6 Best Vacation Rental Apps for Travelers and Property Owners

by ajohnson | May 7, 2024 | Blog, Short Term Rentals, Travel

In recent years, the combination of the smartphone boom and the thriving vacation rental industry has revolutionized the way people plan and experience their vacations. More and more travelers now prefer using vacation rental apps over traditional websites on their PCs. Similarly, vacation rental owners are capitalizing on the rise in mobile phone popularity by adopting vacation rental apps to streamline their businesses. These apps not only provide seamless booking options but also enable property owners to manage their rentals efficiently and engage with their guests effectively. In this blog post, we’ll explore the six best vacation rental apps that cater to the needs of travelers and property owners alike.

6 Best Vacation Rental Apps for Travelers and Property Owners

What Is A Vacation Rental?

A vacation rental is an accommodation that can be rented out on a short-term basis to out of town guests. While the length of stay can vary, vacation rentals are usually rented out for less than 30 days at a time. They’re typically fully-furnished houses, apartments, condos, lodges, or cottages meant to function as a more private alternative to a hotel.

Airbnb

Airbnb, a pioneer in the vacation rental industry, is the most well-known company for short-term property rentals. Since its inception in 2007, Airbnb has maintained its status as one of the most popular choices for travelers looking for high-quality travel experiences across the globe. The Airbnb app is available for both iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users. As of December 31, 2023, Airbnb has more than 7.7 million listings available in more than 220 countries and regions, ensuring that travelers can easily find the perfect vacation rental and instantly book accommodation.

For Guests:
Apart from booking vacation rentals, the app allows users to send photo messages, respond to reviews, and communicate directly with hosts for personalized recommendations or assistance. The app also provides valuable information about location amenities, the surrounding area, nearby points of interest, and local events.

For Owners:
Airbnb’s property management tools empower owners to manage their inventory efficiently, set competitive pricing, and handle guest inquiries promptly. The app’s user-friendly interface and robust 24/7 customer support make it a reliable choice for vacation rental owners.

Download the Airbnb app: iOS | Android

Vrbo

Vrbo, short for “Vacation Rentals By Owner,” is another top-notch vacation rental app, particularly popular among families and travelers seeking larger accommodations. With Vrbo, you can browse a vast array of rental options ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious beachfront villas.

For Guests:
Vrbo’s app allows guests to explore various rental options, filter results based on their travel dates and preferences, and save time by accessing essential details such as property amenities, pricing, and availability. The app also facilitates secure online transactions for easy booking. Be sure to use the “total price” filter when looking for a property to avoid hidden fees!

For Owners:
Vrbo offers a user-friendly platform for property owners to list their rentals, engage with guests to offer their local expertise, and manage bookings. With its built-in calendar and reporting features, Vrbo ensures that owners can keep track of their rental schedules, including check-in times, effortlessly.

Download the Vrbo app: iOS | Android

Booking.com

Booking.com, a prominent name in the online travel industry, has extended its services to include vacation rentals. The Booking.com app caters to a diverse range of travelers, from solo adventurers to families and groups.

For Guests:
In addition to a vast selection of vacation rentals, the Booking.com app provides users with real-time availability and competitive pricing. Travelers can easily find vacation rentals that suit their preferences and budget.

For Owners:
Vacation rental owners can rely on Booking.com’s secure platform to showcase their properties to a global audience. The app enables owners to manage bookings, communicate with guests, and handle payments with ease.

Download the Booking.com app: iOS | Android

HomeToGo

HomeToGo was founded in 2014 to give travelers access to amazing homes around the world. Considered one of the hidden gems of vacation rental apps, HomeToGo offers more than 15 million high-quality accommodations. In 2024, HomeToGo earned the first place award for best customer service in in the vacation rentals category by Newsweek and Statista.

For Guests:
The HomeToGo app makes it easy to read each property description, including its unique amenities, to find the perfect rental. To make it even easier, the app allows travelers to compare two properties side by side. The multi-lingual and multi-currency support is especially useful for international travelers looking for short-term rental accommodations.

For Owners:
HomeToGo offers a lot of flexibility for owners looking to rent out their properties. Owners can set their own rules, prices, and availability, giving you more control than some of the other popular vacation rental apps.

Download the HomeToGo app: iOS | Android

TripAdvisor Rentals

TripAdvisor Rentals combines the power of the popular review platform with a vast selection of vacation rentals. The app provides travelers with valuable insights from previous guests, helping them make informed decisions.

For Guests:
The TripAdvisor Rentals app allows travelers to browse through a diverse range of properties, read reviews, and compare prices to find the ideal vacation rental. The app also offers the convenience of secure bookings and payment options.

For Owners:
Property owners can leverage TripAdvisor Rentals to showcase their rentals to a vast audience. The app’s user-friendly interface simplifies the management process, including calendar synchronization and guest communication.

Download the TripAdvisor Rentals app: iOS | Android

Expedia

Expedia is a popular platform that offers vacation rentals as well as booking for flights, hotels, and cars. You can even use Expedia to arrange activities and experiences during your stay.

For Guests:
Travelers can filter search results by destination, travel dates, amenities, and more to easily find a vacation rental that suits their needs.

For Owners:
Owners who list their vacation rental through Expedia are guaranteed exposure to a massive audience. However, the platform’s popularity also means more competition for owners.

Download the Expedia app: iOS | Android

Whether you are a travel enthusiast searching for the perfect vacation rental or a property owner looking to streamline your vacation rental business, these five best vacation rental apps have got you covered. With their impressive features, ease of use, and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, these apps are sure to enhance your vacation rental experience. Embrace the convenience of mobile technology and explore the world of vacation rentals like never before!

And before you embark on your next adventure, don’t forget to check out some ethical travel tips. Happy travels!