Imagine waking up in a charming Parisian apartment and eating croissants on your balcony. Or perhaps a rustic cabin nestled amidst towering Redwoods sounds more your speed. Everyone has different travel preferences and budgets, and the best vacation rental sites will cater to yours. To help you find the ideal accommodations for your trip, we've compiled a list (ranked in no particular order) of the top vacation rental sites:Let’s get booking, shall we?1. Airbnb
Best rental site for varietyAirbnb gives private owners a platform to rent their properties directly to travelers. Airbnb sets itself apart from competitors by allowing hosts to list everything from single-family houses to spare rooms.Short-term rental alternative: Co-owned second homes
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable for solo travelers | Potential for host cancellations |
| Millions of rental listings | Scam listings |
2. Vrbo
Best rental site for group travelersVrbo was the first website to bring vacation rentals by owners to the public — that's actually what "Vrbo" stands for. Its rental offerings focus on the United States, with hosts managing private properties. Further, Vrbo only lists private units, so travelers won't be able to book shared spaces. Due to its limited listings, Vrbo makes it easy for families to sift through options to find the perfect rental that can house everyone. | Pros | Cons |
| Easy for groups to find accommodations | Lack of international options |
| Straightforward booking costs | Less emphasis on unique experiences |
3. FlipKey
Best rental site for destination guidanceFlipKey makes this list of the best vacation rental sites due to its balanced approach to vacation rentals. It takes the middle ground between Airbnb and Vrbo, offering only private vacation rentals while expanding its reach overseas to nearly 200 countries. Although its total number of listings is still a far cry from those on Airbnb, FlipKey does have one competitive edge: It is owned by Tripadvisor, which provides insights into travelers’ experiences. Guests who book on FlipKey get more than just a rental — they get actionable user tips to make planning easier. | Pros | Cons |
| User reviews from Tripadvisor | Smaller selection of listings |
| International presence | Only rents whole properties |
4. Booking.com
Best rental site for hotel loyalistsBooking.com began as a site to find deals exclusively on hotel stays. Seeing the rise in demand for short-term vacation rentals, Booking.com threw its hat into the ring and now has more than 28 million properties listed. By specializing in hotel rooms and vacation rentals, the site allows travelers to easily compare the available options in the area to ensure they’re getting the best deal for their money. Even if hotels aren’t right for your vacation plans, the site provides a search feature to find only vacation rentals. | Pros | Cons |
| International presence | Fees can vary |
| Includes hotel options | Focus on larger properties only |
5. Agoda
Best rental site for travel throughout AsiaAgoda, the largest online travel agency in Asia, is owned by Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com and other brands (Priceline and Kayak, for example), boosting credibility and benefiting from its deep resources. While it specializes in Asian travel, Agoda also operates in Europe and North America. It offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to private residences, making it a viable option for nearly every traveler. While most travelers looking for vacation rentals focus on the short term, Agoda also has options for long stays exceeding seven days. | Pros | Cons |
| Strong presence in Asia | Limited customer service |
| Frequent booking discounts | May only offer basic amenities |
6. Plum Guide
Best rental site for quality assuranceWhile many vacation rental sites focus on giving users the most options, Plum Guide takes the opposite approach by putting quality above quantity. Plum Guide uses extremely selective criteria in its approval process, with its team individually judging every property. Only around 3% of rentals pass. In addition to this attention to detail, its team is available around the clock to assist guests, so you won’t be stuck waiting for a resolution if an issue arises. | Pros | Cons |
| Higher quality standards | Lower inventory |
| Price matching | Higher prices |
7. HomeToGo
Best rental site for centralizing searchesIf you’re tired of jumping around to multiple rental platforms, you might want to start using HomeToGo. This platform acts similarly to a search engine, collecting millions of listings from the best vacation rental sites to save you time and, in the end, money. Its search functions operate similarly to what you’ll find on sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Travelers can filter results based on prices, amenities, ratings and more. Whether you’re looking to stay in a houseboat or a castle, HomeToGo might be your best bet for success. | Pros | Cons |
| Searches multiple rental sites | Reliant on third-party rental sites |
| Extensive search filters | Less user-friendly interface |
8. Casamundo
Best rental site for privacy-conscious travelersCasamundo specializes in providing vacation rentals across the United States and Europe. It lists over 700,000 properties, including traditional apartments and unique accommodations such as windmills and treehouses. Casamundo has positioned itself as an online travel agency by recruiting prominent vacation home providers and centralizing their listings to benefit Casamundo users. Their transparent privacy policy regarding all customer data makes it one of the best vacation rental sites. Casamundo is open about how it collects user data, how long it saves it and how it is used. Users can opt to book over the phone and speak to a Casamundo representative. | Pros | Cons |
| Best price guarantee | Fewer reviews available |
| Transparent privacy policy | Not easy to navigate |
9. Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals
