8 Best Airbnb Alternatives: Book Better Vacation Rentals

Airbnb has reshaped the way people travel, but it isn’t without drawbacks. Rising service fees, inconsistent quality, and tighter regulations in many destinations have prompted travellers to look for other options.

At Moa and Kin, a trusted Airbnb rental management company, we know first-hand that hosts and guests alike benefit from exploring alternatives. Here are eight of the best choices for booking better vacation rentals starting with us.

1. Moa and Kin

Unlike large booking platforms, Moa and Kin offers a tailored approach. As a specialist Airbnb rental management company, we help property owners maximise bookings across multiple channels while ensuring guests enjoy exceptional stays.

Travellers benefit from well-managed, high-quality homes, while hosts get peace of mind knowing their property is handled professionally. For those who want the reliability of a trusted service with a personal touch, Moa and Kin is a strong alternative to Airbnb’s one-size-fits-all model.

2. Vrbo

Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a popular alternative for families and groups, with a focus on entire homes. It offers straightforward pricing, fewer extra fees, and often larger properties than Airbnb.

3. Plum Guide

Plum Guide carefully curates properties, only approving homes that pass over 150 quality checks. It’s a premium choice, ideal for travellers who want a guarantee of design, comfort, and consistency.

4. Booking.com

With millions of listings worldwide, Booking.com has expanded well beyond hotels. It provides clear pricing, free cancellation policies, and a user-friendly booking experience trusted by travellers across the globe.

5. HomeToGo

HomeToGo aggregates listings from multiple platforms, allowing travellers to search and compare options in one place. Think of it as the search engine for holiday rentals, making it easy to find the right property at the right price.

6. Hipcamp (Outdoor & Glamping)

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hipcamp specialises in unique rural stays such as yurts, cabins, glamping pods, and treehouses. It’s perfect for travellers who want a break from city stays and a chance to reconnect with nature.

7. Trusted Housesitters & HomeExchange

• Trusted Housesitters allows travellers to stay for free in exchange for caring for pets and homes.
• HomeExchange operates on a points-based home swap system, enabling travellers to exchange properties with like-minded hosts across the world.

Both offer affordable, community-centred ways to travel.

8. Ethical & Responsible Alternatives

For those who value sustainability and supporting local communities, there are excellent options:

• Fairbnb donates half its commission to local projects.
• Ecobnb highlights environmentally responsible stays.
• Canopy & Stars and Coolstays focus on unique, eco-conscious properties.

These platforms are ideal for travellers who want their trip to have a positive impact.

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

• For personalised management → Moa and Kin
• For families and groups → Vrbo
• For luxury and quality assurance → Plum Guide
• For a trusted booking system → Booking.com
• For easy comparison across platforms → HomeToGo
• For outdoor adventures and glamping → Hipcamp
• For budget-friendly or house swapping → Trusted Housesitters or HomeExchange
• For sustainable and responsible travel → Fairbnb, Ecobnb, Coolstays
• Budget-Friendly / House Swapping Trusted Housesitters, HomeExchange
• Sustainable Travel Fairbnb, Ecobnb, Coolstays

Why Explore Beyond Airbnb?

Airbnb remains a household name, but more travellers are turning to alternatives that better suit their budgets, values, and lifestyles. Whether you want the reliability of Moa and Kin, the consistency of Plum Guide, or the eco-focus of Fairbnb, there’s a platform to meet your needs.

For hosts, working with an experienced Airbnb rental management company like Moa and Kin ensures your property is showcased in the best possible way, across the platforms that matter most.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb is no longer the only option for travellers. From family-friendly Vrbo to eco-conscious Fairbnb and the tailored services of Moa and Kin, there are smarter ways to book your next stay. By choosing the right platform, you’ll enjoy better value, reliability, and experiences that align with your travel style.