Is VRBO and HomeAway the Same? Understanding the Differences and the Merger

Introduction: The Great Vacation Rental Question

If you've been searching for vacation rentals in Canada or anywhere in the world, you've likely come across both VRBO and HomeAway. Perhaps you've wondered whether these are two separate platforms or the same thing under different names. Maybe you've even tried to figure out which one to use for your next Canadian getaway, only to find yourself more confused than when you started.

The short answer is: Yes, VRBO and HomeAway are now the same platform. However, the full story behind this transformation is much more interesting and has significant implications for travelers booking vacation rentals in Canada and beyond. Understanding this history can help you make better decisions when planning your next trip and navigating the vacation rental marketplace.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the complete history of both platforms, explain how they merged, discuss what this means for Canadian travelers and property owners, and provide practical advice for getting the most out of the unified VRBO platform today.

The History of VRBO and HomeAway

The Birth of VRBO (1995)

VRBO, which stands for "Vacation Rentals by Owner," was one of the pioneering platforms in the vacation rental industry. Founded in 1995 by David Clouse, VRBO was created with a simple but revolutionary idea: allow property owners to list their vacation homes directly to travelers without the need for traditional real estate agents or rental agencies.

In those early days of the internet, this was a groundbreaking concept. Before VRBO, booking a vacation rental typically required going through local agencies, newspaper classifieds, or word-of-mouth recommendations. VRBO democratized the vacation rental market, making it possible for anyone with a vacation property to reach a global audience of potential renters.

The platform focused primarily on entire homes rather than shared spaces, appealing to families, groups, and travelers who valued privacy and space. This focus on whole-home rentals became a defining characteristic that distinguished VRBO from later competitors.

The Rise of HomeAway (2005)

HomeAway was founded in 2005 by Brian Sharples and Carl Shepherd, a decade after VRBO's creation. Based in Austin, Texas, HomeAway entered the market with an ambitious strategy: to become the world's largest vacation rental company through strategic acquisitions.

Rather than building a single platform from the ground up, HomeAway acquired numerous vacation rental sites around the world, including:

• VRBO.com - Acquired in 2006, making VRBO part of the HomeAway family
• VacationRentals.com - A popular U.S. vacation rental site
• Abritel - The leading vacation rental platform in France
• FeWo-direkt - Germany's top vacation rental site
• Stayz - Australia's premier vacation rental platform
• Bookabach - New Zealand's leading vacation rental site

This acquisition strategy allowed HomeAway to quickly establish a global presence, with localized platforms serving different markets while sharing underlying technology and resources.

The Merger: How Two Giants Became One

Expedia Enters the Picture (2015)

In November 2015, Expedia Group acquired HomeAway for approximately $3.9 billion, one of the largest acquisitions in travel technology history. This deal brought HomeAway and all its subsidiary brands, including VRBO, under the Expedia umbrella alongside other major travel brands like Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity.

For several years after the acquisition, Expedia continued to operate both the HomeAway and VRBO brands separately, though they shared the same inventory of properties. Travelers could often find the same vacation rentals listed on both platforms, sometimes causing confusion about which site to book through.

The Brand Consolidation (2020)

In 2020, Expedia Group made the strategic decision to consolidate its vacation rental brands under the VRBO name globally. This meant that HomeAway, as a brand, would be phased out in most markets, with users being redirected to VRBO.com.

The reasoning behind this decision was multifaceted:

• Brand Recognition: VRBO had stronger brand awareness in North America, the company's largest market
• Simplified Marketing: Managing one global brand is more efficient than multiple regional brands
• Reduced Confusion: Having two brands with identical inventory was confusing for travelers
• Competitive Positioning: A unified brand could better compete with Airbnb's global presence

The transition was gradual, with HomeAway.com eventually redirecting all traffic to VRBO.com. Property listings, user accounts, and booking histories were migrated to the unified platform, ensuring continuity for both travelers and hosts.

