[Review] DO NOT Book VRBO in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Are you planning a nice and relaxing trip in the sunshine state? Then you might want to think twice about booking a VRBO in Daytona Beach Shores, or anywhere in Florida for that matter. The rise of independent B&Bs has skyrocketed. You got Airbnb, VRBO, Flipkey, HomeAway… the list goes on.

And while it started out as a bright, new idea, the experience for travelers and hosts has been deteriorating. Charges and fees by VRBO have become so astronomical that hosts need to raise prices, meaning less people can afford to pony up the cash.

And here’s the interesting part about VRBO. The Expedia Group acquired HomeAway (which owned VRBO). But if you’ve noticed, there has been a quiet war between hotels and private rentals across America. So much so, that in states like Florida and New York, new legislation has made it difficult for private home owners to rent out their homes on said platforms.

The fact that Expedia now has their hands in each of these sectors seems a bit ironic. Are they just trying to expand their business due to the growth of private B&Bs? Or are they trying to sabotage that new business to keep hotels happy (which is the majority of their business)? I guess we’ll never know

Vrbo in Daytona Beach Shores Florida

Hurricane Nicole devastated many communities in Florida, leaving many properties in ruins. As anticipated, this had an effect on rental prices. An average monthly rental in Florida will cost you just over $6,000 a month. But with Vrbo rentals in Daytona Beach Shores, price is just one of many concerns. Here’s everything you should think again before booking through Vrbo:

The Hidden Costs

Alright, let’s talk money. We all love a good deal, but with VRBO, what seems like a bargain might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Ever noticed that little “service fee” when you’re about to check out? It might seem small, but these fees can add up, especially if you’re booking for months or a larger property. And the worst part? They aren’t always clear upfront. So, while you think you’ve scored a deal, you end up paying more than you bargained for.

Another bummer is their cancellation policy. Thousands of travelers have complained about Vrbo’s cancellation policy, resulting in a 1-star review. Plans change, emergencies happen. But with VRBO, changing your booking can cost you. Some properties have super strict cancellation terms. Imagine losing half your payment because something came up?

Customer Service Woes

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly for cancelling and expect the Vrbo support staff to assist you, you might want to reconsider. Getting a timely response can be like waiting for rain in the desert. And when you’re facing issues, every minute counts. And if you’ve experience this, you’re far from the only one.

Even if you do get a response, there’s no guarantee your problem will be sorted. It’s like shouting into the void sometimes. Most of the time, these additional fees are disputed with your credit card company. If you truly feel wronged, you’ll need to contact them to have the transaction reversed. Sounds like a wonderful vacation, doesn’t it?

Limited Local Experiences

Many VRBO properties cater to tourists, meaning you’re getting a watered-down version of local life. Instead of that authentic beach shack, you get a generic condo. It’s like going to Italy and eating at a chain pizza place.

And speaking of generic, some properties feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a catalog. Where’s the charm? The quirks that make a place memorable? Sadly, they’re often missing in VRBO listings. There are many options when it comes to authentic Florida vacations. You just have to look for them.

Security Concerns

You should always be concerned about safety when traveling. Both online and offline, there are some red flags with VRBO. In this digital age, data breaches are a real concern. And with reports of personal data mishaps on VRBO, do you really want to take that risk?

And it’s not just online. Some properties have real-world safety issues, from dodgy locks to questionable neighborhoods. Safety first, always! The pictures are always worth a million bucks, but when you arrive you realize the flaws.

Misleading Photos and Property Descriptions

Now let’s piggy back off that last point. You book a place, dreaming of that ocean view, only to arrive and find out the ocean is a tiny speck in the distance. Some property owners use enhanced or even outdated photos. It’s like expecting a gourmet meal and getting fast food. They hire professionals to photoshop images to make them look irresistible.

And it’s not just the photos. Ever read a description that boasts a “spacious” property, only to arrive and find it’s the size of a shoebox? Or a “short walk to the beach” that turns out to be a marathon? Yep, it happens more often than you’d think. Most of the time you don’t even know the exact location of your rental until you confirm and book.

Alternatives to Vrbo in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

Tons of hosts have found it impossible to deal with Vrbo and Airbnb for that matter. If you think you’ve had a bad traveling experience, so have hosts. The only winner here is Vrbo. If you’re looking to stay in Daytona Beach, consider an alternative.

Vaicays

After being a trusted partner to both Airbnb and Vrbo for years, the hosts decided to start Vaicays.com. They reduced the price, upgrades the properties and opened its doors for vacationers in early 2023.

Location

The Vaicays condos are located in the heart of Daytona Beach Shores. Just a 90 second walk from the beath and close to Florida’s best restaurants. From Our Deck Down Under to Boondocks, there’s plenty of fresh seafood to go around. If you fancy a drink, there are more than enough places to visit if you stay here.

You’re also close to the best fishing spots in the shore. There are more than enough places where you can pull up and drop a line. If you like water sports, this is also the place for you. Several jet ski and kayak rentals are available in the area.

Pet Friendly

If you’re a pet owner, you’ll know the struggle of finding a vacation rental that’s pet-friendly. With many VRBO properties, it’s a gamble. You might find a place that looks perfect, only to discover they have a strict no-pets policy. And even if they do allow pets, there might be restrictions on the size or breed. It’s enough to make you want to give up and stay home.

But with Vaicays, that’s not a concern. They understand that pets are part of the family. That’s why many of their properties are pet-friendly, welcoming both you and your furry friend with open arms. It’s a game-changer for many vacationers, especially snowbirds who are looking to escape the colder climates and stay for an extended period. No more leaving your beloved pet behind or settling for subpar accommodations. With Vaicays, you get the best of both worlds.

Spacious Property

One of the standout features of Vaicays properties is their size. Forget those cramped, boxy units you might find on other platforms. With Vaicays, you’re getting a whopping 1200 sq ft of space. Just imagine it: a spacious living area to relax in after a day at the beach, a large kitchen to whip up meals, and comfortable bedrooms to rest in. It’s the perfect setting for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories.

And the best part? You don’t have to take their word for it. Vaicays is transparent about the size of their properties, so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive. It’s a breath of fresh air, especially if you’ve been burned by misleading listings in the past.