February is ‘Book Direct’ month. You’re probably over there thinking, huh? But what if we told you there was a better way to book your dream vacation rental while SAVING money and ELEVATING your experience? Let me fill you in!
International Book Direct Day is an annual worldwide event when the accommodation industry come together to help guests understand the benefits of booking direct with small businesses.
We’d like to take a few minutes to share with you why booking direct is so beneficial to you, the guest, and us, the owners.
Why Book Direct With Owners?
Savings for Extra Treats!
Did you know third party sites like Airbnb and VRBO can add up to 20% extra on to the cost of your stay? YIKES! Some even bury the fee in the nightly rate so that you don’t even know you’re paying a fee!
We want you to keep those fees in YOUR pocket. Think of all those yummy Mickey Treats you can get!
Lower Rates
Not only do online agents like Airbnb and VRBO charge you a “service” or “traveller” fee, but they may also charge extra fees to owners too.
Those added commissions and fees mean that many owners list higher rates on the big sites to cover those fees.
Book Direct for Better Availability
Because owners know popular dates WILL get booked by returning guests, word of mouth or from their own direct promotions, many owners block high demand dates on the big site listings. Some only allow bookings a few months in advance.
That means many great homes might not even show up in your search. You miss out on that dream home! When you book direct with the owner, you’ll get a full choice of all dates available.
Better Communication Between You and Yours Truly!
Cutting out the middleman means you can easily reach owners by email, text, phone, web chat, Facebook messenger, Instagram DMs or whatever is YOUR favorite method of communication.
Those third parties that dictate how you communicate or force you to download their app aren’t involved at all.
Expert Advice at Your Fingertips
Looking for ideas on where to eat? Want suggestions on things to do? Need some theme park tips? Ask away! We’re always available to help you plan that perfect vacation. We can send you ideas, links to blog posts, links to favorite places, send you our destination guides and much more.
The middlemen very often don’t allow any links in communications, which limits what we can share and how we can help you.
Small Business Support
If you book direct, you are supporting our small business in the best way possible.
And for that, we are truly grateful!
Tips To Book Direct
Search Google
Many owners who book direct have their own independent websites – look for the name of the property or the name of the owner and then use Google to search for them.
Check Social Media
Lots of owners love to share their locations on social media. Check Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for accounts. Use hashtags for vacation rentals in the destination you are visiting.
Use the hashtag #BookDirect for any owners that are promoting it too.
Ask Questions
Always contact owners with any questions or concerns. We want you to feel 100% comfortable and confident. Most owners are more than happy to answer all your questions and help plan a stress free stay.
Check Reviews
Always look for a history of good reviews on social media, Google and any listing sites.
Check for Online Presence
Owners should have an online presence with their own website, social media accounts, a Google Business listing, affiliations with local government or chambers of commerce, or a combination of at least a few of these.
Always Be Secure
Make any payments with credit cards and always look for the secure site lock before entering any payment details on any website.
NEVER, EVER use Venmo, Western Union, ZellePay, cashiers checks, money orders or any other money transfer service unless you know 100% they are genuine.
Read Rules and Policies
Make sure you are fully aware of any property rules and cancellation policies before you book.
Get a Rental Agreement
A rental agreement will offer protection to both you and the owner.
Purchase Trip Insurance
We’ve all seen how travel plans can be disrupted, research trip insurance to protect your vacation.
Be Aware of Deals
Always be very wary of any deals that seem too good to be true. They usually are!
Ready to Book Direct?
We’d love you welcome you to one of our Disney Area Vacation Homes. Get a quote below or message me with any questions.
- 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom resort home 6 miles from Disney World
- 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom pool home 4.5 miles from Disney World
If you are a vacation rental property owner, check out OwnerWebs for a book direct website.
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