Important Tips Before Connecting with VRBO
Get Ready for a Smooth Integration
Connecting your properties to VRBO through Channel PRO is a great opportunity to increase visibility and attract more travelers. But, like any integration, there are key steps you should know in advance. Properly preparing the connection not only avoids errors but also ensures that your business projects a professional and reliable image from the start.
Steps Before Connecting with VRBO
Before starting activation in Channel PRO, make sure you meet these requirements:
Contact with VRBO
Get in touch with your VRBO Account Manager. They will help you set up your account, advertisement preferences, and connect you with a pre-implementation specialist who will ensure everything is ready to activate your properties.Payment Method Set Up
Verify that you have an active payment method (credit card or bank transfer) in the VRMS bookings settings.Advertiser ID
This identifier is generated when you activate the portal in Channel PRO and you will need to share it with VRBO so they can map your account.List of Properties and Bookings
If you already have active properties on VRBO, you will receive a mapping sheet to link your accommodations' IDs with Avantio references.
Additionally, VRBO will request a list of existing bookings with their IDs to complete the migration.
Upload Your Rental Agreement
Your rental agreement is the legal basis of the relationship with the guest and will be visible at the time of booking.
📌 Recommendations:
It should apply to all your properties, as only one PDF can be uploaded.
Include general house rules, pet policies, smoking, cancellations, etc.
Prepare the document in all the languages you want to show it to the guest.
Do not include your agency's name or contact details.
👉 Example: you can download a rental agreement template here.
Practical Tips to Complete the Integration
Only manual descriptions created in VRMS are synchronized. If you have a single description, VRBO will automatically translate it into other languages.
It is now possible to synchronize your guest reviews with VRBO, provided that:
They are validated and published in Avantio.
They have been received in the last 3 years.
The accommodation is active on VRBO.
They include check-in date, booking reference, and comments.
Redistribution of Advertisements on Expedia
VRBO can automatically redistribute your advertisements on Expedia if the location requires it.
⚠️ Keep in mind:
This only happens if Instant Booking is activated.
You can activate it in the general portal settings or by accommodation.
If your advertisement is on Expedia, you will see the link in the property settings next to the VRBO link.
Quick Checklist Before Connecting with VRBO
I have contacted my VRBO Account Manager.
I have set up a payment method in VRMS.
I have prepared and uploaded my rental agreement in PDF.
My current properties and bookings are correctly mapped.
My manual descriptions are complete and ready to synchronize.
I have validated and published recent reviews to be displayed on VRBO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prepare a different contract for each property?
No. Only one contract in PDF is allowed, which applies to all your properties.
Can I update my rental agreement once uploaded?
Yes, you can replace it at any time from the portal settings.
What happens if I already have active properties on VRBO?
You will receive a mapping sheet to link your current accommodations with Avantio references.
How are reviews displayed on VRBO?
Only reviews published in Avantio in the last 3 years with a booking reference are synchronized.
Will my properties also be published on Expedia?
Yes, VRBO redistributes on Expedia in certain destinations, as long as you have Instant Booking activated.
✅ In summary: properly preparing the connection with VRBO is key to ensuring your properties are published without issues and that your future guests have all the information clear from the start.