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

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.

Related Videos
Red Sands Ranch Amusement Park in Texas

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

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.

Editors' Recommendations

London Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Do, and More
Streets of London.

Traveling isn't just about the fun and excitement; it comes with many other scientifically-proven health benefits that can positively impact your mind and body. Taking a few days off work and your everyday routine to visit the thriving capital of the United Kingdom will offer benefits beyond short-lived happiness!

London has so much to offer, including fashion, art, music, cuisine, and an extensive history of buildings, museums, and jaw-dropping architecture. Whatever your taste, budget, or cultural persuasions may be, London can meet them. 

Read more
Oaxaca Travel Guide: Where To Stay, Where To Eat, and More
A stunning tropical cove in Puerto Escondido.

Mexico has long been a popular destination, but that popularity exploded when the pandemic made off-continent travel impossible. One rising region is the stunningly sunny Costa Chica stretch along the Oaxacan coast, where Puerto Escondido in particular has caught the attention of tourists, surfers, and bohemian wanderers from all over the world.

The coast of Oaxaca has plenty to offer. Fantastic beaches and bodacious surfing. Delicious food and welcoming culture. Enormous iguanas that fight each other on your hotel patio. It offers all of this and more. To help you find it, we’re taking a look at where to stay, where to eat, and what to do along the Oaxaqueñan coast.

Read more
Wyoming Travel Guide: Where to Stay, What to Eat, and More
A Wyoming landscape, mountain lake and rocks leading up to jagged mountains with the sun setting behind them.

Spring is here and right around the corner, summer. It’s time to get vacation planning in gear.

As the great American continent spreads out before you, there are a thousand and one options from coast to coast. There’s one place, though, that offers all the excitement an adventure road trip requires — Wyoming. Hike through sprawling hills, mountains and lakes that lead into and through national parks, fresh, filling food and brew, and distinct events found in few other places in the United States.

Read more