Swap
  • Getaway
  • Interhome
  • Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
  • Paris Perfect
  • Expedia
  • Welcome Beyond
Let’s get booking, shall we?
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (16)

1. Airbnb

Best rental site for variety
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (17)
Airbnb gives private owners a platform to rent their properties directly to travelers. Airbnb sets itself apart from competitors by allowing hosts to list everything from single-family houses to spare rooms.The variety in listings has undoubtedly aided the company’s success, making it one of the largest vacation rental companies in the world. Airbnb operates internationally, with over 6 million listings. It also lets hosts list properties for free, taking a percentage of the booking price.
ProsCons
Affordable for solo travelersPotential for host cancellations
Millions of rental listingsScam listings

2. Vrbo

Best rental site for group travelers
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (18)
Vrbo was the first website to bring vacation rentals by owners to the public — that's actually what "Vrbo" stands for. Its rental offerings focus on the United States, with hosts managing private properties. Further, Vrbo only lists private units, so travelers won't be able to book shared spaces.Due to its limited listings, Vrbo makes it easy for families to sift through options to find the perfect rental that can house everyone.
ProsCons
Easy for groups to find accommodationsLack of international options
Straightforward booking costsLess emphasis on unique experiences

3. FlipKey

Best rental site for destination guidance
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (19)
FlipKey makes this list of the best vacation rental sites due to its balanced approach to vacation rentals. It takes the middle ground between Airbnb and Vrbo, offering only private vacation rentals while expanding its reach overseas to nearly 200 countries.Although its total number of listings is still a far cry from those onAirbnb, FlipKey does have one competitive edge: It is owned by Tripadvisor, which provides insights into travelers’ experiences. Guests who book on FlipKey get more than just a rental — they get actionable user tips to make planning easier.
ProsCons
User reviews from TripadvisorSmaller selection of listings
International presenceOnly rents whole properties

4. Booking.com

Best rental site for hotel loyalists
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (20)
Booking.com began as a site to find deals exclusively on hotel stays. Seeing the rise in demand for short-term vacation rentals, Booking.com threw its hat into the ring and now has more than 28 million properties listed.By specializing in hotel rooms and vacation rentals, the site allows travelers to easily compare the available options in the area to ensure they’re getting the best deal for their money. Even if hotels aren’t right for your vacation plans, the site provides a search feature to find only vacation rentals.
ProsCons
International presenceFees can vary
Includes hotel optionsFocus on larger properties only

5. Agoda

Best rental site for travel throughout Asia
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (21)
Agoda is owned by Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com and other brands (Priceline and Kayak, for example). It's the largest online travel agency in Asia, benefiting from its parent company's credibility and deep resources.While it specializes in Asian travel, Agoda also operates in Europe and North America. It offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to private residences, making it a viable option for nearly every traveler. While most travelers looking for vacation rentals focus on the short term, Agoda also has options for long stays exceeding seven days.
ProsCons
Strong presence in AsiaLimited customer service
Frequent booking discountsMay only offer basic amenities

6. Plum Guide

Best rental site for quality assuranceWhile many vacation rental sites focus on giving users the most options, Plum Guide takes the opposite approach by putting quality above quantity.Plum Guide uses extremely selective criteria in its approval process, with its team individually judging every property. Only around 3% of rentals pass. In addition to this attention to detail, its team is available around the clock to assist guests, so you won’t be stuck waiting for a resolution if an issue arises.
ProsCons
Higher quality standardsLower inventory
Price matchingHigher prices

7. HomeToGo

Best rental site for centralizing searches
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (23)
If you’re tired of jumping around to multiple rental platforms, you might want to start using HomeToGo. This platform acts similarly to a search engine, collecting millions of listings from the best vacation rental sites to save you time and money.Its search functions operate similarly to what you’ll find on sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Travelers can filter results based on prices, amenities, ratings and more. Whether you’re looking to stay in a houseboat or a castle, HomeToGo might be your best bet for success.
ProsCons
Searches multiple rental sitesReliant on third-party rental sites
Extensive search filtersLess user-friendly interface

