10/24/2026
💲Money saving PSA! 🌴
We all love vacationing but your beach (or lake or mountain) condo shouldn't cost extra just because of where you booked it. 🏖️
Here's what most travelers don't realize about booking through big travel websites, you're not only paying for the property — you're also paying for the platform's cut, because owners have to build those fees into their rates to cover them. (They even take a commission on required fees, driving those up, too!)
How much we talkin'? Rates have gone up precipitously: Airbnb charges 15.5%; Vrbo is about to start charging 12% + guest service fees; Booking charges 15%.
But you can skip the middleman by booking direct.
How to book direct when you find a property you love on those sites? Always search the property's name (TIP: those named properties almost always have a direct booking site which is why they include those names in the description) or search using the mgt co name (property mgt companies all have direct websites) or you can even save a property photo and search any of this on Google or any AI option to find a direct or alternate booking option.
TRY IT--> Go to Google ai and enter "Find a direct booking option for the Sand Dollar Villa 504 in Panama City Beach." That's my property. Results provide my direct website and accurate details of my condo so you know it's correct.
I just did this with a ski condo and saved $1,000. 💪🏼😊
More and more owners and managers will offer alternate means of booking as platform prices keep climbing. Get the place you want at the best possible price!
We'd also be happy to host you anytime (booking direct, of course 😉):
https://www.sunandsandproperties.com/
https://www.garlandsgetaways.com/
https://www.thatsjustbeachypcb.com/
Upscale condos in Panama City Beach, Florida - book direct with owners, no management or third-party fees.