Should I book through a big site or directly with the owner?

Booking through major platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) offers better cancellation protection and dispute resolution, which is vital when you have a lot of money and many people involved.

What is the biggest mistake people make?

Not confirming the bathroom-to-bedroom ratio. For an extended family, aim for at least one bathroom per two bedrooms to avoid morning gridlock.

Booking a vacation rental for an extended family

Filter by 'entire place' and 'number of bedrooms' rather than just head count to ensure privacy. Always confirm the specific bed configuration for each room before booking to avoid surprises like unexpected bunk beds or sofa sleepers.

Define your bed math. Don't count heads. Count bodies in beds. Check the property floor plan to see if you have enough actual beds for adults. Avoid counting 'sofa beds' or 'futons' as primary sleeping spots for seniors or couples.
Prioritize shared space. For groups larger than 6, ensure the listing shows a living room with seating for everyone at once. If the photos don't show enough chairs for the dining table or sofa, it won't be comfortable for a group dinner.
Vet for multi-generational needs. If traveling with toddlers, look for listings that explicitly state 'pack-n-play provided' or 'stair gates installed.' If traveling with elderly family members, ask the host specifically for the number of stairs to the entrance and if any full bathrooms are on the ground floor.
Message the host before booking. Send a standard message: 'We are X adults and Y children. We need to confirm that [specific requirement] is available.' If they don't respond clearly within 24 hours, do not book.

Should I book through a big site or directly with the owner?: Booking through major platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) offers better cancellation protection and dispute resolution, which is vital when you have a lot of money and many people involved.
What is the biggest mistake people make?: Not confirming the bathroom-to-bedroom ratio. For an extended family, aim for at least one bathroom per two bedrooms to avoid morning gridlock.