8. Casamundo

Best rental site for privacy-conscious travelers
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (24)
Casamundo specializes in providing vacation rentals across the United States and Europe. It lists over 700,000 properties, including traditional apartments and unique accommodations like windmills and treehouses. Casamundo has positioned itself as an online travel agency by recruiting prominent vacation home providers and centralizing their listings to benefit Casamundo users.Their transparent privacy policy regarding all customer data makes it one of the best vacation rental sites. Casamundo is open about how it collects, saves and makes use of user data. Users can opt to book over the phone and speak to a Casamundo representative.
ProsCons
Best price guaranteeFewer reviews available
Transparent privacy policyNot easy to navigate

9. Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals

Best rental site for refunded travel
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (25)
Tripadvisor is a vacation planning powerhouse that originally provided user reviews of businesses, attractions and accommodations. Tripadvisor has now branched out into a vacation rental website as well.The platform operates in over 200 countries and promises a full refund if the rental property is falsely advertised or if the guest can’t access it. In addition to its robust listings, Tripadvisor allows vacationers to book some accommodations directly with the owner. There’s a payment protection guarantee for added peace of mind.
ProsCons
Large database of user reviewsPotential for booking conflicts
Payment protectionFewer unique listings

10. HolidayLettings

Best rental site for unique lodging
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (26)
Holiday Lettings is another website offering only privately owned vacation rentals, including mountain cabins, apartments and villas. This variety ensures travelers can find a space with the right balance of amenities and affordability.Just like FlipKey, it is owned by Tripadvisor, so it benefits from the platform’s extensive customer reviews and travel guidance. Holiday Lettings has a slightly larger inventory of listings than FlipKey, with 700,000 rentals worldwide.
ProsCons
User reviews from TripadvisorLimited availability outside Europe
Focus on self-cateringPotential language barriers

11. Tripping.com

Best rental site for price comparisons
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (27)
Tripping.com is another vacation rental website that serves as a search engine for listings across different platforms. Visitors to the site benefit from a range of properties, so it’s great if you’re undecided about booking a hotel or a private space.Its precise filtering makes it easy to find the perfect rental from over 12 million listings. Since it pulls results from other platforms, you can easily compare prices to get the best deal.
ProsCons
Searches multiple rental sitesFewer amenities filters
Instant confirmation oftenLimited non-urban options

12. Homestay.com

Best rental site for house swaps
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (28)
Homestay.com makes the list of the best vacation rental sites thanks to its unique approach to offering vacation experiences. Users can rent private accommodations but can also choose to swap homes with a host. The house exchange can take place at the same time, or the host can stay at the guest’s property at a later date.Some hosts even operate on a barter basis, allowing guests to stay in exchange for work around the property. Homestay.com has over 63,000 rooms in over 176 countries.
ProsCons
Cultural immersion optionsShared living spaces
Private room optionsPotential privacy concerns

13. Atraveo

Best rental site for trusted customer reviews
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (29)
Operating primarily in Europe, atraveo has listings for more than 300,000 vacation home and apartment rentals..Along with verified customer reviews, atraveo offers secure booking, where the renter pays atraveo and then settles with the host. This added security eliminates the scam listings found on less reputable sites.
ProsCons
Eco-friendly listingsPrimarily listings in Europe
Verified customer reviewsMay lack mainstream amenities

14. Onefinestay

Best rental site for luxury stays
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (30)
Focused on luxury vacation rentals, onefinestay has 5,000 listings in 50 global destinations. The company stays true to its luxury goals by professionally managing every property so visitors can avoid unreliable hosts.Accor, a hospitality company that owns Fairmont and Raffles, manages onefinestay. This expertise adds to the experience with features like professional housekeeping, round-the-clock service and being welcomed in person upon arrival. There’s even the option to personalize your stay with perks like a private driver or chef.
ProsCons
Designer apartmentsVery limited inventory
High-end experiencesExpensive rates

