22 Plum Guide alternatives to consider in 2023

Looking for the perfect vacation rental? The internet is full of sites offering options well beyond Plum Guide. With rentals ranging from budget-friendly hotels in remote destinations to luxury options in the midst of great cities, our list of Plum Guide alternatives can help you find the perfect setting to launch your next adventure:

A graphic shoes the pros and cons of using Plum Guide to help those researching Plum Guide alternatives.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb is one of the most popular short-term vacation rental companies, with over 6 million listings. The platform lists rentals in major cities and rural areas across the globe. Instead of staying in a hotel, Airbnb connects users with unique listings by local hosts. Amenities can vary and stays may be paired with excursions via the app’s Airbnb experiences feature.

Pros	Cons
A popular platform with some off-the-beaten-track locationsGet to know locals by staying with hosts familiar with the area	Amenities vary with each listingThere are no in-person customer service representatives

2. FlipKey

Similar to Airbnb and Vrbo, FlipKey allows you to find and book vacation rentals listed by hosts around the world. You can browse thousands of listings, read reviews from previous guests, and compare prices and amenities. Since FlipKey is owned by TripAdvisor, users who book a short-term vacation rental through this company have access to the travel guides and recommendations they need to create a travel itinerary.

Pros	Cons
Individual hosts offer unique staysYou can read verified reviews from previous guests and contact the owners directly	May have to pay extra fees for cleaning, service or taxesIssues with the property or owner aren’t covered by FlipKey guarantee

3. Glamping Hub

Glamping Hub focuses on providing an authentic, immersive experience for guests who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. The term glamping refers to a glamorous camping experience that combines the best parts of nature with the modern conveniences of a vacation home.

Pros	Cons
Guests can enjoy running water, electricity and air conditioningListings include yurts, treehouses and luxury cabins	Does not always provide hotel-like amenities like WiFiMay only be available in more remote or rural locations

4. Booking.com

Booking.com not only helps you find and book homes and hotels, but also helps you find flights, car rentals, taxis and attractions in popular destinations around the world. Whether you want a relaxing retreat or an off-grid adventure, Booking.com has something for everyone. You can also take advantage of deals and discounts that are exclusive to this vacation rental site.

Pros	Cons
Offers options in a wide range of locations and price rangesProvides customer reviews and ratings that help users make informed decisions	May charge higher fees than other platforms or booking directly with hostsMay have some inaccurate or outdated information about the listing, such as old photos

5. Tripping.com

Similar to Plum Guide, Tripping.com helps travelers find and compare vacation rentals from different providers. The site lists over 12 million properties in 190 countries, making it one of the largest search engines for vacation rentals.Travelers can also benefit by visiting the Tripping blog where they’ll find location guides and travel advice on how to make the most out of their vacation.

Pros	Cons
Enjoy access to listings from multiple platformsFilter by amenity to get exactly what you’re looking for	May have to deal with different booking policies and cancellation fees from each siteMay not get the same level of customer service as hotels

6. Vrbo

Vrbo caters to travelers who want nothing less than a home away from home. Enjoy more space, privacy and amenities than you would in a typical hotel room or host-based accommodation. Worry less and relax more with features like online booking, 24/7 customer support and flexible cancellation policies.

Pros	Cons
Enjoy privacy with entire rental units instead of sharing space with your hostListings offer space and privacy that’s great for families	Listings can be more expensive due to renting the whole unitMay have to follow strict rules and policies set by the host

7. Homestay

Homestay connects travelers with local hosts who offer accommodations and cultural experiences. Travelers can enjoy authentic and affordable stays in destinations around the world while also supporting local communities. The vacation site is different from other platforms because it focuses on creating meaningful connections between travelers and hosts, rather than just providing a place to sleep.

Pros	Cons
A great option for students and others who want to be a part of a communitySaves money on lodging during extended travel	Potential lack of privacy and safety concernsNot able to guarantee the experience will be as described online

8. Sonder

Sonder provides access to boutique apartments in major cities around the world. If you are looking for a streamlined, no-nonsense stay in an urban location, look no further. Young professionals, solo travelers and couples may enjoy the walkability of these rentals as well as the site’s in-person customer service representatives available 24/7.

Pros	Cons
Choose from a variety of layout options like studios or one bedroomsEnjoy a predictable accommodation experience	Listings are only available in popular urban areasSubject to noise pollution because they are in populous areas

9. TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters is a service that allows homeowners to leave their property (and pets) in your care while they’re away. As a house sitter, you will be expected to perform various tasks such as watering plants, feeding and walking pets, collecting mail, and keeping the house secure. House sitting is beneficial for both parties because the homeowners can enjoy their trip without worrying about their home, and the house sitters can save money on accommodation while enjoying a local’s home.

Pros	Cons
Save money on accommodationsEnjoy the company of animalsExperience life like a true local	You’re responsible for both the property and the pets Limited flexibility in travel plans due to caring for animals

10. Homestayin

Homestayin connects you to thousands of host families worldwide. Travelers book a room in a host’s home and are able to share meals and experiences with them.With each booking, the company contributes to a UNICEF program to feed malnurished children in Africa. The platform caters to students, interns and young professionals on international business trips.

Pros	Cons
Stay with local people when traveling new placesYou can learn about the local culture, language and customs from your hosts	May not get along with your host and there is little privacyMay have to follow the rules and expectations of your host, such as curfew, chores, or meals

11. Vacasa

Vacasa offers full-service solutions for homeowners and guests. The platform has local teams of housekeepers, maintenance staff and property managers who ensure quality and safety standards. With listings across 30 countries and regions, Vacasa has a variety of vacation experiences, from beachfront condos to mountain cabins and more.

