HomeAway is a vacation rental listing platform that allows property owners and managers to list their properties for rent to travelers. Founded in 2005, HomeAway was one of the pioneers in the online vacation rental market. Initially, it operated as a separate entity, but in 2020, Expedia Group decided to simplify its vacation rental portfolio by focusing on Vrbo (Vacation Rental By Owner), and HomeAway ceased to exist as a distinct brand.
Prior to its merger with Vrbo, HomeAway specialized in offering fully private vacation rentals, where travelers could book entire homes, apartments, or condos directly with homeowners. The platform provided a secure environment for transactions, offered protection policies for both parties, and allowed property owners to manage their listings and bookings conveniently.
HomeAway was known for its large inventory of over 1 million listed properties across 190 countries, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking unique and authentic vacation experiences. Although HomeAway is no longer a standalone brand, its legacy lives on through Vrbo, which continues to operate as a leading vacation rental marketplace.
What types of properties were most popular on HomeAway before its rebranding?
How did HomeAway’s protection policies and fees compare to those of other vacation rental platforms?
What technological innovations did HomeAway introduce to streamline property management and booking processes?