15. Sonder

Best rental site for app-based services
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (31)
Sonder is another platform that’s trying to improve the vacation rental experience. It boasts hotel-quality amenities in personalized environments. Guests can control the details of their stay via a convenient app, requesting things like late checkouts or fresh towels. The app also provides information about the rental, complete with a guide to the surrounding area.Sonder operates in 40 cities around North America and Europe, although its primary focus is in the United States. An added benefit of the service is that it offers both short- and long-term stays.
ProsCons
Optional long-term staysLimited international listings
Professional managementOnly in urban areas

16. 9flats

Best rental site for affordable European travel
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (32)
9flats.com has listings in over 6 million locations collected from other travel sites, although its primary focus is Europe. Like Airbnb, it also allows vacationers to rent a private room in a home. The properties are all privately managed, leading to more affordable rates.While 9flats.com isn’t on the same tier as some luxury brands, it does offer some great perks. Guests can enlist the help of their hosts for tips on local entertainment, with some even willing to act as unofficial tour guides. The company carefully evaluates all hosts for added guest safety.
ProsCons
Student-friendly optionsMostly only Europe
Assistance from hostsPotential language barriers

17. Love Home Swap

Best rental site for family-friendly vacations
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (33)
As the name implies, Love Home Swap allows homeowners to trade places with others in over 100 countries. Like Homestay.com, homeowners can swap homes at the same time or opt to receive points that can be used on a future vacation.The service offers a free trial, after which homeowners must pay a membership fee. Before the house swap, both owners can agree to certain terms — like cleaning and pet sitting — to ensure each person’s space is respected.
ProsCons
Free house exchangeMembership fees
Unique locationsLimited flexibility on dates

18. Getaway

Best rental site for travelers seeking rest and relaxation
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (34)
Getaway House targets travelers who prioritize rest and relaxation over sightseeing. It provides tiny cabins in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States, although there are some locations on the West Coast.The cabins include a mini kitchen, plus an outdoor fire pit and grill grate. The service intentionally spurns technology, providing no Wi-Fi to guests. A landline in every cabin compensates for spotty cell reception in case of emergencies.
ProsCons
Safe glamping experienceRegional presence
Driveable from major citiesMinimal luxuries

19. Interhome

Best rental site for in-person service
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (35)
Interhome, founded in 1965, successfully leverages its decades of experience to remain one of the best vacation rental websites around. The company offers 24/7 customer service to the guests who stay in its approximately 40,000 holiday homes and apartments.Interhome and its partners maintain a local presence, executing key handovers and resolving issues on-site. The team even performs a quality check of every property before the guests’ arrival.
ProsCons
Popular in ski destinationsLimited inventory
In-person serviceLess variety year-round

20. Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy

Best rental site for hotel-tier experiences
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (36)
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy offers the same premium level of hospitality guests have come to expect from their hotels, only now in the comfort of a home.Marriott enlists the help of professional property managers to ensure that its rental homes and villas are held to the company’s high standards. Rooms come with premium linens, Wi-Fi and bathroom amenities that are standard in hotel rooms. By renting through Homes & Villas, guests receive increased privacy and living space.
ProsCons
High-quality standardsLimited inventory
Rewards programPotentially higher service fees

21. Paris Perfect

Best rental site for trips to Paris
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (37)
Paris Perfect caters to travelers who who crave a luxurious and authentic Parisian experience. It offers a curated selection of chic apartments throughout the city.These aren't your average rentals — they are beautifully decorated and include a modern twist on classic Parisian style. They also come equipped with top-of-the-line amenities that rival a luxury hotel. Plus, with prime locations throughout Paris, you'll be perfectly situated to explore all that the City of Light has to offer.
ProsCons
Chic Parisian decorOnly caters to Paris vacationers
Local insider tipsNot budget-friendly

