May 2024 Villa Help.

Question

Hi forum, it’s been a while!

The now grown up children’s have decided they would love a family trip. We are looking for a Villa and I’m struggling with the uncertainty of booking via one of the VRBO, Debbie’s Villas, AirBNB sites. How do I protect myself from some kind of fraud. We are Uk based. I have also tried a search request in DIBB and have a possible Villa. How do I check out the person and a DWE number ? Any help greatly appreciated.

Answer

Booking a villa in Orlando can be a fantastic way for a multi-generational family trip, but it’s wise to take precautions to avoid fraud, especially when booking from the UK via third-party sites like VRBO, Airbnb, or Debbie’s Villas.

Here are several strategies to protect yourself:

Use reputable booking platforms: Platforms like VRBO, Airbnb, and Booking.com offer payment protection, verified listings, and reviews from previous guests. Avoid paying directly to an owner outside the platform unless you can verify their credibility.
Check reviews and ratings: Read carefully through past guest reviews for both the villa and the host. Consistency in positive reviews, especially over multiple years, is a good sign.
Verify ownership and licensing: In Florida, legitimate vacation rentals often have a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) license number. You can ask the owner for this and check it online through the DBPR website to ensure the property is registered.
DWE number: The DWE (Disney Vacation Rental) number is specific to properties near Disney, often used for identification. You can contact the DWE program or ask the owner to confirm it, then verify through official channels.
Payment safety: Avoid wire transfers or paying via gift cards. Use secure payment methods like credit cards or platform-integrated payment systems. This gives you recourse if something goes wrong.
Ask for references: If booking through a smaller agency like Debbie’s Villas, request references from past guests. A trustworthy agency will provide them readily.
Cross-check the property: Use Google Maps or Street View to verify the property exists and matches photos provided. Check the address and confirm it aligns with the listing.
Contract and cancellation policy: Ensure there is a formal rental agreement detailing check-in/out times, deposits, cleaning fees, and cancellation/refund policies. Read carefully for any unusual clauses.

Additional tips for UK travelers:

Inform your bank that you are making international transactions to prevent declined payments.
Check travel insurance coverage, ensuring it covers holiday rental cancellations or fraud.
Communicate via official emails from the platform rather than personal email addresses whenever possible.

By combining these precautions—using reputable platforms, verifying licenses, checking reviews, and securing payments—you can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enjoy your Orlando villa holiday with peace of mind.

May 2024 Villa Help.

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