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10 Best Websites Like Airbnb Travelers Can Also Explore
Not long after it launched, Airbnb quickly became the go-to platform for vacation rentals, so people almost think of it as the only option for booking vacation stays.
However, in recent years, several home rental websites like Airbnb have gained attention from travellers looking for new vacation spots.
Airbnb has such a firm hold on the vacation rental market that it’s often difficult to find competitors that stand out.
Unlike the hotel industry, which has plenty of options and healthy competition, the vacation rental scene is pretty much dominated by Airbnb, with other websites struggling to keep up.
However, some solid Airbnb alternatives exist for travellers with different preferences. For example, if you’re into glamping (glamorous camping), Hipcamp might be more your style.
On the other hand, if you want top-tier urban rentals, you could check out Booking. Of course, each platform has its pros and cons.
In this article, we will explore some websites similar to Airbnb that might actually be a better fit for certain types of travelers. Keep reading to find out more!
Table of contents
What Is Airbnb?
Airbnb, short for “Air Bed and Breakfast,” is a platform where property owners can rent out their spaces to travellers searching for a place to stay.
Whether you need a space to share with others, a private room within a shared space, or an entire property just for yourself, Airbnb offers it all.
The company started in 2008 when Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, two industrial designers who had just moved to San Francisco, couldn’t afford their rent.
To make extra cash, they rented their apartment to people who couldn’t find hotel rooms during a local trade show.
They set up air mattresses in their living room and even made breakfast for their guests. What began as a small idea soon turned Airbnb into a pioneer in peer-to-peer property rentals. Even now, Airbnb Bans indoor cameras.
Today, Airbnb is one of the top platforms for finding unique stays, but there are other websites similar to Airbnb that are worth exploring.
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Why Should You Use Alternative Websites Similar To Airbnb?
For small hotels or boutique accommodations, being visible to travellers who may not know how to search specifically for your place is a big deal.
Many guests, especially those looking for unique stays, tend to explore Airbnb in search of charming spots off the beaten path.
It’s no longer just for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind sharing space with hosts; now, all properties are available, and Airbnb even has a luxury category.
This shift means Airbnb dominates the short-term rental market.
For small hotels, listing rooms on Airbnb can be a smart move. With Airbnb’s global reach and longer stays, even one room listing can attract a broader audience.
People who may not have considered looking for small hotels might discover your place through Airbnb.
Savvy travellers often compare prices across different sites, including the hotel’s website. So, having a presence on Airbnb can help increase visibility, attract more guests, and even lead to bookings directly on your site.
Simply listing your accommodation on Airbnb opens up your property to a worldwide audience with diverse tastes.
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10 Other Similar Home Rental Websites like Airbnb for Travelers
#1. VRBO
VRBO, “Vacation Rental by Owner,” is one of the first websites similar to Airbnb, where property owners could rent their homes to travellers. While it’s been around for a while, VRBO’s 2 million listings still fall behind Airbnb’s massive 7 million.
The two sites are similar in the types of vacation rentals they offer, and many property owners list their places on both platforms.
So, if you’re browsing Airbnb, it’s worth checking out VRBO, too — you might find the same spot for a cheaper price.
However, keep in mind that VRBO only offers entire properties, so there are no shared spaces or rooms. One thing that sets VRBO apart is its “total price” feature, which shows you the full cost upfront, so there are no hidden fees.
#2. Booking.com
Booking.com has been around since 1996 and initially focused on booking flights and hotels. Nowadays, it’s a strong competitor in the vacation rental space, offering short-term housing and apartments.
It’s multiplying with offices in over 70 countries and over 28 million listings, including hotels. One downside is the higher booking fee — 15% compared to Airbnb’s 3% — which often results in higher prices for renters.
While it might not have the quirky charm of some Airbnb spots, Booking.com is reliable and has a massive selection, making it great for those looking for a smooth, hassle-free stay with a bit of a homey feel.
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#3. Pacaso
Pacaso differs from the other Airbnb alternative websites because it offers co-ownership of second-generation luxury homes.
Instead of spending time and money on vacation rentals or hotels, Pacaso lets you own a share of a home you and your family can enjoy throughout the year. It’s like a fancier version of a timeshare, with up to eight people co-owning a property.
You can schedule your stays through their app, and Pacaso handles everything from cleaning and maintenance to interior design and bill-paying.
Co-owning makes it easier to afford a luxurious vacation home, and since you own part of the property, you can sell your share later on.
#4. Hipcamp
Hipcamp is a vacation/home rental website like Airbnb for outdoor lovers. It connects travellers with campsites perfect for tents or RVs and even offers cool places to stay, like treehouses and cabins, for those who prefer glamping.
Since many of these sites are in remote locations, Hipcamp has safety standards, like limiting the number of campers and providing warnings about common dangers. However, there are some home security gadgets to keep your home safe & secure you should consider.
With search filters that let you choose your ideal spot for activities like hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, Hipcamp makes it easy to plan your next nature escape. Plus, it’s affordable and convenient for those who love the outdoors.
