Emerald Coast By Owner (ECBYO) announced that Gulf Coast travelers can save significantly by avoiding 15-17 percent VRBO and Airbnb service fees through direct reservations in 2026.
-- Travelers planning Gulf Coast vacations this year can save $300 to $400 on a typical $2,000 rental by bypassing third-party platforms, according to Emerald Coast By Owner's Spring 2026 update.
More details can be found at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals
Third-party platform fees for vacation rentals have long been a pain point for vacationers, and the problem continues to grow as more travel agencies and aggregators add to their fees, explains the team at ECBYO. These costs add up quickly, turning what appears to be an affordable rental into a substantially more expensive stay once all fees are calculated.
VRBO typically charges guests 6 to 15 percent of the booking subtotal, with some cases reaching up to 20 percent. In comparison, Airbnb's guest service fees have historically ranged from 14 to 16.5 percent, though recent changes may shift these costs to hosts. At the same time, savings result from avoiding service charges that major online travel agencies add to bookings, which is where ECBYO's service comes in.
Emerald Coast By Owner was established in November 2016 to enable guests and hosts to communicate without intermediaries. The company commits to never charging travelers percentage fees, ensuring transparent pricing from the outset. Hosts can offer their lowest rates while guests avoid the markup that third-party platforms impose to cover their commission structures.
Since launching with 350 properties spanning Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Cape San Blas, Florida, the platform has expanded to over 10,000 vacation rentals across the entire Gulf Coast. The inventory now extends from Texas to the Florida Keys, including properties throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. This concentration on vacation-specific properties—including beachfront condos and resort-style homes—addresses the high demand for region-specific booking options, says an ECBYO spokesperson.
Beyond cost savings, the Spring 2026 guide highlights additional advantages that come with reserving accommodations through property owners rather than aggregators. Guests who book through Emerald Coast By Owner gain access to exclusive discounts, flexible cancellation policies, and better customer service through direct communication with hosts. They also receive accurate, up-to-date property information and can participate in loyalty programs that reward repeat visitors.
For more information, visit https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com
Contact Info:
Name: Joe Godar
Email: Send Email
Organization: Emerald Coast By Owner
Address: 15 Todd Point, Destin, Florida 32541, United States
Website: https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89187981
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