Is VRBO and HomeAway the Same? A Complete Guide

Introduction
If you’ve booked a vacation rental online in the past decade, you’ve likely come across both VRBO and HomeAway. For many travelers, the two names might seem interchangeable, leaving them wondering: Are VRBO and HomeAway actually the same thing?

The short answer is yes — today, VRBO and HomeAway operate as one brand. But the full story involves decades of history, a major merger, and some changes in how travelers book vacation rentals.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of VRBO and HomeAway, how the two companies became one, their similarities and differences before the merger, and what the change means for travelers and hosts today.

The Origins of VRBO
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) was founded in 1995 in the United States. Its mission was straightforward: connect homeowners with people looking for short-term vacation rentals.

In the early years, VRBO was a niche marketplace — homeowners paid to list their properties, and travelers would contact them directly to arrange bookings. Over time, VRBO grew into a global platform, known for offering entire-property rentals only — no shared rooms or couch-surfing arrangements.

The Origins of HomeAway
HomeAway started later, in 2005, but quickly became a major player by acquiring multiple vacation rental websites around the world. Based in Austin, Texas, HomeAway purchased regional platforms in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, consolidating them under one brand.

The company positioned itself as a competitor to Airbnb but with a stronger focus on family and group travel. Like VRBO, HomeAway specialized in whole-home rentals, offering properties ranging from city apartments to beach villas.

The Acquisition and Merger
In 2006, HomeAway acquired VRBO, but the two brands continued to operate separately for nearly a decade. Travelers could book through VRBO.com or HomeAway.com, and while the listings were often cross-posted, each site maintained its own branding and user experience.

In 2015, the travel giant Expedia Group purchased HomeAway (and VRBO along with it) for approximately $3.9 billion.

Over the next few years, Expedia streamlined its vacation rental business, and in 2020, it officially merged the HomeAway brand into VRBO in North America. This meant HomeAway.com in the U.S. and Canada redirected to VRBO.com, all HomeAway listings became part of VRBO’s platform, and travelers and hosts began using a single website and app.

Why the Change Happened
The decision to merge HomeAway into VRBO was strategic. VRBO had stronger brand recognition in North America, and operating one unified platform made marketing and development more efficient. Managing a single system also improved the booking experience for both travelers and property owners.

In regions outside North America, HomeAway branding continued for a time before eventually transitioning to VRBO in most markets.

Key Differences Before the Merger
While both platforms offered similar services, there were differences before they merged. HomeAway had a stronger presence in Europe, while VRBO was more popular in the U.S. and Canada. VRBO was seen as a pioneer in vacation rentals, while HomeAway was viewed as a modern aggregator.

Their websites also had different designs and navigation, though by the late 2010s, the experience was nearly identical because listings were shared between the two.

What This Means for Travelers
If you used HomeAway in the past, the merger brought changes but kept the core service the same. The same properties are available under the VRBO brand, and accounts from HomeAway now work on VRBO without extra setup. The booking protections and secure payment systems that HomeAway offered remain in place, now under VRBO’s “Book with Confidence Guarantee.”

For most travelers, the transition was seamless. In fact, many didn’t notice beyond the new VRBO name and logo.

What This Means for Hosts
For property owners who listed on HomeAway, the merger meant more exposure under a single, globally recognized brand. The hosting tools and fee structure stayed largely the same, and VRBO absorbed HomeAway’s listing system.

Hosts could still choose between paying a per-booking fee or an annual subscription. They continued to benefit from secure payment processing, calendar management tools, and customer support.

Common Misconceptions
Some travelers believe HomeAway still exists in certain countries. While the brand name lingered in some regions for a short period, most have fully transitioned to VRBO.

Another misconception is that the merger changed the types of rentals available. This isn’t the case — VRBO still focuses on private, whole-property rentals, just like HomeAway did.

Alternatives to VRBO
While VRBO remains a major player in vacation rentals, other options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and Tripadvisor Rentals. These platforms may offer different types of accommodations, including hotels or shared spaces, but for travelers who want a whole home, VRBO is still a leading choice.

Final Thoughts
VRBO and HomeAway are now the same platform in North America and most of the world. The merger brought together two trusted vacation rental brands under one name, making it easier for travelers to find and book private properties while simplifying operations for hosts.

Whether you once booked through HomeAway or you’re new to VRBO, you’re now using the same unified system — one that has been connecting homeowners and travelers for decades. The listings, protections, and booking processes remain as reliable as ever, with the added benefit of a single, well-known brand at the center of it all.