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#5. Expedia
Though you might not immediately think of it, Expedia is a major player in the vacation rental industry, challenging Airbnb’s dominance.
Known for its broad range of travel services, Expedia has expanded into vacation rentals, offering everything from hotels to private homes.
What makes Expedia stand out is its ability to bundle travel options. You can book your stay, flights, car rentals, and even experiences all in one place.
This all-in-one solution gives it an edge over Airbnb, which hasn’t fully integrated these travel bundles yet.
#6. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is best known for being a giant in travel reviews and claims to be the world’s largest travel community. But it’s also stepped into the vacation rental game, becoming a solid alternative to Airbnb.
With rentals in over 200 countries, TripAdvisor gives travellers plenty of options.
One of its standout features is the vast number of user reviews, which help you make informed booking decisions. While it has a vibe similar to Airbnb, TripAdvisor acts as a metasearch engine, meaning it will redirect you to other websites when you’re ready to book.
#7. HomeToGo
HomeToGo is another strong competitor to Airbnb. It is a powerful metasearch engine for vacation rentals, allowing travellers to compare various rental options and find the best deals that fit their needs.
If you like websites like Airbnb, HomeToGo is an excellent resource for browsing multiple listings from different platforms.
One incredible perk is that HomeToGo partners with property owners to help them optimize bookings and reservations.
However, depending on your chosen property, you might be sent to another site to finalize the booking.
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#8. Plum Guide
Plum Guide is a bit different from other similar Airbnb websites. It focuses on luxury and offers an elite selection of high-end rentals.
What makes Plum Guide stand out is its strict vetting process. Experts, including travelers, interior designers, architects, and even psychologists, test each property to ensure it meets top-quality standards.
This platform is perfect for those who want a fancy and exclusive experience while travelling, making it an appealing choice for those seeking luxury stays.
#9. Marriott Homes and Villas
Marriott, famous for its hotels, has entered the vacation rental scene with its Homes and Villas platform. This platform is perfect for people who are already fans of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, as you can earn and redeem points while enjoying private vacation rentals.
Marriott brings its signature high standards to vacation rentals, giving guests the comfort and trust they’d expect from a Marriott hotel stay.
The opportunity to collect points makes it a promising Airbnb alternative, especially for loyal Marriott customers.
Visit Marriott Homes and Villas here
#10. Kid & Coe
Kid & Coe, launched in 2013, focuses exclusively on families seeking short-term vacation rentals. The platform offers rental properties and hotels and home exchange options, making it flexible for families on different budgets.
Each rental is family-friendly, with essentials like books, toys, cribs, and high chairs available, ensuring an easy and stress-free trip. Kid & Coe is a fantastic option for families travelling with kids.
Which Airbnb Alternative Websites Are Right for Me?
Finding the best alternatives to Airbnb depends on the type of accommodation you want to list. As we mentioned earlier, many websites like Airbnb have chosen to focus on specific areas within the short-term rental space.
So, your first move should be figuring out which platform reaches the audience you’re aiming for. That way, you’re connecting with the proper travellers who will appreciate what you offer.
At the same time, it’s always wise to look at alternatives to Airbnb that get the most traffic. Platforms like Booking.com and Expedia attract a large and varied audience, making them great options for almost any type of host.
Just be sure to check the commission rates and fees before you list your property on any of these platforms so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
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FAQs
What is a vacation rental website?
A vacation rental website is a platform where travellers can browse and book different properties for their trips. Hosts list their spaces and manage bookings, and guests pick what best fits their needs.
Who is Airbnb’s biggest competitor?
Vrbo is often seen as Airbnb’s top competitor because both offer similar services. With the rise of vacation rentals, new competitors are also making things more competitive for Airbnb and Vrbo.
Why is Airbnb better than its competitors?
Airbnb’s biggest edge is its name recognition. People even use “Airbnb” as a shorthand for vacation rentals. While it helped make vacation rentals popular, nothing else significantly sets it apart from its competitors now.
What are the perks of using websites like Airbnb?
Listing your property on sites like Airbnb is a great way to attract travellers who want something different from traditional hotels. Today, you can find all sorts of unique spaces on Airbnb, from boutique hotels to treehouses, castles, and more.
Conclusion
The Airbnb website isn’t your only option when finding a great vacation rental. This article has covered other home rental sites similar to Airbnb.
If you’re thinking about a long-term vacation, you might also want to consider co-owning a second home!
If you find this article helpful, please share your thoughts in the comment section and follow us on our social media platforms: X (Silicon Africa (@SiliconAfriTech)), Instagram (SiliconAfricaTech), and Facebook (Silicon Africa).
References
- Bookinglayer.com – 10 Alternatives to Airbnb: The Main Airbnb Competitors in 2024
- Pacaso.com – Other Similar Home Rental Websites like Airbnb to Consider for Your Next Vacation
- Littlehotelier.com – Airbnb competitors: Best alternative sites similar to Airbnb
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