Bookdirect is simply cutting out the middleman fees.

1. Book direct to save money: Big sites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and TripAdvisor add a high percentage of booking fees to the reservation total. Booking directly with the owner or manager cuts out any middle-man or commissions.

2. Book direct for direct contact with the manager or owner: Only when booking directly are guests guaranteed direct contact with the person responsible for the property. This means they can get in touch – without obligation – to inquire about services and amenities before committing.

3. The best price isn’t on the OTAs: Contrary to popular belief, OTAs and aggregator sites (such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia etc.) don’t actually provide the best price for travelers. Guests can save hundreds on commissions by booking direct and booking local.

4. Lots of the best vacation rentals aren’t listed on the major sites: Due to the high costs associated with using big sites, some of the best homes with the highest demand aren’t even listed. Guests shouldn’t limit their search to OTAs and aggregators, or they could be missing out on the best properties.

5. Managers and owners have in-depth knowledge of the destination: When booking direct, managers and owners can become a kind of free destination guide. They know the best activities, restaurants and service providers. They may even have local partnerships or discount deals which can save travelers more money.