HomeAway, Inc. is adding three convenience-focused tools to simplify the vacation rental experience. Uber, Instacart and Gogobot will help travelers arrange transportation, order groceries, plan activities and select restaurants, using recommendations from HomeAway owners and Gogobot’s community of travelers.
“Our integrations with Uber, Instacart and Gogobot are the first of many services we plan to offer through our platform and the HomeAway app,” said Brian Sharples, CEO of HomeAway. “These partnerships are designed to help travelers enjoy their time together more easily. We also believe our investment in Gogobot supports the next generation of travel review platforms.”
Through the Uber integration in the HomeAway app, travelers can book rides from the airport or while staying at a rental property. This feature launches first in the United States, with plans to expand to additional markets.
Instacart’s integration enables guests to have fresh, local groceries delivered directly to their vacation rental in select cities, including Austin, Denver and Portland, making it simple for families and groups to settle in without a trip to the store.
HomeAway’s multi-million-dollar, minority equity investment in Gogobot will support Gogobot’s growth and broaden its reach among travelers. By combining Gogobot’s local recommendations with HomeAway’s owner and guest insights, the integration aims to help guests discover top places to stay, eat and explore during their trips.
These partnerships mark an effort by HomeAway to create a more seamless travel experience by connecting lodging with essential local services, reducing friction for travelers and enhancing trip planning within a single app.