iTravex™ Highlights

What is iTravex?

iTravex stands for "Internet Travel Exchange" and is the world's largest "Points Based" vacation rental exchange web site. Vacation rental owners earn points for hosting other members using otherwise vacant nights. Points can be used to stay in other vacation rental homes worldwide.

It's about freedom to travel when and where you want to travel, and do so at very reasonable prices. Unlike a home exchange or personal house swap, iTravex is "Non-Reciprocal". This means it is not a straight trade of homes. You simply decide when and where you want to stay. Your host does not have to travel at the same time. Instead, they earn points to travel at a different time to a location of their choice.

Who is Eligible?

If you advertise your vacation property on VRBO, you are eligible! Note: your property must also meet a few minimum requirements - You must advertise only one rental unit in your VRBO ad, the number of bedrooms specified in the ad must match the pricing structure (including your weekly rates), posted on the ad, your property must be available for rent at least 4 months of the year (Timeshare and limited time frame rentals are not good candidates for inclusion in iTravex).

Is iTravex Exclusive for VRBO Members?

Yes. At least right now it is. Since VRBO is the most popular vacation rental site, VRBO has been selected as the first site to participate in iTravex.  In the future, other vacation rental sites may be added as well, increasing the number of travel choices, but for you, the future is now... Tell your friends to advertise on VRBO.COM, because that is currently the only way to get into iTravex.

What do I get?

You get the opportunity to turn your vacancies into travel opportunities. Select from tens of thousands of vacation homes and properties from around the world. Travel when you want using points you earn by hosting other members to your property.

If an iTravex member inquires about my property for exchange, am I obligated to host them?

No, you always get to decide when and if you want to earn points by hosting other iTravex members. The iTravex site includes a calendar so you can let other members know the best chances to visit your property.  iTravex will also work with your existing HomeAway Connect calendar if you have one, so members will be able to see when you are already booked.

How much does it cost?

$100US for a one-week stay.

You pay for each trip you take using points which you earn by hosting other members at your property.

iTravex operates by charging a fee that you pay only when actually reserve a stay at the property of your choice - Pricing is $30US + $10US per night 

Example: 

A 4-night stay costs $70US
A 7-night stay costs $100US

Note: this is the exchange fee cost for ANY property in the system. Imagine being able to stay at vacation properties all over the world for $100/week... It's a fabulous idea whose time has come.

With iTravex, you never pay an upfront, setup or registration fee. And, you never pay an annual maintenance fee.

Can I travel immediately, or do I have to wait to host someone and earn points first?

You can reserve a trip immediately by borrowing points from the iTravex system, which you pay back once you host another member.  If you prefer to not borrow points, opportunities will be made to purchase the points you need to either upgrade to a larger property, a longer stay, or even for your entire trip if you wish.  Recommended points for a 1 week stay start at 100 points and range up to 300 points.  Points will be available for purchase at $1.20 US per point. 

Can I travel anytime I want?

Within reason, yes... although we anticipate that the best opportunities will be during "off peak" times, During "peak" times, we expect the best chance to travel will be for "last minute" trips, when properties become available due to cancellations, etc... Since we estimate that the "average" vacation home is vacant 50% of the time, we anticipate a huge number of travel opportunities.

Can my I use iTravex to book reservations for relatives and friends?

Yes.  If you do so, you are still responsible for any damages that occur. Details are available from iTravex.

iTravex active now?

Yes. iTravex is active right now. 

How do I join iTravex?

Choose to the YES option on your Administration Page. NOTE: if your Administration Page does not include the option for you to join iTravex, it means that you are already opted into iTravex. If you did not receive a "Welcome to iTravex" email, please request assistance from iTravex.

What if I don't want to participate?

If you choose not to participate, you can opt-out by choosing the NO option on your Administration Page.  NOTE: if your Administration Page does not include the option for you to Opt in or Opt out of iTravex, it means that you have already opted into iTravex. Once your membership is added to iTravex, you are under no obligation to continue to use the site and you and can remove or hide your listing on the iTravex site at anytime. If you need help, please request assistance from iTravex.

Is VRBO operating  iTravex?

No. Here at VRBO, we will continue to put our primary focus on helping you advertise your vacation rental for rent. iTravex is operated by the good folks at Owner Direct Vacation Home Exchanges, Inc.

I have more questions... How do I get my questions answered?

This page is designed to answer the basic questions but if you have additional questions, please view the iTravex Help System. Please do not email VRBO with your questions.  The VRBO support staff will not be able to answer your iTravex questions.

Happy Travels, and Happy Exchanging!

More information about iTravex for Property Managers

iTravex is a trademark of JalapenoWare LLC - licensed to Owner Direct Vacation Home Exchanges dba iTravex