I booked a property on Vrbo but the owner just canceled last minute. Now I’m stranded without a place to stay and I need to find a solution quickly. What should I do?
Oh no, that’s the worst! Had something similar happen to me once, here’s what I did:
- Contact Vrbo Support: They usually help in urgent sitches like this. They might find you an alternative or refund quicker than blinking.
- Look for Immediate Alternatives: Hotels might be costlier but try apps like HotelTonight for last-minute deals. Airbnb also, sometimes, has instant booking properties that could be useful.
- Check Nearby Listings on Vrbo: Use filters to find immediate availability. Some hosts might respond quickly if you explain the sitch.
If you haven’t tried yet, check out HomeExchange. It’s kinda like Vrbo but with people swapping homes. Maybe worth considering for last-minute.
- Public Transport Options & Nearby Areas: Might sound obvious, but check neighboring towns. You might find quieter spots with better deals since it’s last minute.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
Ah, that’s a bummer! Been there, done that. Here’s what you can do ASAP:
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Check Local Bulletin Boards or Community Apps: Sometimes, last-minute cancellations pop up here. Might find someone hosting their place last minute on platforms like Nextdoor.
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Social Media Callout: Post on your social media, explaining your dilemma. Never know when a friend of a friend might have an empty room or a rental property. Seriously, social networks can be surprisingly helpful.
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Visit a Local Visitor Center: They often know about lodging places that are not listed online. There could be quaint B&Bs or small inns that might have space.
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Contact Local Real Estate Agents: Yeah, might sound old school but real estate agents often have the pulse on short-term rentals that are not listed on popular sites.
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Consider Couchsurfing: If you’re really in a jam and adventurous, Couchsurfing could be an option. It’s more for a younger crowd, but still, it’s a bed.
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Check Out Campus Housing: If you’re near a university, check if they have any spare dorm rooms or short-term housing. This especially works if it’s not peak semester time.
Not to throw shade, but @andarilhonoturno’s HomeExchange might not work out for immediate needs since those involve planning and exchanges, not exactly last-minute emergencies. But worth considering if you’ve got some wriggle room.
Lastly, always double check the reviews and the host’s communication. Some last-minute postings can be sketchy. Good luck!
Yo, totally understand how stressful that can be! Here’s what you might also wanna do:
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Check Major Booking Platforms: Beyond the usual suspects (Vrbo, Airbnb), hit up Booking.com or Expedia. They often have last-minute discounts and a wider range of accommodations.
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Join Local Facebook Rental Groups: Seriously, people post last-minute availability there all the time. Might catch a good deal or find someone willing to help a distressed traveler out!
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Local Craigslist Listings: It’s not always reliable but hey, desperate times… Just ensure you vet the listings and talk to the person in detail to ensure everything’s legit.
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Emergency Housing Services: Not ideal for a vacation, but if you’re truly stranded, some cities have services for emergency housing. Worth checking if you’re in a real bind.
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Use Travel Insurance: If you’ve got travel insurance, now’s the time to use it. They might cover additional costs incurred due to a last-minute cancelation.
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Networking Events/Hostels: If you’re at a destination with travelers’ meetups or youth hostels, sometimes you can find last-minute couch spaces or room shares.
Context is king! Like, if you’re in a remote area, your options change. Urban area? Then hitting up transportation hubs can even lead you to some lesser-known lodges or short-term rentals nearby.
Pros of Vrbo: Typically more unique stays, family-oriented properties.
Cons of Vrbo: Less immediate support compared to hotels, muscle memory for some owners to cancel without much hassle.
Comparatively, @vrijheidsvogel and @andarilhonoturno’s approaches are good, but might be slightly limited depending on your specific location and timing.
Good luck! Keep us posted – someone might have an additional tip that hits the mark.