Key Differences Before the Merger

Before the consolidation, VRBO and HomeAway had some subtle differences, even though they shared the same parent company and property inventory:

Target Audience

VRBO traditionally appealed more to American families looking for vacation homes in the United States. The "by Owner" branding emphasized direct relationships between travelers and property owners.

HomeAway positioned itself more as an international brand, particularly popular in European markets. The name suggested a broader concept of finding a "home away from home" anywhere in the world.

Branding and Messaging

VRBO's marketing emphasized whole-home rentals for families, with taglines focusing on having "more room to relax" and avoiding the limitations of hotel rooms. HomeAway's messaging was similar but often highlighted the international scope of available properties.

Fee Structures

At various points, the platforms experimented with different fee structures for both travelers and hosts. However, after the Expedia acquisition, these were largely standardized across both platforms.

VRBO Today: What Happened to HomeAway?

Today, VRBO is the unified vacation rental brand under Expedia Group. If you visit HomeAway.com, you'll be automatically redirected to VRBO.com. All the properties that were previously listed on HomeAway are now available on VRBO, and the user experience is consistent regardless of how you originally found the platform.

The HomeAway name still exists in some corporate contexts and may appear in certain legal documents or older references, but for all practical purposes, travelers should use VRBO for their vacation rental bookings.

Regional Brands

While the HomeAway brand has been retired, some regional brands under the Expedia Group umbrella continue to operate with their local identities in certain markets:

• Abritel continues to serve French-speaking markets
• Stayz remains active in Australia
• FeWo-direkt serves German-speaking travelers

However, all these platforms share the same underlying technology and property inventory as VRBO, providing a consistent experience for travelers regardless of which regional site they use.

What This Means for Canadian Travelers

For Canadian travelers, the consolidation of VRBO and HomeAway has several practical implications:

One Platform, All Properties

You no longer need to check multiple sites to ensure you're seeing all available vacation rentals. Everything is now on VRBO.com, including properties across Canada and internationally. Whether you're looking for a cottage in Muskoka, a ski chalet in Whistler, or a beachfront villa in the Caribbean, you'll find it all in one place.

Simplified Account Management

If you had accounts on both HomeAway and VRBO, these have been consolidated. Your booking history, saved properties, and preferences should all be accessible through a single VRBO account. If you experience any issues accessing old bookings or account information, VRBO's customer service can help resolve these matters.

Consistent User Experience

The unified platform means a consistent booking experience, whether you're on the website or mobile app. Features like instant booking, secure messaging with hosts, and the Book with Confidence Guarantee are available for all properties.

Integration with Expedia Group

As part of the Expedia Group, VRBO integrates with other travel services. You may find VRBO listings suggested when booking flights or other travel products through Expedia-owned platforms, making trip planning more seamless.

Impact on Property Owners and Hosts

For Canadians who own vacation properties and list them for rent, the merger has brought several changes:

Single Listing, Maximum Exposure

Property owners now only need to maintain one listing on VRBO, which appears across the platform's entire network. This simplifies the management process while potentially increasing visibility to a larger audience of travelers.

Unified Dashboard

Host tools, calendar management, pricing controls, and booking management are all handled through VRBO's unified owner dashboard. This provides a more streamlined experience compared to managing listings across multiple platforms.

Fee Structure

VRBO uses a pay-per-booking model where hosts pay a commission on each successful booking. The exact percentage can vary based on several factors, but the structure is transparent and consistent across the platform.

Support and Resources

Expedia Group provides extensive resources for hosts, including educational materials, best practices guides, and dedicated support channels. As a larger organization, they can offer more robust support infrastructure than smaller platforms.

