Direct Booking for Vacation Rentals

[Felicia Lucco]

Reading the replies to Luke's post asking folks which booking platform they prefer, I wonder about the lack of protection when guests book directly. Not only with regard to insurance, but also in vetting the guests. I am looking to purchase a STR soon, and I'll probably incorporate all 3 methods to get the most exposure.

[Bruce Woodruff]

We're all looking to get more direct bookings and get away from AIR (#1 for me) and VRBO..... I don't think you have to worry about the insurance aspect since AIR is notoriously bad in ever paying out anyway (although I hear they have a new program). Just make sure you have adequate coverage through your own insurance company.

One of ours already has about 10 weeks booked off-platform next year, mostly from repeat guests, so vetting guests is not an issue...I suspect as you get a few years under your belt, you will have enough repeats to ensure a large number of off-platform guests. Of course, I communicate with all guests and let them know that since they had such a great experience, just contact me directly the next time they want to visit.