Direct Booking – Unlocking Hidden Gems

The Art of Direct Booking Your Perfect Vacation Rental

Last week, we discussed tips and tricks when booking your next family vacation through an OTA like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.  If you haven’t already, make sure to go back and read Part 1 and Part 2. This week, we’re focused on direct booking!

Part 1 of last week’s blog series focused specifically on how to save money when booking on the OTAs, but if you want to save the most money when booking your next vacation rental, you should be looking to book directly with your vacation rental host!

Booking direct is by far the best way to save money on your next family vacation!  When you book directly with your host, you aren’t paying the fees that the OTAs charge.  Yes they’re convenient to use, but you pay for it!  In some cases, hosts mark up their actual rates by 15-20% to cover the commissions and fees charged by the OTAs.  If your host isn’t marking their rates up, then you are paying additional fees to the OTA when you check out!

Booking directly with your host is easier and safer now than it ever has been!  In this article, we’ll cover how to find direct booking opportunities, what to expect when booking direct, and additional benefits to booking direct!

Finding Direct Booking Opportunities

Ask Google for “Vacation Rentals Near…”

One of the simplest ways to find direct booking opportunities is through a simple Google search. Approximately 80% of the time, the first search result will direct you to its Vacation Rental tool, where you can find hundreds of vacation rentals. While some results may lead to OTAs, several will redirect you to the host’s direct booking website, offering you the chance to book directly.

Find a Facebook Group

Facebook groups have become a treasure trove for vacationers. To get started, search for groups focused on your vacation destination that cater to vacationing or visiting the area. Be sure the group allows accommodation recommendations before joining.  Next, simply ask for vacation rental suggestions. Hosts are members of these groups and actively monitor them for booking opportunities. By posting your specific requirements, you can receive tailored offers from hosts with direct booking options.

The power of Facebook groups lies in the community’s knowledge and personal experiences, giving you insights and tips that might not be available through mainstream OTA listings. Additionally, you have the opportunity to interact directly with hosts from the start of the booking process.  If you are looking for multiple units for a large group, they can freely share recommendations for other hosts in the area without worrying about breaking the OTA rules for directing booking outside of their platform.

What to Expect when Booking Direct Online

Being Redirected

Many vacation rental operators rely on third-party platforms to create their direct booking websites, so it’s common for the booking URL to be different from their main website. Don’t be deterred if you’re redirected to a separate site.  In fact, it often indicates that the host is invested in providing a smooth booking experience for their future guests!

Booking in 3 Easy Steps

When booking online, you should be able to complete the process in just three steps:  (1) Select your desired dates, (2)  choose your preferred property from the options provided; (3) Enter your payment information securely.

For a good example of how the direct booking process should feel, check out our booking process for Lizzy’s Landing.

Clearly Stated Payment & Security Deposit Processes

A reputable host’s website should clearly state the amount you’ll pay upfront and any additional charges collected before check-in. Transparent pricing allows you to plan your budget accordingly and avoid surprises during the booking process. Security deposit policies, including collection methods and refund policies, should be explicitly outlined. A host who prioritizes transparency is more likely to prioritize your comfort during your stay too!

Rental Agreement

Always request to review the rental agreement before finalizing booking direct. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions agreed upon by both parties and ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved. If a host is reluctant to provide a rental agreement, consider it a red flag and move onto another host. A comprehensive rental agreement protects both you and the host, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and setting clear expectations for your stay.

Social Proof

Look for reviews from past guests directly on the host’s website. Reviews should come through a third-party platform, indicating authenticity and providing insights into the host’s reputation. Social proof offers valuable information about the property and the host’s reliability, giving you peace of mind when making your booking decision.

If you can’t tell whether or not the reviews are coming through a third-party platform (Revyoos is a common one), request their OTA links to check reviews there. As long as you make it clear you want to check their OTA review scores before booking, they shouldn’t hesitate to provide their OTA links.  If they aren’t on any OTAs, ask if they have links to their guest reviews on Google or TripAdvisor.  If they don’t have any of these, it is another red flag, and it is time to move on.

Contact Info

There should be an easy and straightforward way to contact the host directly, either through email, phone, or a contact form. Having direct access to the host allows you to discuss specific details, ask questions, and receive prompt responses. If contact information is missing or obscure, it’s another red flag.

FAQs

While not all hosts have a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section, it’s worth checking if they do. Review the FAQs thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask additional questions if needed. FAQs can provide essential information about the property’s amenities, house rules, and check-in and check-out procedures, giving you a good understanding of what to expect during your stay.

Other Benefits

Direct Booking Perks

Many vacation rental operators offer exclusive perks to guests who book directly. For example, our direct booking guests receive special welcome gifts, free early check-in and late check-out, hassle-free check-out processes, and even entry into free stay giveaways. Hosts love direct bookings, so you’ll have a higher chance of getting these personalized perks when you book direct, making your vacation even more enjoyable and memorable.

Loyalty Perks

Hosts may reward repeat guests with loyalty rewards such as discounts or other exclusive perks for their continued support and referrals. Direct booking makes it easier for hosts to offer these rewards compared to adjusting rates on OTAs. Establishing a relationship with a host through direct bookings may lead to preferential treatment and special offers on future stays.

Getting to Know Your Host

Direct booking websites often have “About Us” sections and links to social media profiles, allowing you to get to know your host better. This personal touch can make your vacation experience even more enjoyable and memorable. By understanding the host’s personality, values, and vision for their vacation rental, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your preferences.

Hopefully these tips have inspired you to book direct for your next family vacation!  If you are willing to do just a little bit more research during the planning phase, it can save you 15 – 20% on your next stay, and you may just get a few added perks that you won’t find on the OTAs

If you are interested in what a typical direct booking process looks like, feel free to visit us and check out Lizzy’s Landing.  As long as you don’t advance past the payment screen, you’ll see how easy it is to book directly with a host online – unless of course you’d enjoy an amazing Branson Vacation – in that case, go ahead and book!

Next week, we’ll have two blog posts.  The first will focus on family vacation budgeting tips, and the second will focus on our vacation market, Branson, MO.

Until then, happy travels!

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Photos provided by Free Stock photos by Vecteezy