Cancel Traveler Reservation Homeaway: Steps & Refunds

To cancel a traveler reservation on Homeaway (now part of Vrbo), you need to locate the reservation in your account, select the cancellation option, and follow the prompts to confirm. The exact steps and any refund amount depend on the cancellation policy you set for the listing and the timing of the cancellation. This guide walks through the process for both travelers and hosts, explains how refunds are calculated, and answers common questions.

Formula

The refund amount is calculated as:

Refund = Total Paid × (Refund Percentage / 100)

Where:

• Total Paid – the full amount the traveler paid for the reservation (in USD or any currency).
• Refund Percentage – the percentage the cancellation policy allows, based on how many days before check-in the cancellation occurs (e.g., 100% if canceled 60+ days out, 50% if 30–59 days, 0% if less than 30 days).

This is a simplified model. Real policies often have tiers, and the host may deduct a service fee or a flat penalty. The calculator above shows the refund for a $1000 reservation for any refund percentage you enter.

Worked Example

Using the default values: 30 days before check-in and a 50% refund policy.

1. Total Paid = $1000
2. Refund Percentage = 50%
3. Refund = $1000 × (50 / 100) = $500

The calculator shows $500.00 as the refund amount. If you cancel 60 days out with a 100% policy, the refund would be $1000.

How Cancellation Works on Homeaway/Vrbo

Homeaway merged with Vrbo in 2019, and all reservations are now managed through Vrbo’s platform. When you cancel a traveler reservation, the system applies the listing’s cancellation policy automatically. The policy is set by the host and can vary from “Flexible� (full refund up to 14 days before) to “Strict� (no refund after booking, or only 50% up to 60 days before).

For travelers, the cancellation option appears in your trip details under “Your Trips.� For hosts, it’s under “Inbox� or “Reservations� in the owner dashboard. Both sides receive email confirmations, and the refund (if any) is processed to the original payment method, usually within 5–10 business days.

Step-by-Step for Travelers

1. Log in to your Vrbo/Homeaway account and go to Your Trips.
2. Find the reservation you want to cancel and click View Details.
3. Look for the Cancel Reservation button (if the policy allows cancellation).
4. Review the refund amount shown – it is calculated based on the policy and the date.
5. Confirm the cancellation. You’ll get a confirmation email with the refund amount and any fees.

If the button is missing, the policy may be non-refundable, or you may need to contact the host directly to request an exception.

Step-by-Step for Hosts

1. Log in to the Vrbo owner dashboard.
2. Go to Reservations and select the booking.
3. Click Cancel Reservation – this is usually near the top right.
4. Choose a reason (e.g., duplicate booking, property issue).
5. Confirm. The system will notify the traveler and process any refund per your policy.

Hosts should note that canceling a confirmed reservation may incur a penalty fee from Vrbo, especially if done close to check-in. The fee is charged to the host and is separate from the refund to the traveler.

Refund Policies and What They Mean

Vrbo offers several standard cancellation policies, but hosts can customize them. Common ones:

• Flexible: Full refund up to 14 days before check-in; 50% refund up to 7 days before.
• Moderate: Full refund up to 30 days before; 50% up to 14 days before.
• Strict: 50% refund up to 60 days before; no refund after that.
• No Refund: No refund at any time after booking.

The exact percentages and dates are shown on the listing page before booking. Always read them carefully – they are legally binding.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

• No “Cancelâ€� button: This usually means the policy is non-refundable. You can still contact the host to ask for a voluntary refund, but they are not obligated.
• Refund not received: Check your email for confirmation. If 10 business days have passed, contact Vrbo support with your reservation number.
• Host cancels your reservation: Vrbo will typically refund you in full and may help you find alternative lodging. You are not penalized.
• Partial refund confusion: The refund is calculated from the total paid, including cleaning fees and taxes, unless the policy states otherwise. Vrbo’s service fee is usually refunded only if the host cancels.

Comparing Homeaway/Vrbo to Other Platforms

Airbnb, Booking.com, and direct hotel bookings each have their own cancellation rules. Vrbo tends to favor hosts more than Airbnb – many Vrbo listings have strict or moderate policies, while Airbnb often offers more flexible options. Booking.com has a mix, but many hotels offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Direct bookings with a property manager may have the most lenient terms, but you lose the platform’s protection. Always compare policies before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Homeaway reservation without penalty if I have travel insurance?

Travel insurance is separate from the host’s policy. If you bought a policy through Vrbo or a third party, it may reimburse you for non-refundable amounts if you cancel for a covered reason (e.g., illness, flight cancellation). You must file a claim with the insurer – the host’s refund is not affected.

What happens if the host cancels my reservation?

You receive a full refund, including all fees. Vrbo may also help you find a comparable property, but they do not guarantee rebooking. You are not charged any penalty.

How long does a refund take to appear on my credit card?

Once the cancellation is confirmed, the refund is initiated immediately. Banks typically take 5–10 business days to post it, but some cards can take up to two billing cycles. If it takes longer, contact Vrbo.

Can I cancel a reservation and rebook for different dates?

Yes, but you must cancel the original and book a new one. The refund for the original follows the cancellation policy. You cannot transfer payment to a new reservation automatically.

Is there a fee for canceling as a host?

Yes, Vrbo charges hosts a cancellation fee if they cancel a confirmed booking. The fee varies based on how close to check-in the cancellation occurs. The traveler is still refunded per the policy, but the host pays the penalty.

Can I cancel a reservation after check-in?

Once you check in, the cancellation policy no longer applies. You may be able to leave early, but you will not receive a refund for unused nights unless the host agrees. Contact the host directly to negotiate.

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in t | Days before check-in | days | 30 | 0 | 365
in p | Refund percentage per policy | % | 50 | 0 | 100
out refund | Refund amount (if paid $1000) | USD | 1000 * (p / 100) + 0 * sqrt(t) | 2