STR News.

Vrbo's new "Eavesdrop" content series targets specific growing markets like Paradise Valley, Montana, aligning with Expedia's trend data. This strategy focuses on building search-focused content hubs for long-term traveler attraction, potentially impacting margins.

A Pasco family is navigating new Airbnb/VRBO rules by renting out their home as they battle cancer. This situation highlights how regulatory changes can impact hosts facing personal challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptable hosting strategies.

Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can now earn 3x points on vacation rentals booked directly through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. This adds significant value for travelers utilizing these services for STR stays.

Vrbo, meaning 'Vacation Rentals by Owner,' is an Expedia Group platform focusing solely on entire-home rentals. Founded in 1995, it connects travelers with houses, cabins, and condos, emphasizing privacy and space. It offers hosts tools for listing management and guest screening.

An Ontario woman's family vacation was 'ruined' by a 'filthy' cottage booked through Vrbo. The incident highlights the critical importance of property cleanliness and guest experience management in the STR industry.

A family vacation was 'ruined' due to a 'filthy' cottage booked via Vrbo in Ontario. The incident highlights the critical importance of property condition and guest experience in short-term rentals.

An Ontario woman reported a Vrbo-booked cottage was 'filthy' and 'ruined' her family vacation. This highlights critical guest experience issues and the impact of poor property conditions on bookings and reviews.

Toronto is implementing stricter regulations on short-term rentals, mirroring actions taken by New York and Los Angeles. This crackdown aims to address skyrocketing Airbnb and Vrbo rates and implement traveler protection measures, particularly for international guests.

Airbnb and Vrbo guests are facing unexpected issues with bookings, leading to potential rights disputes. Hosts need to be aware of their responsibilities and guest expectations to avoid blindsiding travelers this summer.

AOL reports on Airbnb and Vrbo guest rights in the summer travel season. The article highlights potential guest blindsides, emphasizing the importance of understanding booking terms and cancellation policies to avoid unexpected issues, especially with increased travel.

A new report indicates 35% of Airbnb and VRBO rentals in Philadelphia are operating without the correct licensing. This highlights a significant compliance issue for hosts in the city and underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to local STR regulations.

Listing on multiple short-term rental sites is crucial for hosts in 2026, as platform shutdowns like FlipKey and Sonder show the risk of single-channel dependence. Diversification protects against calendar gaps and can boost revenue.

FlipKey, a former vacation rental platform owned by Tripadvisor, shut down its booking operations on November 1, 2024. Hosts are advised to diversify listings across multiple active platforms, as relying on a single channel carries significant risk. Key alternatives include Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and Furnished Finder for mid-term stays.

Major OTAs like Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo are now selling visibility, impacting how listings appear in search results. This shift suggests a move towards a more paid-search model for hosts aiming for top placement.

Major booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are shifting from commission-based visibility to paid advertising models. This 'Retail Media Network' approach puts financial risk on hosts, impacting profitability and distribution strategies. Understand the implications for your STR business.

Vrbo is piloting sponsored listings, shifting from organic rewards to pay-to-play. This change, following stricter Premier Host criteria in Jan 2026, means paid placements will push organic results down, potentially devaluing earned visibility.

Vrbo's new sponsored listing program may impact visibility for Premier Hosts. Hosts are concerned about potential dilution of organic search rankings and increased competition, especially for those who have invested in maintaining their Premier Host status. This shift could necessitate adjustments in marketing strategies and budget allocation to maintain bookings.

Vrbo pilots sponsored listings, Airbnb tests an extended cancellation option, and Glendale, WI, enacts new STR rules including a 7-day minimum stay. Learn about these evolving platform features and regulations.

A Massachusetts family lost $12,000 on a Vrbo booking after a state of emergency was declared in Hawaii, impacting their vacation plans and finances. This highlights the financial risks associated with travel disruptions in popular destinations.

East Rochester village has implemented a new short-term rental registry, requiring hosts to register their Airbnb and VRBO properties. This move aims to bring transparency and oversight to the STR market within the village.

A Massachusetts family lost $12,000 after severe weather forced them to cancel a Vrbo rental in Hawaii. This highlights the financial risks associated with weather-related travel disruptions and the importance of cancellation policies.

Vrbo has introduced sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility on the platform. This new feature aims to help hosts stand out in competitive markets and potentially boost bookings. Hosts should explore this option to enhance their listing's reach.

Vrbo is introducing sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility on the platform. This feature is expected to roll out with potential placements on Expedia.com in the future, impacting how hosts gain visibility and attract bookings.

Vrbo is piloting sponsored listings, allowing hosts to pay for increased visibility, aiming to boost bookings similar to past promotional strategies. This move signals a growing trend in OTA marketing.