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Top 5 Airbnb Alternatives for Every Traveler

Here's where to find short-term vacation rentals!

Monique Smith
MoniqueGuest Experience
Top 5 Airbnb Alternatives for Every Traveler

Short-term vacation rentals are all the rage these days but did you know that there are plenty of places to look for your perfect rental besides Airbnb? If you’re looking for a more than average vacation experience, check out these top five Airbnb alternatives for every type of traveler.

Wander - For workcation travelers and tech lovers

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Wander should be at the top of every workcation traveler and tech lover’s list. Unlike Airbnb, Wander owns all the homes on the platform so not only are the properties guaranteed to be stunning but they’re all equipped with ultra-fast WiFi, and state-of-the-art workstations.

With most vacation rentals, you’re pretty much on your own after booking but one of the great things about Wander is their dedicated 24/7 concierge team.

They’re just a text away and they’re on standby to help you with everything from arranging airport transportation to booking a bucket list adventure like horseback riding on the beach at sunset.

Wander homes are popping up coast to coast with new homes launching on a monthly basis. Once you’re a Wander member, you get to pick your vibe and travel all over the country in high-tech style.

Booking.com - For a wide selection for budget travelers

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Booking.com is widely known for being a hotel booking engine but the platform has about 6.5 million listings for vacation rentals, homes, and apartments. This makes it one of the platforms with the highest quantity and one of the largest variety of rentals worldwide.

If variety is what you’re looking for then Booking.com is a great place to start your search to get an idea of what type of vacation rentals suit your needs. Their variety makes them similar to Airbnb but Booking.com could be a better fit if you’re all about saving.

One unique thing about Booking.com is that their search includes a lot of filters for accessibility features making them a great spot for families and groups with elderly or disabled travelers. You can search for properties on the ground floor, raised sinks, wheelchair accessibility, braille, grab rails, and a walk-in shower.

Vrbo - For large families and large groups

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Next up is Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner. Vrbo got a facelift leaving most people to believe it’s a new platform, but it’s actually been around a lot longer than Airbnb, all the way back to 1995, actually.

The platform shares some similarities to Airbnb in that they both cast a wide net of beach houses, cabins, condos/apartments, and houses. Vrbo is known for being a better option for large families and groups of more than 5 people.

While they have fewer listings than Airbnb they still have a huge variety of over 2 million listings with rentals all over the world from Hot Springs to Honolulu so they are definitely worth a shot.

Vrbo is pet friendly too which is a huge plus when the whole family is traveling so you don’t have to leave your family dog behind and worry about finding a pet sitter. Pet-lovers can easily search for pet-friendly rentals using the Vrbo search filter.

Expedia -  For a full-service trip including flights, car rental

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Expedia is one of the most known booking engines for travelers who want everything in one place. The platform is largely catered to hotels and resorts, but you can find flights, vacation rentals, and car rentals all in one place making it really easy to organize your entire travel all on one platform.

Expedia is pretty similar to Booking.com in the way it’s set up. You can easily filter for wheelchair-accessible, business-friendly, LGBTQ-friendly, and family-friendly rentals.

While Expedia.com isn’t exactly a budget travel site, you can save money by bundling your experience and doing all your bookings and rentals on the platforms. They also have all-inclusive options available, making your vacation experience even more seamless.

Homestay - For those who want to live like a local

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This last platform might not be for everyone but if you’re not looking for luxury and you like your vacations with more culture and authenticity, then Homestay might be right for you. The platform can be considered a niche with just 55,000 vacation rentals worldwide.

It's mostly suited for solo travelers, backpackers, students, and anyone on a tight budget. Since there will be a host present at all times, this might not be right for you if you’re looking for a private getaway.

Think of it as a cultural exchange where you get to connect with locals who can act as a guide for the best restaurants, and things to do in the area. 


If you’re looking for a modern spot that hits all the right notes, check out the full list of Wander properties. Whether you’re looking for a snowy mountain escape in Tahoe with a ski trail in the backyard or a zen desert hideaway with showstopping views of the Arizona hills – Wander has prime locations for your next workcation and vacation. 

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