Advantages of Direct Booking
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The Advantages of Booking Your Vacation Rental Directly
With so many ways to book a vacation rental, how do you know which is best? Between all the commercials for OTAs like Vrbo, HomeAway, and AirBnb, they seem like a good choice, right? Well, sometimes they aren't the best choice. Find out why booking direct with the Property Owner / Host is the better choice than booking through an OTA.
The Truth About Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
What is an OTA?
An online travel agency (OTA) is a web-based marketplace that allows consumers to research and book travel products and services, including hotels, flights, cars, tours, cruises, activities, and more, directly with travel suppliers. Examples of OTAs include Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, HomeAway, Expedia, and FlipKey.
What Does it Mean to Book Direct?
In today's day and age, it has never been easier to find vacation rentals. With just a quick google search you can turn up hundreds of results and OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo are usually at the top of the list. Often, these same vacation rentals are also available through a property Host or Manager's website, like the one you are on right now. Booking Direct means you make your vacation rental reservation through the Host or Property Manager's website instead of an OTA. OTA's are quick to push for the "Instant" Booking and often make it difficult to reach out to the Host for a quick answer. Regardless if booking through an OTA or Directly, you're still subject to the individual Host's House Rules (Terms & Conditions). So read on to find out ....
Why Should I Book a Vacation Rental Direct? Booking Direct Provides Better Pricing!
If you're considering booking a Large Vacation rental for a total of $3500 before Lodging Taxes, the OTA will add anywhere from $500 to $700 in Listing Site Service Fees. Even on a Smaller booking of $1200 before Lodging Taxes, the OTA will add anywhere from $180 to $240 In Listing Site Service Fees.
Imagine saving enough on your vacation rental to cover a dinner out for your Entire Group? Or even being able to add an extra night to your stay! The dollars you save by booking direct, will give you more dollars to spend support local businesses. Direct booking websites provide the best pricing with exclusive deals, accurate, up-to-date pricing, and last-minute savings.
Save Money on Fees
When you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals through 3rd party websites like OTAs, you'll often have to pay extra fees and charges. These outrageous fees can reach as high as 20% of your total reservation cost. Often, all or part of these fees are hidden by being built into the reservation price.
There is no need for you to pay these extra fees. By booking directly on a property manager's or Host's website, it's guaranteed that you aren't paying these added costs. You get access to the best properties and the best rates this way.
A Better Vacation Experience when Booking Directly
We've a dedicated local team that knows all the best spots in town for dining, family-friendly activities, and shops. Our team can give recommendations that an OTA reservation specialist cannot because OTA employees are not guaranteed to be from the area you are looking to vacation. Live like a local on your vacation by booking with the locals!
More Options
OTA's limit what Host's can offer as Options. On this website you will find a plethora of options to add to your booking. Depending on the property, you may elect to have firewood waiting for you upon arrival or decide to invite your RVing cousin now you know RV hook-ups are available at the property you've chosen to book. If you book through an OTA, you might never even know these options are available.
Direct Contact with Management Team
Nothing can put a damper on your Gulfport Vacation quicker than something breaking in your vacation rental or the reservation process taking too long. When you book direct, you will have direct contact with our management team from the moment you start considering one of our vacation rentals. Don't jump through hoops just to get in contact with us. Your vacation is supposed to be hassle-free so eliminate any potential for hassle by booking direct.
Consistent Guest Experience
Our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way, from the moment you consider booking to the end of your vacation. When you book through an OTA, you are often blocked from direct contact with the Host and receive little to no property information until after you book. The OTA's are set up to give the most basic information and limit information, such as floor plans, that would help you decide if the Vacation Rental is perfect for your and your family or group.
The high-quality experience guests receive lasts way beyond their vacation. When you book direct, you can receive the latest updates on new properties and specials even after your last stay. You'll never be out of the loop when it comes to vacation rentals.
Book Direct Day
Every year property managers around the country celebrate Book Direct Day with the hashtag #bookdirect. Book Direct Day happens every year on the first Wednesday in February. This day was designed to educate guests on the benefits of booking directly with property management companies vs the OTAs. Often, property managers run Book Direct Day Specials to promote booking direct.
Looking for the Best Gulfport Mississippi Vacation Rentals?
Well, look no further than our large resort style Vacation Rentals. Our local Mississippi Gulf Coast Team is ready to help you plan your next Gulf Coast vacation. Don't miss out on what The Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer! Browse our Vacation Rentals, local attractions, things to do (This site is packed with things!) and Book Direct for the best Rates!
Need more Convincing?
Check out these links:
https://dtravel.com/blog/the-top-5-reasons-why-you-should-book-direct-when-travelling/
https://www.houfy.com/kristen-davemaxfield/posts/why-and-how-to-book-your-vacation-rental-direct-with-owner-14514001
