History of Vrbo

Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, was founded in 1995 by David Clouse in Aurora, Colorado. The platform started as a simple website where homeowners could list their vacation properties for rent directly to travelers, avoiding traditional travel agencies. It quickly gained popularity among property owners and vacationers looking for affordable and personalized stays, especially in popular tourist destinations.

During the 2000s, Vrbo expanded its reach by connecting millions of travelers with property owners around the world. In 2006, it was acquired by HomeAway, a company that specialized in online vacation rentals. This acquisition helped Vrbo grow its listings and improve its technology, becoming one of the top platforms for vacation homes. HomeAway continued to expand globally, acquiring other similar services to strengthen its position in the travel market.

In 2015, Expedia Group purchased HomeAway, bringing Vrbo under its umbrella of travel brands. In 2019, the company officially rebranded from HomeAway to Vrbo, focusing on family travel and group vacations. Today, Vrbo operates in over 190 countries and remains one of the leading vacation rental platforms, competing with companies like Airbnb and Booking.com while continuing to emphasize whole-home rentals for families and groups.