Book Direct and Save!
When making your initial reservation as a first-time guest, utilizing an online travel agency like VRBO or Airbnb can be advantageous. By reading reviews, you can ensure that the property matches its description, providing you with reassurance and minimizing the likelihood of disappointment. In exchange for this convenience, you are required to pay a significant service fee, typically ranging from 10% to 20% of the total booking cost. Given that these online travel agencies offer valuable services and invest in marketing, it can be argued that the fee is justified for the initial booking.
However, if you are returning to the same property or have conducted thorough research and feel comfortable with the host, why should you pay this fee again? By avoiding the service fee, you can still have peace of mind and expect an excellent experience. Exceptional hosts prioritize their guests' needs regardless of whether or not they use online travel agencies.