Since acquiring Glad to Have You in March 2014, the HomeAway app has undergone a dramatic transformation. Now travelers can access logistical information about the vacation rental and suggestions for dining and entertainment in the surrounding area provided by the property owner or manager.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – HomeAway, Inc. announces its mobile app will now make it easier for families to find child care and purchase tickets to events and attractions while on vacation, thanks to integrations with Care.com, Ticket Evolution and GetYourGuide.
Care.com is the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care, with 15.2 million members, spanning 16 countries. The company’s ability to help HomeAway guests find a babysitter fills a large need – more than 70 percent of people using HomeAway.com travel with their family or a group and the average party has at least one child, according to company data.
In addition, finding and gaining access to local events and attractions in vacation destinations will be easier thanks to integrations with Ticket Evolution and GetYourGuide.
Ticket Evolution operates one of the world’s largest ticketing exchanges, enabling HomeAway guests to seamlessly find tickets to more than 65,000 events worldwide. Meanwhile, GetYourGuide collects and categorizes all the world’s things to do so travelers research less and do more, from skipping attraction lines and guided tours to cooking classes and canal cruises.
“Our goal is to give HomeAway users access to concierge-like services by partnering with world-class companies,” said Brian Sharples, HomeAway co-founder and chief executive officer. “Having the ability to quickly get tickets to a Broadway show and book a sitter for the night from our app is a step towards that goal.”
“Finding a sitter while on vacation is a challenge that many families face, so we’re thrilled that with Care.com’s integration into the HomeAway app, planning and enjoying a family vacation has never been more simple,” added Caroline Sheu, chief marketing officer of Care.com. “As the first travel app that enables families to search through more than 6 million providers on Care.com, families can now easily find, contact and access background check options for millions of vacation sitters no matter where they are.”
The integrations are live and available in the HomeAway app.
Since acquiring Glad to Have You in March 2014, the HomeAway app has undergone a dramatic transformation. Now travelers can access logistical information about the vacation rental and suggestions for dining and entertainment in the surrounding area provided by the property owner or manager. Travelers also have the ability to get a ride with Uber and have groceries delivered via Instacart, thanks to partnerships announced last fall.
“The HomeAway app has been downloaded more than 2 million times and is used dozens of times by the traveler even after a property is booked,” added Sharples. “Our mobile platform is quickly becoming an integral part of the vacation rental experience.”
In tune with these mobile integrations and summer travel, HomeAway launched “Kids Rule Vacation Photo Contest.” Contestants are eligible to win $3,500 towards a vacation rental stay with HomeAway. Enter by visiting the contest’s microsite between June 30 and July 26.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