Pros	Cons
Take a 3D tour of listings before bookingEnroll in optional insurance coverage and damage protection	Prices fluctuate during the busy season of the destinationNot yet available everywhere in the world

12. Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is so much more than a short-term vocational rental database. The popular site helps travelers plan trips, book accommodations and share their experiences in an effort to educate the next wave of guests.The platform has millions of reviews and opinions from real travelers who have visited hotels, restaurants and attractions, allowing users to compare prices and book accommodations, flights, car rentals and tours from a variety of providers.

Pros	Cons
Take advantage of a large database of user informationBook your entire travel itinerary all in one place	Some information is outdated and unable to be verifiedPrices can be inflated due to it being a third-party platform

13. OYO Rooms

OYO is a network of 157,000 hotels and homes in 35 countries. The chain partners with existing hotels and provides them with branding, quality control and operational support.It caters to a wide array of travelers, such as couples, families, solo adventurers and young professionals, by offering various types of rooms, prices and amenities.

Pros	Cons
Loyalty program and discounts for frequent customersEasily book, check-in and cancel online	Inconsistent quality and service across different locationsLow ratings and reviews on some platforms

14. Outdoorsy

Outdoorsy is a platform that connects RV owners and renters, allowing them to explore the open road in comfort and style. Outdoorsy has a variety of RVs to choose from, including motorhomes, trailers, campervans and more. Outdoorsy also provides 24/7 roadside assistance, insurance options and a secure payment system.

Pros	Cons
Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of RV travelProvides insurance coverage, roadside assistance and customer support	You may not have the luxury of a home with four wallsMay not be a great option for those wanting to stay in urban are

15. Onefinestay

Similar to the Plum Guide, Onefinestay boasts a collection of luxury vacation listings across the globe. On top of that, it provides 24/7 support, local tips and curated experiences. Every listing is inspected by an in-person team to ensure that guests get their money’s worth.

Pros	Cons
Listings are professionally managed by OnefinestayProvides concierge services you would find at a hotel	Expensive price points for travelers Mainly in popular urban areas so other destinations are unavailable

16. HomeToGo

HomeToGo is a search engine for vacation rentals that allows users to compare offers from different providers and find the best deal for their travel needs.Listings cover over 200 countries and regions, offering a wide range of destinations and accommodation types. It also provides useful information and tips for travelers, such as destination guides, travel trends and inspiration.

Pros	Cons
Can compare prices and availability of different providers in one placeAccess to exclusive offers and discounts	Users may encounter hidden fees from some providersCancellation policies and customer service standards can differ widely

17. Wimdu

Wimdu is a platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer accommodation in their homes, along with local knowledge and guidance. It is a great option for travelers seeking short term rentals during their European vacation.

Pros	Cons
Cancellations the day before may be capable of full refunds, depending on provider’s policiesGreat option for an extended European vacation	Amenities can vary with each listing and hostMay be difficult to find an entire unit to enjoy on your vacation

18. 9flats

On 9flats, you can choose from a variety of apartments, villas, guest houses or houseboats offered by individuals worldwide. You can also enjoy the benefits of having a personal host who can provide recommendations about your destination.

Pros	Cons
Communicate directly with the host and get tips and recommendationsEnjoy a more authentic experience than staying in a hotel	May have to share the space with other guests or the hostMay have to follow the house rules and respect the host's privacy

19. Agoda

Agoda offers a variety of choices for varying vacation budgets, preferences and needs. Travelers can book pet-friendly, family-friendly or eco-friendly homes. Agoda strives to support local communities and businesses by promoting sustainable tourism.

Pros	Cons
Provides a rewards program for frequent travelersTravelers learn about sustainable tourism and local environments	May encounter misrepresentation with listingsMay have to pay extra fees and taxes depending on the location

20. Kid & Coe

Kid & Coe specializes in family-friendly accommodations and experiences. Unlike most travel platforms, Kid & Coe offers curated properties that are designed to meet the needs and preferences of parents and children. Whether it's a spacious villa with a pool, a cozy apartment with toys and books, or a farm stay with hands-on activities, they have something for every family.

Pros	Cons
Listings are specially curated for family travelBaby equipment is often provided in the accommodation	May have to pay a higher price than other travel websitesMay have to book well in advance, as properties are in high demand

21. Hipcamp

Hipcamp connects people who love nature with unique outdoor accommodations. Hipcamp helps you book tent camping sites, RV parks, cabins, glamping and more. Don’t forget to check out their blog for the ultimate camping inspo.

Pros	Cons
Access to unique campsites that are not available in public campgrounds Support local landowners and help them preserve their land and generate income	May have to pay more than you would for a public campground or RV parkMay be subject to poor road access, wildlife encounters or weather issues

22. Pacaso

Pacaso provides travelers who frequent a single destination with the opportunity to own a second home in their favorite place. Co-ownership model reduces the cost and hassle of owning a luxury second home in sought-after destinations. The company handles all the management, maintenance and scheduling of the property so owners can focus on enjoying their vacation and their luxury vacation home amenities.

A graphic compares and contrasts Plum Guide and Pacaso, one of the Plum Guide alternatives.

Pacaso differs from other Plum Guide alternatives by offering travelers the opportunity to own real estate. Rather than spending time and money on different vacation rentals, travelers can enjoy a consistent luxury experience every time, at a place they call home. And in many ways, co-owning a second home makes more sense than getting book a rental for your vacations. Want to learn more? Discover the benefits of Pacaso's co-ownership model and explore our listings.