22. Expedia

Best rental site for pre-vetted listings
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (38)
Expedia is the perfect vacation rental site for travelers who crave a getaway with a touch of home. Whether you're seeking a romantic cabin in the mountains or a spacious condo for a family reunion, Expedia offers a vast selection.You can filter your search by location, price, amenities and even property type — making it easy to find vacation rentals that tick all your boxes. Plus, with the site’s commitment to finding the best deals, you can relax knowing you secured a comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home.
ProsCons
Extensive selectionPotential for hidden fees
Integrates with other travel optionsFewer unique rentals

23. Welcome Beyond

Best rental site for eco-conscious travelers
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (39)
Welcome Beyond offers a unique selection of vacation rentals that cater to families, nature lovers and those who want to go off the beaten path. Welcome Beyond chooses each property for its remarkable architecture and captivating design.The site caters to the adventurous traveler who seeks a place to stay that reflects the destination's character. Welcome Beyond properties go beyond the standard apartment or house, often featuring treehouses, glamping sites and historic properties accompanied by spectacular views.
ProsCons
Unique propertiesLimited availability
Personalized experiencesHotel-like amenities may be unavailable

Another option: Owning a vacation home

The vacation rental sites on this list each have their strengths, but they’re all limited to single trips. If you love a vacation destination, you have an alternative for a lifetime of luxurious stays.
23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (40)
If you have a destination you return to year after year — or multiple times a year — it might be time to buy property there. Vacation home ownership has multiple benefits over repeated rentals:
  • Gaining potential equity in the property
  • Avoiding the rising costs of rentals
  • Enabling more frequent vacations
  • Simplifying vacation planning
Owning a vacation home does come with added responsibilities, so you’ll want to thoroughly research your options before deciding.

Tired of vacation rentals? Try Pacaso

If you're seeking an alternative to traditional vacation rentals, Pacaso might be the answer. Our fractional ownership model allows you to co-own a luxury vacation home, enjoying the perks of ownership without the full financial burden and maintenance hassles.With listings starting at $200,000 in prime vacation destinations, Pacaso lets you pick the right amount of ownership, from ⅛ to ½, of a fully managed vacation home.

Best vacation rental sites FAQ

What are some common short-term rental options?

Airbnb is one of the largest vacation rental websites in the industry, but it’s not the only option. Hosts and guests can benefit from using specialty sites like Homestay.com, Sonder and Plum Guide.

What is the maximum stay allowed on Airbnb?

Airbnb allows hosts to list long-term stays, although most hosts restrict stays to 28 days or less. Hosts tend to avoid long-term tenants due to complications that can arise with the renter since some local laws provide the renter with greater entitlements to the property.

Do vacation rental sites charge fees?

Vacation rental fees are how the platforms make money from their services. The fees are applied differently, with some platforms charging only the host and some charging both hosts and renters for the transaction.

23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (41)

Pacaso

Author

  • Share this post:

Featured articles

ByTony HuynhReadByJen LyonsRead

Don't miss out

The best homes sell fast. See the latest luxury listings, inspiring second homes and buying tips.

I give Pacaso permission to contact me & agree to the terms. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Googleprivacy policy,terms of service and mobile terms.

Want to chat? Contact us.

Don't miss out

Our best homes sell fast, get personalized content first.

23 best vacation rental sites - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Who is the Airbnb competitor? ›

Airbnb's top competitors include Vrbo, Booking.com, and Expedia, all of which are significant players in the travel industry. Other big competitors for Airbnb include Marriott Homes and Villas and Plum Guide, both of which offer quality assurance and cater to a high-end market.

What compares to vrbo? ›

VRBO's top competitors include Travala.com, Sonder, and Airbnb. Travala.com operates as an online travel agency. The company connects travelers with places to stay, including hotels, apartments, villas, hostels, and more.

