The Perks of Booking Direct Vs Using Airbnb or Vrbo

With so many ways to book vacation rentals, how do you know which is best? Between all the commercials for OTAs like Vrbo, HomeAway, and AirBnb, they seem like a good choice, right? Well, sometimes they aren't the best choice. Find out why booking direct with a local rental agency is the better choice than booking through an OTA. 

The Truth About Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

What is an OTA? 

An online travel agency (OTA) is a web-based marketplace that allows consumers to research and book travel products and services, including hotels, flights, cars, tours, cruises, activities, and more, directly with travel suppliers. Examples of OTAs include Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, HomeAway, Expedia, and FlipKey. 

What Does it Mean to Book Direct?

In today’s day and age, it has never been easier to find vacation rentals. With just a quick google search you can turn up hundreds of results and OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo are usually at the top of the list. Most of the time the vacation rentals listed on those sites are also available through a property manager’s website, like the one you are on right now. Booking Direct means, you make your vacation rental reservation through the property manager’s website instead of an OTA. 

Why Should I Book Direct Vacation Rentals?

Booking Direct Provides Better Pricing

Direct booking websites provide the best pricing with exclusive deals, accurate, up-to-date pricing, and last-minute savings

Save Money on Fees

When you reserve a Port Aransas vacation rental through 3rd party websites like OTAs, you’ll often have to pay extra fees and charges. These outrageous fees can reach as high as 20% of your total reservation cost. Most of the time, these fees are hidden by being built into the reservation price. 

There is no need for you to pay these extra fees. By booking directly on a property manager's website, it’s guaranteed that you aren’t paying these added costs. You get access to the best properties and the best rates this way.

A Better Vacation Experience when Booking Directly

Our company is locally family owned and operated. Our local customer service team is ready to help you with all your vacation needs. They know all the best spots in town for dining, family-friendly activities, and shops. Our team can give recommendations that an OTA reservation specialist cannot because OTA employees are not guaranteed to be from the area you are looking to vacation. Live like a local on your vacation by booking with the locals!

Direct Contact with Management Team

Nothing can put a damper on your Port Aransas Vacation than something breaking in your vacation rental or the reservation process taking too long. When you book direct, you will have direct contact with our management team from the moment you start considering one of our vacation rentals. Don’t jump through hoops just to get in contact with us. Your vacation is supposed to be hassle-free so eliminate any potential for hassle by booking direct.

More Rental Options

Find the latest and best properties on a property manager’s short-term rental direct booking website. It can take time for a property manager to post their newest properties on a 3rd party OTA. Make sure you are browsing the latest properties and the most accurate property availability by going to the source. 

Property managers often only select a certain selection of vacation rentals on OTAs. Don't miss out on amazing properties. Booking direct only gives you more variety and the highest-demand homes.  

Consistent Guest Experience

Our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way, from the moment you book to the end of your vacation. That is more to stay about OTAs like AirBnB. When you book through an OTA, you won’t receive any property information until after you book. 

The high-quality experience guests receive lasts way beyond their vacation. When you book direct, you can receive the latest updates on new properties and specials even after your last stay. You’ll never be out of the loop when it comes to vacation rentals.

Book Direct Day

Every year property managers around the country celebrate Book Direct Day with the hashtag #bookdirect. Book Direct Day happens every year on the first Wednesday in February. This day was designed to educate guests on the benefits of booking directly with property management companies vs the OTAs. Often, property managers run Book Direct Day Specials to promote booking direct. 

Looking for the Best Port Aransas Vacation Rentals?

Well, look no further than Life In Paradise Vacation Rentals. Our local Port Aransas team is ready to help you plan your next Port Aransas vacation. We have almost 600 vacation rentals on Mustang Island / Port Aransas.  Browse our Port Aransas Vacation Rentals and Book Direct for the best price!