Your family needs space. A hotel room won't cut it.
Best for: families, multi-gen trips, groups of friends · Whole homes = kitchens, bedrooms, privacy.
Brand Match
Best fit by brand
Vrbo is purpose-built for this. Expedia helps when you need flights too.
Vrbo
Best for whole-home stays
This is Vrbo's home turf — literally. Every listing is a whole home, so you never end up in a shared space. Filter by bedrooms, pet-friendly, pool, and more. Book with Confidence guarantee protects your stay.
- ✓Only whole homes — always private, never shared
- ✓Full kitchens save $50–100/day on dining
- ✓Pet-friendly, yard, pool options widely available
Expedia
Best for full trip planning
When your family vacation involves flying, Expedia bundles flights with accommodations for real savings. You can also search vacation homes on Expedia alongside hotels — helpful if you're still deciding which type to book.
- ✓Bundle flight + vacation home for package savings
- ✓Compare hotels and homes side by side
- ✓Add rental car and activities to your trip
Where to Go
Top destinations for family vacation homes
Beach houses, mountain cabins, and lakefront homes — places built for families.
Outer Banks, NC
From $195/nightOceanfront houses, 4-6 bedrooms, steps from the beach
Gulf Shores, AL
From $159/nightAffordable beach houses with pools, family-friendly boardwalk
Smoky Mountains, TN
From $139/nightMountain cabins with hot tubs, game rooms, and fireplace views
Lake Tahoe, CA
From $229/nightLakefront homes, summer or winter — hiking, skiing, water sports
Destin, FL
From $179/nightWhite sand, emerald water, condos and houses with Gulf views
Hilton Head, SC
From $189/nightVillas and houses near the beach, bike-friendly island
Stay Type
Why families choose whole homes
For families of 4+, a vacation home usually beats booking multiple hotel rooms.
What you get with a whole home
- ✓Bedrooms. Kids get their own room. You get yours.
- ✓Kitchen. Save $50–100/day on dining. Snacks, breakfasts, and packed lunches.
- ✓Living space. Movie night, board games, or just room to spread out.
- ✓Yard or pool. Let kids burn energy without leaving the property.
- ✓Laundry. Pack lighter. Wash as you go.
- ✓Pet-friendly. Many homes welcome dogs — no kennel needed.
The cost math
Scenario: Family of 6, 5 nights at the beach
2 hotel rooms × $179/night = $1,790
+ Dining out: ~$150/day × 5 = $750
Hotel total: ~$2,540
Same family, vacation home
3-bedroom home × $195/night = $975
+ Cleaning fee: $200
+ Groceries + some dining out: $400
Home total: ~$1,575 (save ~$965)
Timing
When to book a family vacation home
Popular vacation homes book months in advance — especially beach houses for summer and cabins for holiday weekends. If you're planning a peak-season trip (June–August, Thanksgiving, Christmas), book 3–6 months ahead for the best selection.
Shoulder seasons (May, September, October) offer lower rates and better availability. You still get great weather at most destinations — without the peak-season prices.
Family Vacation Home FAQ
How much can I save with a vacation home vs. hotel rooms?
What does "whole home" mean on Vrbo?
Are vacation homes pet-friendly?
What about cleaning fees?
Affiliate Disclosure
Bestselling.guide earns commissions from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo when you book through our links. This doesn't affect your price. Our recommendations are based on trip fit, not commission rates. Prices shown are starting rates — always check the total price on the booking site before completing your purchase.