Features and Benefits of the Unified Platform

The consolidated VRBO platform offers numerous features designed to benefit both travelers and hosts:

For Travelers

• Extensive Inventory: Access to millions of vacation rentals worldwide, including thousands across Canada
• Verified Reviews: Genuine reviews from travelers who have actually stayed at properties
• Secure Payments: Protected payment processing through the platform
• 24/7 Support: Customer service available around the clock for booking issues or emergencies
• Book with Confidence Guarantee: Protection against fraudulent listings and booking issues
• Advanced Filters: Find exactly what you need with filters for amenities, location, price, and more
• Mobile App: Book and manage reservations on the go with iOS and Android apps

For Hosts

• Global Exposure: Reach millions of travelers searching for vacation rentals
• Flexible Pricing: Set your own rates with dynamic pricing options
• Calendar Sync: Integrate with other platforms to avoid double bookings
• Host Protection: Insurance options and liability coverage for property owners
• Professional Photography: Access to professional photo services in some markets
• Analytics: Insights into listing performance and market trends

VRBO vs Other Platforms

With the vacation rental market becoming increasingly competitive, it's worth understanding how VRBO compares to alternatives:

VRBO vs Airbnb

VRBO focuses exclusively on entire homes and vacation properties. You won't find shared rooms or hosted stays on VRBO, which appeals to families and groups seeking privacy and space.

Airbnb offers a broader range of accommodations, including private rooms within homes, shared spaces, and unique stays like treehouses or houseboats. This variety appeals to different traveler types, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers.

For Canadian families looking for a cottage or vacation home, VRBO's focus on whole-home rentals often makes it the preferred choice. The properties tend to be larger and more suitable for groups, with amenities like full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and private outdoor spaces.

VRBO vs Booking.com

Booking.com started as a hotel booking platform but has expanded to include vacation rentals. While they offer a significant selection, their primary strength remains traditional hotel accommodations.

VRBO is dedicated solely to vacation rentals, which means more specialized tools for finding and booking the right property for your needs. The platform's entire focus is on the vacation rental experience, from search filters to host communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still access my old HomeAway bookings?

Yes, all HomeAway booking history has been migrated to VRBO. Log in with your existing credentials, and you should see your complete booking history, including any reservations made through HomeAway.

Are the properties on VRBO the same ones that were on HomeAway?

Yes, all HomeAway properties are now listed on VRBO. The inventory has been fully consolidated, so you're not missing any options by using VRBO.

Do I need to create a new account on VRBO if I had a HomeAway account?

No, your HomeAway account credentials should work on VRBO. If you experience issues, contact customer support for assistance with account recovery.

Is VRBO available in French for Canadian users?

Yes, VRBO offers a French-language version of the site (vrbo.com/fr-ca) for French-speaking Canadians, with full functionality including property searches, bookings, and customer support.

Why did Expedia retire the HomeAway brand?

The consolidation simplified marketing, reduced customer confusion, and allowed for more efficient platform development. Having two brands with identical inventory was redundant and resource-intensive.

Are the service fees different now that HomeAway and VRBO are the same?

The fee structure is consistent across the unified platform. Both travelers and hosts see transparent pricing with clearly displayed service fees during the booking process.

Conclusion

The story of VRBO and HomeAway is ultimately a story of consolidation in the vacation rental industry. What started as two pioneering platforms in the online travel space has evolved into a single, unified service under the VRBO brand, backed by the resources and technology of Expedia Group.

For Canadian travelers, this consolidation brings simplicity and convenience. You no longer need to check multiple sites or wonder which platform has more listings. Everything is available on VRBO.com, from lakeside cottages in Ontario to mountain chalets in British Columbia.

For property owners, the unified platform offers streamlined management and exposure to a global audience of travelers seeking vacation rentals. The combination of VRBO's vacation rental expertise and Expedia's travel industry resources creates opportunities for hosts to reach more potential guests than ever before.

Whether you're planning your next Canadian getaway or considering listing your vacation property, understanding the relationship between VRBO and HomeAway helps you navigate the vacation rental landscape with confidence. The answer to "Is VRBO and HomeAway the same?" is now a definitive yes – and that's good news for everyone involved in the vacation rental experience.