Best rental site for refunded travelTripadvisor is a vacation planning powerhouse that originally provided user reviews of businesses, attractions and accommodations. Tripadvisor has now branched out into a vacation rental website as well.The platform operates in over 200 countries and promises a full refund if the rental property is falsely advertised or if the guest can’t access it. In addition to its robust listings, Tripadvisor allows vacationers to book some accommodations directly with the owner. There’s a payment protection guarantee for added peace of mind. | Pros | Cons |
| Large database of user reviews | Potential for booking conflicts |
| Payment protection | Fewer unique listings |
10. HolidayLettings
Best rental site for unique lodgingHoliday Lettings is another website offering only privately owned vacation rentals, including mountain cabins, apartments and villas. This variety ensures travelers can find a space with the right balance of amenities and affordability.Just like FlipKey, it is owned by Tripadvisor, so it benefits from the platform’s extensive customer reviews and travel guidance. Holiday Lettings has a slightly larger inventory of listings than FlipKey, with 700,000 rentals worldwide. | Pros | Cons |
| User reviews from Tripadvisor | Limited availability outside Europe |
| Focus on self-catering | Potential language barriers |
11. Tripping.com
Best rental site for price comparisonsTripping.com is another vacation rental website that serves as a search engine for listings across different platforms. Visitors to the site benefit from a range of properties, so it’s great if you’re undecided about booking a hotel or a private space. Its precise filtering makes it easy to find the perfect rental from over 12 million listings. Since it pulls results from other platforms, you can easily compare prices to get the best deal. | Pros | Cons |
| Searches multiple rental sites | Fewer amenities filters |
| Instant confirmation often | Limited non-urban options |
12. Homestay.com
Best rental site for house swapsHomestay.com makes the list of the best vacation rental sites thanks to its unique approach to offering vacation experiences. Users can rent private accommodations but can also choose to swap homes with a host. The house exchange can take place at the same time, or the host can stay at the guest’s property at a later date.Some hosts even operate on a barter basis, allowing guests to stay in exchange for work around the property. Homestay.com has over 63,000 rooms in over 176 countries. | Pros | Cons |
| Cultural immersion options | Shared living spaces |
| Private room options | Potential privacy concerns |
13. Atraveo
Best rental site for trusted customer reviewsOperating primarily in Europe, atraveo has listings for more than 300,000 vacatiion home and apartment rentals.. Along with verified customer reviews, atraveo offers secure booking, where the renter pays atraveo and then settles with the host. This added security eliminates the scam listings found on less reputable sites.| Pros | Cons |
| Eco-friendly listings | Primarily listings in Europe |
| Verified customer reviews | May lack mainstream amenities |
14. Onefinestay
Best rental site for luxury staysFocused on luxury vacation rentals, onefinestay has 5,000 listings in 50 global destinations. The company stays true to its luxury goals by professionally managing every property so visitors can avoid unreliable hosts. Accor, a hospitality company that owns Fairmont and Raffles, manages onefinestay. This expertise adds to the experience with features like professional housekeeping, round-the-clock service and being welcomed in person upon arrival. There’s even the option to personalize your stay with perks like a private driver or chef. | Pros | Cons |
| Designer apartments | Very limited inventory |
| High-end experiences | Expensive rates |
15. Sonder
Best rental site for app-based servicesSonder is another platform that’s trying to improve the vacation rental experience. It boasts hotel-quality amenities in personalized environments. Guests can control the details of their stay via a convenient app, requesting things like late checkouts or fresh towels. The app also provides information about the rental, complete with a guide to the surrounding area. Sonder operates in 40 cities around North America and Europe, although its primary focus is in the United States. An added benefit of the service is that it offers both short- and long-term stays. | Pros | Cons |
| Optional long-term stays | Limited international listings |
| Professional management | Only in urban areas |
16. 9flats
Best rental site for affordable European travel9flats.com has listings in over 6 million locations collected from other travel sites, although its primary focus is Europe. Like Airbnb, it also allows vacationers to rent a private room in a home. The properties are all privately managed, leading to more affordable rates. While 9flats.com isn’t on the same tier as some luxury brands, it does offer some great perks. Guests can enlist the help of their hosts for tips on local entertainment, with some even willing to act as unofficial tour guides. The company carefully evaluates all hosts for added guest safety. | Pros | Cons |
| Student-friendly options | Mostly only Europe |
| Assistance from hosts | Potential language barriers |
17. Love Home Swap
Best rental site for family-friendly vacationsAs the name implies, Love Home Swap is allows homeowners to trade places with others in over 100 countries. Like Homestay.com, homeowners can swap homes at the same time or opt to receive points that can be used on a future vacation. The service offers a free trial, after which homeowners must pay a membership fee. Before the house swap, both owners can agree to certain terms — like cleaning and pet sitting — to ensure each person’s space is respected. | Pros | Cons |
| Free house exchange | Membership fees |
| Unique locations | Limited flexibility on dates |
18. Getaway
