We want everyone who lists a vacation rental on TripAdvisor to be successful. To that end, it’s important that you all know the nuts and bolts of how bookings for free listings work. Here’s a guide to the different ways guests can book your place and how you can make the process as easy as pie (for you and them).

Bookings 101

Travelers will contact you in two ways: they can either send an inquiry or a booking request. Usually, inquiries are from travelers with questions wanting to discuss their stay first. Booking requests tend to be from travelers who are ready to book your rental.

Travelers can only send booking requests for dates that are available in your calendar and which correspond to your set preferences (such as your changeover day and minimum stay requirements).

How It Works With Booking Requests

1. Guest sends a booking request from your listing page

You receive both email and text (SMS) alerts when a traveler submits a booking request. From the time when the request is sent, the dates are reserved in your calendar for 24 hours and cannot be booked by another traveler.

2. You accept or decline the request

The request expires in 24 hours so be sure to accept or decline before it runs out.

3. The booking is confirmed

When you click accept, you confirm the booking and your calendar will display the dates as unavailable. You will receive payment for the booking approximately 24 hours after the guest has checked in.

How It Works With Inquiries

1. Guest sends an inquiry

You receive both email and text (SMS) alerts.

2. You send a quote back

Your can reply to the inquiry with a quote which details all the booking information and shows how much the traveler needs to pay for their stay. The dates are reserved in your calendar until they pay. You can set how long quotes remain active for in your account.

3. The guest makes payment

Your guest can pay using a debit/credit card or Paypal.

4. The booking is confirmed

When the guest has paid, your calendar will show the dates as unavailable. We transfer the money for the booking approximately 24 hours after the guest has checked in.

Now that you know the basics, read our post “5 Things You Can Do To Boost Your Bookings.” They really do make a difference!