Is VRBO or expedia better? ›

In the Reservation And Online Booking market, Expedia has a 7.33% market share in comparison to VRBO's 0.93%. Since it has a better market share coverage, Expedia holds the 3rd spot in 6sense's Market Share Ranking Index for the Reservation And Online Booking category, while VRBO holds the 9th spot.

Why is Airbnb losing popularity? ›

Understanding the reasons behind a decline in Airbnb bookings, such as changes in guest demand or shorter guest lead times, can guide hosts in adjusting their strategies. Hosts can improve their situation by reassessing property basics, enhancing amenities and marketing, and adjusting rates with dynamic pricing tools.

Who is Airbnb's biggest rival? ›

Vrbo is commonly considered the biggest Airbnb competitor. It has over 2 million listings and vacation rentals in 190 countries. And because Vrbo is part of the parent brand Expedia Group, listing on Vrbo enables you to tap into this brand's 112+ million monthly unique visitors.

Why have people stopped using Airbnb? ›

Lack of Quality Control

You can find Airbnb almost anywhere, but there is no standard of quality control. This can create several issues, including a lack of cleanliness and comfort for guests. After all, when guests don't comply with Airbnb guidelines, the host has more to lose than the guest does.

Is VRBO safer than Airbnb? ›

Is Airbnb or Vrbo safer? Both Airbnb and Vrbo offer similar protections, such as host liability insurance and guest screening. However, each platform has its own unique policies and features, so a Vrbo or Airbnb host should carefully review these before deciding which marketplace best meets their needs.

Why are Airbnb taxes so high? ›

In some locations, Airbnb has made agreements with government officials to collect and remit certain local taxes on behalf of Hosts. The taxes vary and may include calculations based on a flat rate or percentage rate, number of guests, number of nights, or property type booked, depending on local law.

Is VRBO owned by Airbnb? ›

VRBO (which stands for Vacation Rental by Owner) was founded in 1995. Currently, Expedia owns VRBO, Homeaway, and Travelocity, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, Trivago, and CarRentals.com. Airbnb didn't show up until 2008, but it certainly made a name for itself quickly!

What are the downsides of Vrbo? ›

There are often hidden fees you'll have to pay to the listing service, in addition to the rental fee to the host. You'll also usually be required to provide a deposit that the host will have access to in the event you damage the rental unit, and there might be separate cleaning fees.

What is the other website like Vrbo? ›

Here are some other sites like Vrbo you can look into: TripAdvisor Rentals is a marketplace with nearly 800,000 vacation rental properties worldwide. TripAdvisor also owns other home vacation rental sites, including FlipKey, VacationHomeRentals, and HouseTrip, and shares its inventory with them.

Is there another app like Airbnb? ›

Vrbo, in many ways, is the Lyft to Airbnb's Uber. Think of Vrbo as Airbnb's slightly nerdier cousin. And hey, Vrbo plays second fiddle for a reason. It offers similar features (houses, apartments, even unique stays) but lacks the ubiquitous brand recognition.

Is Airbnb as reliable as VRBO? ›

Although both VRBO and Airbnb take precautions to guarantee the protection of their visitors, Airbnb poses more potential dangers for guests simply because it allows visitors to remain in shared spaces.

Why is Airbnb more popular than VRBO? ›

Today, this listing site has about 2 million listings in 190 countries and 150 million users. Airbnb has more listings and is available in more countries than Vrbo. However, Vrbo reigns supreme in having a wider audience from being a part of the Expedia Group, which gives hosts more exposure.

How do I make sure a vacation rental is legit? ›

If it's a resort or hotel, call the front desk to verify the information. If it's a private home, check the name of the property owner in public records. Don't pay for rentals by wire transfer, prepaid or gift cards or apps like Venmo. These types of transactions can't be reversed if the rental offer is fraudulent.

Are hotels cheaper than VRBO? ›

A new study says hotels are the more affordable option over Airbnbs and Vrbos — across 50 global markets. Find out where you can save. You've got your destination picked, and your airline tickets sorted.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6018

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.