Best rental site for travelers seeking rest and relaxationGetaway House targets travelers who prioritize rest and relaxation over sightseeing. It provides tiny cabins in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States, although there are some locations on the West Coast. The cabins include a mini kitchen, plus an outdoor fire pit and grill grate. The service intentionally spurns technology, providing no Wi-Fi to guests. A landline in every cabin compensates for spotty cell reception in case of emergencies. | Pros | Cons |
| Safe glamping experience | Regional presence |
| Driveable from major cities | Minimal luxuries |
19. Interhome
Best rental site for in-person serviceInterhome, founded in 1965, successfully leverages its decades of experience to remain one of the best vacation rental websites around. The company offers 24/7 customer service to the guests who stay in its approximately 40,000 holiday homes and apartments.Interhome and its partners maintain a local presence, executing key handovers and resolving issues on-site. The team even performs a quality check of every property before the guests’ arrival. | Pros | Cons |
| Popular in ski destinations | Limited inventory |
| In-person service | Less variety year-round |
20. Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Best rental site for hotel-tier experiencesHomes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy offers the same premium level of hospitality guests have come to expect from their hotels, only now in the comfort of a home.Marriott enlists the help of professional property managers to ensure that its rental homes and villas are held to the company’s high standards. Rooms come with premium linens, Wi-Fi and bathroom amenities that are standard in hotel rooms. By renting through Homes & Villas, guests receive increased privacy and living space.| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality standards | Limited inventory |
| Rewards program | Potentially higher service fees |
21. Paris Perfect
Best rental site for trips to ParisParis Perfect caters to travelers who who crave a luxurious and authentic Parisian experience. It offers a curated selection of chic apartments throughout the city. These aren't your average rentals: They are beautifully decorated and include a modern twist on classic Parisian style. They also come equipped with top-of-the-line amenities that rival a luxury hotel. Plus, with prime locations throughout Paris, you'll be perfectly situated to explore all that the City of Light has to offer.| Pros | Cons |
| Chic Parisian decor | Only caters to Paris vacationers |
| Local insider tips | Not budget friendly |
22. Expedia
Best rental site for pre-vetted listingsExpedia is the perfect vacation rental site for travelers who crave a getaway with a touch of home. Whether you're seeking a romantic cabin in the mountains or a spacious condo for a family reunion, Expedia offers a vast selection.You can filter your search by location, price, amenities and even property type — making it easy to find vacation rentals that tick all your boxes. Plus, with the site’s commitment to finding the best deals, you can relax knowing you secured a comfortable and affordable home-away-from-home.| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive selection | Potential for hidden fees |
| Integrates with other travel options | Fewer unique rentals |
23. Welcome Beyond
Best rental site for eco-conscious travelersWelcome Beyond offers a unique selection of vacation rentals that cater to families, nature lovers and those who want to go off the beaten path. Welcome Beyond chooses each property for its remarkable architecture and captivating design. The site caters to the adventurous traveler who seeks a place to stay that reflects the destination's character. Welcome Beyond properties go beyond the standard apartment or house, often featuringe treehouses, glamping sites and historic properties — usually accompanied by spectacular views. | Pros | Cons |
| Unique properties | Limited availability |
| Personalized experiences | Hotel-like amenities may be unavailable |
Another option: owning a vacation home
The vacation rental sites on this list each have their strengths, but they’re all limited to single trips. If you love a vacation destination, you have an alternative for a lifetime of luxurious stays. If you have a destination you return to year after year — or multiple times a year — it might be time to buy property there.
Vacation home ownership has multiple benefits over repeated rentals:- Gaining potential equity in the property
- Avoiding the rising costs of rentals
- Enabling more frequent vacations
- Simplifying vacation planning
Owning a vacation home does come with added responsibilities, so you’ll want to thoroughly research your options before deciding. Tired of vacation rentals? Try Pacaso
If you're seeking an alternative to traditional vacation rentals, Pacaso might be the answer. Our fractional ownership model allows you to co-own a luxury vacation home, enjoying the perks of ownership without the full financial burden and maintenance hassles. With listings starting at $200,000 in prime vacation destinations, Pacaso lets you pick the right amount of ownership, from ⅛ to ½, of a fully managed vacation home. Best vacation rental sites FAQ
What are some common short-term rental options?
Airbnb is one of the largest vacation rental websites in the industry, but it’s not the only option. Hosts and guests can benefit from using specialty sites like Homestay.com, Sonder and Plum Guide.
What is the maximum stay allowed on Airbnb?
Airbnb allows hosts to list long-term stays, although most hosts restrict stays to 28 days or less. Hosts tend to avoid long-term tenants due to complications that can arise with the renter since some local laws provide the renter with greater entitlements to the property.
Do vacation rental sites charge fees?
Vacation rental fees are how the platforms make money from their services. The fees are applied differently, with some platforms charging only the host and some charging both hosts and renters for the transaction.
