I still remember sitting at my desk on a rainy afternoon in Chicago, exhausted from work, dreaming of sunshine and palm trees. My family and I desperately needed a break, and Florida had always been on our list. But this time, I didn’t want to settle for another generic hotel experience. I wanted something different. Something more personal.
That’s when I stumbled upon Vrbo.
The Search for Something Better
I had heard of vacation rentals before, but I never gave them much thought. Hotels always seemed like the “safe” choice. But the more I thought about it, the less sense it made. A hotel room for four people meant:
- Sharing two beds.
- No kitchen (which meant eating out for every meal).
- No privacy.
- And honestly, higher costs for less comfort.
So, I opened Vrbo and typed in: Orlando, Florida – family of four – pool – 3 bedrooms.
The results blew me away. Dozens of beautiful homes popped up, each with its own unique charm. Some had themed kids’ rooms, others had game rooms, and many had private pools. I clicked through pictures of spacious kitchens, cozy living rooms, and patios overlooking sunsets.
It was exactly what I wanted: not just a place to sleep, but a place where we could live our vacation.
Finding “The One”
After scrolling through reviews and comparing options, we found it: a modern villa with three bedrooms, a private screened-in pool, and a short drive to Disney.
The reviews convinced me:
- Families talked about how clean and well-kept it was.
- Guests praised the friendly host.
- And one review mentioned that the pictures didn’t do the house justice—it was even better in person.
I booked it on the spot.
Arrival Day – More Than We Expected
When we finally pulled into the driveway after our flight, my kids were practically bouncing in their seats.
We opened the door, and instantly, it felt like home. The air smelled fresh, the house was spotless, and the sunlight poured in through the big windows. My kids ran straight to the bedrooms, claiming their own spaces, while I stepped out onto the patio to see the pool shimmering in the afternoon light.
On the counter was a welcome basket: snacks, a couple of water bottles, and a handwritten note from the host wishing us a magical vacation. That little gesture made all the difference—it felt like someone truly cared about our stay.
Days Filled with Joy
Over the next week, we created memories I’ll never forget:
- Mornings by the pool – sipping coffee while the kids splashed and laughed.
- Disney adventures – only a short drive away, yet coming back to the peace of “our house” was the best part.
- Family dinners – cooking pasta together in the fully stocked kitchen, laughing around the dining table, something we rarely do at home.
- Movie nights – cozying up in the living room, popcorn in hand, watching our favorite family films.
The freedom of having our own space was priceless. No rushing down to breakfast before a buffet closed. No waiting for elevators. No strangers in the hallway. It was just us, living at our own pace.
Peace of Mind All the Way
As someone who values security when traveling, I was impressed with how smooth everything felt:
- Clear booking confirmations and instructions before arrival.
- Transparent payment and cancellation policies.
- 24/7 Vrbo support (which, luckily, I never had to use).
Every step gave me confidence that I had chosen the right platform.
Why I’ll Always Choose Vrbo
That trip changed the way I look at vacations forever. A hotel now feels too limiting, too impersonal. With Vrbo, I discovered:
- More space and comfort – separate bedrooms, a private pool, a full kitchen.
- Privacy – no crowds, no noise, just our family.
- Authentic experiences – living like a local instead of just passing through.
- Value for money – the cost was actually less than booking two hotel rooms, and we got so much more.
Vrbo turned our Florida trip from just another family getaway into a story we’ll tell for years.
Ready to Create Your Own Story?
If you’re looking for a vacation that feels different—one that gives you space, freedom, and unforgettable memories—then Vrbo is the answer.
Whether you dream of a beachfront villa, a cozy mountain cabin, or a chic city apartment, Vrbo has thousands of options waiting for you.
Don’t just book a place to stay. Book a place to live your vacation.
Start exploring Vrbo today