Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This Travel Agency is Giving Away 25 Epic Vacation Stays (Including an Airplane Treehouse)

Thanks to our less-than-stellar handling of the COVID-19 crisis, many countries promptly shut the door on American travelers. The mantra around the world seems to be, “You don’t have to stay home, but you can’t come here.” But, that doesn’t mean all travel is off-limits. To celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, VRBO is giving away 25 stays at incredible vacation rental homes. The good news is that most are located in the States, so you might not even need your passport.

727 Airplane Jungle Fuselage in Costa Rica
Image used with permission by copyright holder

VRBO’s latest contest is giving 25 families a memorable vacation worth at least $5,000 each. These aren’t your typical vacation rental homes, either. From the beaches to the lakes to the mountains, winners can pick from the company’s most unique, most iconic listings. These include a massive, 38-person Texas ranch that’s basically its own private amusement park, a luxurious ski-friendly treehouse in Montana, and a private island retreat with lakefront views all to yourself. The pièce de résistance, however, has to be Costa Rica’s famous 727 Airplane Jungle Fuselage — a legit, decommissioned jet fuselage that looks like it crash-landed in the treetops near Manual Antonio National Park. From a vantage point some 50 feet above the jungle canopy, the one-of-a-kind treehouse offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and some of Costa Rica’s most iconic beachfront.

Red Sands Ranch Amusement Park in Texas
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The list of 25 homes was compiled from VRBO’s best-rated vacation homes, condos, cabins, and even castles. They’re the listings that VRBO travelers have liked, pinned, shared, and talked about more than any others. Entrants only need to share and tag a favorite family travel photo on social media. “We’re giving away 25 stays in some truly over-the-top VRBOs to our favorite entrants – so share any throwback vacation photo that warms your heart, makes you laugh, smile, or even shed a happy tear,” said Lish Kennedy, VRBO’s VP of Global Brand Marketing.

VRBO Private Island Vacation Rental
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The contest runs until October 18, 2020. To enter, just share a throwback family vacation photo on either Facebook or Instagram. Make sure it’s public, tag it with #VRBOTurns25, and you’re in. Get the full contest details here.

If you’re looking for a seasonally appropriate escape right now, check out our roundup of the most haunted vacation rental homes worthy of Halloween 2020.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
This is the must-have travel item iPhone 15 users need (and it’s less than $20)
This eSIM will be as useful as Global Entry
Portrait of handsome smiling man in casual wear holding his luggage and messaging through his mobile phone while sitting in the hall of the airport.

 

If there's one thing that we can't live without (especially when we're traveling) it's our smartphones. But finding the right plan for that iPhone 15 can be difficult. International travelers have been battling the fine print of cellphone plans for years, and so far, most resolutions are either short-lived or more hassle than anyone can realistically bear. From the intended flexibility of Google-Fi to T-Mobile’s expansive international benefits, cellphone companies of all sizes have spent years rolling out (and reneging) intricate cellphone plans tailored to frequent travelers. 

Read more
CEO says Southwest Airlines may add red-eye flights in certain markets
A cheap fare and one less hotel night will help your travel budget
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX Departing Kahului International Airport Maui Hawaii

 

Following the praise from launching its long-awaited bag tracking site, Southwest is keeping up the momentum with the mention of another possible development: red-eye flights. Red-eye flights are a heaven-sent flight option for many travelers when trying to travel flexibly and affordably. 

Read more
Plan a Colorado road trip: The ultimate routes for Ikon pass, Epic ski pass holders
Hit the best slopes across Colorado
A winding road through the snowy rocky mountains

So, you’re looking to rip up the Rocky Mountain on a ski road trip, huh? Well, lucky for you, I've got the inside scoop to help you travel around these Colorado mountains with ease and avoid common road trip mistakes. Keep reading for the best routes to take for this winter road trip.

Traveling from point A to B and so on …
Assuming you’re flying into the Mile High State, you're going to need some sort of transportation. Check out these Colorado-based RVs and campervan rentals for cruising the Rockies in style and comfort. They offer tons of space and onboard amenities like cooking essentials, inverters for charging devices, and campsite gear to make your trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible. All you’ll need to bring is yourself, some buds, your skis or snowboard, and snow gear.

Read more