Vrbo Makes Travel Accessible for Everyone

Vrbo’s stepping up its game to make vacation rentals easier for travelers with disabilities. It’s a pretty big deal, honestly, because, let’s face it, finding accessible places to stay can be a real headache. They’re trying to make sure everyone, everywhere, can travel without all the usual stress. It’s about time, right?

The Changing World of Accessible Travel

You know, the travel industry is finally catching on that people with disabilities are a huge market. For ages, it’s been a struggle to find places that actually work for specific needs. People used basic filters, or spent hours digging through websites, hoping for the best. It was often a frustrating experience, and sometimes, trips didn’t go as planned. Vrbo’s new features are supposed to make this whole process way simpler, giving travelers the details they need to book with confidence. It’s part of a bigger move towards making travel welcoming for all.

More Than Just Basic Filters

The biggest change is how many more search options Vrbo now offers. Before, it was mostly just “wheelchair accessible” or if there was an elevator. Handy, sure, but not nearly enough detail. Now, they’ve added eight specific features. It’s like going from a black-and-white TV to a 4K ultra HD experience for finding the right place.

New Accessibility Details You Can Search For

Vrbo’s new filters let you look for places that have:

Single-Level Living: No stairs inside the main living area.
Step-Free Entry Path: Easy access from the outside in.
Accessible Parking Availability: Designated spots that are actually convenient.
Accessible Pool Features: Pools with things like handrails or lifts.
Stairway and Hallway Handrails: For that extra bit of support.
Entrance Ramps: An alternative to stairs.
Accessible Path of Travel: Clear, unobstructed routes around the property.
Accessible Van Parking: If you use a van, this is a lifesaver.

Vrbo Teams Up with “Becoming rentABLE”

Vrbo is working with a group called “Becoming rentABLE,” which sounds pretty cool. This partnership is helping them teach hosts how to make their properties more accessible and how to actually talk about those features. Lorraine Woodward, who uses a wheelchair herself, started Becoming rentABLE. They’ve put together a quick, ten-minute online course for hosts. It’s all about making travel more inclusive, and honestly, it’s great that Vrbo is investing in educating property owners. It shows they’re serious about this.

Why This Matters for Hosts and Guests

The training covers how to make small changes that make a huge difference for guests with disabilities. It’s not just about being nice; it’s also good business. As Tim Rosolio from Vrbo put it, “Our mission is to power global travel for everyone, everywhere—and that includes travelers with disabilities, a growing yet wildly underserved market.” He also mentioned that hosts can see both the “moral value” and the “business value” in making these updates. Makes sense, doesn’t it? There’s a huge market out there that’s been overlooked.

Looking Ahead: Data and Growth

Vrbo plans to keep an eye on how these new features are used. They’ll track how many people use the accessibility filters and how many hosts are updating their listings. This data will help them figure out future partnerships and how to keep making things better. It’s a smart move to use data to drive improvements, ensuring they stay on top of accessible travel solutions. You can learn more about the economic impact of accessible travel from organizations like the U.S. Access Board.

The Big Picture: Making Travel Better for Everyone

Vrbo’s efforts are a big step forward. By improving search filters, partnering with experts like Becoming rentABLE, and educating hosts, they’re really trying to break down barriers. It’s not just about physical access; they’re also making sure their website and apps are easy to use for everyone, following guidelines like WCAG 2.2 AA. This includes making sure their site works well with screen readers and offering options for adjusting text size and contrast. It’s a pretty comprehensive approach. Check out this video on digital accessibility best practices.

What This Means for the Industry

What Vrbo is doing could really push the whole travel industry to do better. When a big player like Vrbo makes accessibility a priority, others tend to follow. Hopefully, this means more accessible options will become the norm, not the exception. It’s exciting to think about a future where planning a trip is just as easy for someone with a disability as it is for anyone else. For more on universal design in travel, you might find resources from the UN World Tourism Organization helpful.

The Importance of Good Photos and Descriptions

Vrbo also reminds hosts how crucial good photos and detailed descriptions are. Showing clear pictures of rooms, including any steps or rugs, and writing thorough descriptions helps travelers make informed choices. It’s like giving people all the information they need upfront, so there are no surprises. This is something that benefits everyone, not just travelers with disabilities. You can read more about the importance of detailed property descriptions on our blog.

Overall, Vrbo’s commitment to accessibility is a really positive development. It’s a big step towards making travel truly inclusive. We’ll be watching to see how it all plays out and if other companies jump on board. For more tips on accessible travel, check out our guide to accessible travel tips.