The Smart Traveler's Guide to Booking Direct:

Originally shared by The Nest Collective. Shared here with permission. Read the original post HERE. View on Pinterest HERE.

Planning a family vacation can feel like putting together one of those 1,000-piece puzzles—destination, lodging, budget, and making sure both the toddlers and the grandparents have a great time. One helpful tip that often flies under the radar? You can usually book the exact same vacation rental you found on Airbnb or Vrbo directly through the owner or property manager’s website—and save money while you're at it.

Here’s a quick (and surprisingly simple) guide to help you travel smarter, protect your plans, and support the small businesses behind the places you love.

Step 1: Use the OTAs to Your Advantage

Sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com are a great starting point when you're searching for the perfect vacation rental. They pull together tons of options and make it easy to filter by price, number of bedrooms, amenities (if only they had a fragrance-free filter!), and more. Use them as a discovery tool to find homes that fit your family’s needs—and don’t skip the reviews. They’re often full of helpful tips from past guests.

Once you’ve found a place that feels like a good fit, take a closer look at the details.

Pro tip: Look for clues in the listing—like the name of the home, the host or property management company, and any logos or branding in the photos. These little hints can help you track down the direct booking site later.

Step 2: Google Is Your Best Friend

Once a property grabs your attention, jot down a few key details:

The name of the rental (like The Lodge On Twinkle Lane)
The host or company name (such as The Nest Collective)
Any standout features or keywords (think “Crystal Lake cabin with sauna”)

Then, do a quick Google search using that info. You’d be surprised how often you can find the rental’s official website or a direct booking page. Many small businesses and boutique property managers list their homes on big platforms and offer a way to book directly.

One example we love? Our friends at Stay On The Vineyard in California—they make booking direct super easy and their property is beautiful.

Step 3: Why Book Direct?

Booking direct comes with some pretty great perks. You’re:

Skipping platform fees (hello, extra savings!)
Connecting directly with the host or property manager
Tapping into local tips and insider recommendations
Getting more flexibility for special requests or needs

And despite what some people think, booking direct doesn’t mean sacrificing protection or peace of mind. Let’s clear up a few common myths next.

Step 4: Travel Insurance = Peace of Mind?

You don’t have to sacrifice protection just because you’re not booking through a major OTA (like Air BNB or VRBO).

In this situation, many owners use a Property Management Software (PMS) that allows you to purchase travel insurance (via a 3rd party) and trip protection independently, just like on AirBnB. When you book through our website or any Houfy website, you have the option to automatically add travel insurance to your booking. Learn more about this HERE.

However, other examples of Trip Insurance Companies are:

These policies often include:

Trip cancellation or interruption
Coverage for illness or emergencies
Travel delay reimbursement
Baggage/Personal Effects

*Be sure to look into the insurance you are purchasing, as many vary but just know its a very valid option for many guests.

Quick note: When booking through Houfy, you might see a Property Protection fee per night. This fee helps cover accidental damage or loss, so you won’t be on the hook for something unexpected (ie loss or damage). It gives both you and the host peace of mind—if anything happens, the host can replace it for the next guest. It’s a win-win-win (as Michael Scott would say)!

Step 5: Vetting the Host

Still feeling a little unsure about stepping away from the big-name booking sites? Totally understandable—and a little research goes a long way. Here’s how to book with confidence:

✅ Make sure the website is secure (look for “https” and the padlock icon in the browser)
✅ Read guest reviews—many hosts link to Google or Facebook reviews, or even pull in Airbnb/Vrbo reviews directly to their site so you can compare
✅ Check out their Instagram or Facebook for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and guest experiences

A trustworthy host wants you to feel at ease—so take your time, browse around, and reach out with any questions!

The Bottom Line: You Can Make Core Memories AND Save

When you’re planning a family getaway, every dollar matters—and so does knowing you’ve booked a place that feels just right. Using sites like Airbnb or Vrbo to discover options, then booking directly when you’re ready, gives you the best of both worlds: peace of mind and savings.

Here’s to making memories that matter! And if you’re ever on the fence, don’t hesitate to reach out to a host. You might be surprised just how helpful (and excited!) they are to welcome you in.

If you would like to book your next stay at The Lodge on Twinkle Lane, book HERE!