TripSkip vs VRBO
A detailed comparison of two vacation rental platforms
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TripSkip | VRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Fees | None ($0) | Varies (typically 6-12%) |
| Host Commissions | 0% (flat $49-399/yr) | 5% per booking |
| Listing Cost | $49-399/year | Free to list |
| PMS Integrations | Guesty, Hostaway, Lodgify, Beds24 | Some API access |
| Direct Booking | Yes - your URL, your platform | No - must book through VRBO |
| Analytics Dashboard | Yes - views, clicks, redirects | Basic host dashboard |
| Property Types | Houses, villas, cabins, apartments, boats, hotels | Primarily whole-home rentals |
| Payment Processing | Through host's platform | VRBO handles all payments |
Real Cost Comparison
Example: $200/night property, 5-night stay ($1,000 base cost)
TripSkip
VRBO
Pros & Cons
TripSkip
Pros
- + Zero guest service fees
- + No per-booking host commissions
- + Direct booking links to your platform
- + Full analytics dashboard
- + PMS integrations (Guesty, Hostaway, etc.)
- + Hosts keep 100% of booking revenue
Cons
- - Smaller inventory than VRBO
- - Newer platform, less brand recognition
- - Annual subscription required for hosts
VRBO
Pros
- + Large global inventory
- + Part of Expedia Group (cross-platform exposure)
- + Free to list for hosts
- + Built-in messaging and support
- + Damage protection options
Cons
- - 6-12% guest service fee on bookings
- - 5% host commission per booking
- - No direct booking option
- - Limited PMS integration
- - Focused mainly on whole-home rentals
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Guests save money on TripSkip. With zero service fees, the price you see is the price you pay. On VRBO, expect to pay 6-12% more than the listed nightly rate.
Hosts keep more revenue on TripSkip. Instead of losing 5% of every booking to VRBO, TripSkip charges a flat annual fee starting at $49. For hosts doing even moderate volume, the savings are substantial.
VRBO has a larger inventory and Expedia Group backing. As part of the Expedia family, VRBO offers cross-platform exposure and a large selection of whole-home rentals. If you need the widest possible selection or prefer an established marketplace, VRBO has scale on its side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TripSkip cheaper than VRBO?
Yes, for both guests and hosts. Guests pay zero service fees on TripSkip compared to VRBO's typical 6-12% guest fees. Hosts pay a flat $49/year on TripSkip instead of VRBO's 5% commission on every booking.
Can I find the same properties on TripSkip and VRBO?
Many hosts list on both platforms. TripSkip hosts link to their preferred booking platform, so you can often find the same properties at a lower total cost by booking through TripSkip.
Is TripSkip safe to use?
Yes. Payments go through the host's booking platform (such as Hostaway, Guesty, or Lodgify), which has its own payment protections and security measures.
Why would a host choose TripSkip over VRBO?
Hosts keep 100% of their booking revenue on TripSkip instead of losing 5% per booking to VRBO. With a flat annual fee starting at $49, TripSkip is dramatically cheaper for hosts who want to maximize their income.
Ready to Try TripSkip?
Browse vacation rentals with zero fees or list your property today.