Vrbo Reveals When You Should Book Your Vacations in 2023

Travel experts have predicted that travel will boom in 2023 despite increasing costs. Vrbo, the global online vacation rental site where property owners can list their homes for rent to travelers, has data confirming this trend and has tips to help secure your vacation ahead of the crowd.

Basing this information on rental demand data harvested from their website, Vrbo has unveiled eight key dates for booking travel in 2023. The busiest months for booking whole, private vacation rentals are January and February, so the race is already on in high-demand locations. But besides that, in 2023, to have a wider selection of available vacation rentals for key travel periods, travelers must book by the below dates:

 Spring break: Book by January 30 

Memorial Day weekend: Book by April 6 

Summer: Book by April 17 

Fourth of July weekend: Book by May 10 

Labor Day weekend: Book by July 14 

Thanksgiving: Book by October 6 

Ski season: Book by October 16  

Winter break: Book by November 3 

“If you’re looking to book a private vacation home for a major holiday in 2023, mark your calendars with Vrbo’s book-by dates,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “All of these dates are two weeks earlier than they were in years past. Those two weeks can make or break snagging a coveted mountain cabin for a spring break ski trip or a beachside cottage for that annual summer vacation.” 

In addition to booking by the above dates, travelers can use the following tips and Vrbo tools to help find the best vacation homes:  

Try out alternative destinations

Vacation homes in top summer destinations such as Outer Banks, North Carolina, as well as Cape May and Ocean City, New Jersey, tend to book up more quickly and earlier than other spots. In fact, in some of the most popular summer beach destinations in the Northeast, it’s already the case that less than half of vacation homes are still available for this July!

There’s no need to fret, however, as long as you are flexible with your destinations. Perhaps instead of the northeast, you’re willing to vacation in the south this year? Data analysis from Vrbo indicates that you still have ample opportunity to secure lodging in places like: Blue Ridge, Georgia (one of Vacationer’s 22 LGBTQ-friendly small cities), Corpus Christi, Texas, Rosemary Beach, Florida, and Savannah & Tybee Island, Georgia.

Take advantage of flexible cancellation policies

Families and groups of friends booking far in advance for their spring and summer trips should book properties that offer flexible cancellation policies in case travel plans change. The most flexible policy allows travelers to cancel their booking up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund, and many hosts have adopted these policies.  

Use search filters to narrow down results. 

The many search filters on vacation home rental sites and apps can be used to narrow down options when looking for a vacation home. Helpful filters when including: 

Price: Filter search results by either the nightly rate or the total price of a vacation rental, including fees, to only find properties that fall within a specific vacation budget.

Features & Amenities: Some of the most sought-after amenities when renting include private pools, hot tubs, and backyard or patio spaces. Using these filters helps travelers find properties with the ideal spaces and amenities to accommodate their group’s needs. 

Free cancellation policy: Filter by properties that offer flexible cancellation policies, as noted above, to have more flexibility with travel plans. 

Download and Book on the Vrbo App 

There are many apps to choose from when renting your vacation home but there are some advantages, especially right now to booking with Vrbo specifically :

Travelers who book and pay through the Vrbo app or site are automatically covered by the Book with Confidence Guarantee. This guarantee, which has been protecting Vrbo travelers for years, offers protections before, during, and after a stay, including payment protection against fraudulent listings, lodging assistance if travelers are unable to check-in, and rebooking assistance if the host cancels at the last minute. 

Between now and February 1, 2023, Vrbo is also offering travelers a chance to make their vacation dreams come true with a giveaway. One lucky person will win a $3,500 Vrbo stay. Visit and follow Vrbo’s Instagram page to learn more and enter.