The Journal

Insights for Hosts.

Practical guides, hosting tips, and STR industry insights — written for vacation rental owners and property managers.

Best TouchStay Alternatives for Vacation Rental Hosts (2026)
Digital Guidebooks

Best TouchStay Alternatives for Vacation Rental Hosts (2026)

If you’ve been managing vacation rentals for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of TouchStay. It’s one...

Oct 5, 2026 35 min
Vrbo Host Fees 2026: The New 12% Commission
VRBO

Vrbo Host Fees 2026: The New 12% Commission

Vrbo is moving every host to a flat 12% commission, effective October 29, 2026. If you’re currently on...

Oct 1, 2026 26 min
Airbnb Fee Structure Change 2026
Airbnb

Airbnb Fee Structure Change 2026

Airbnb has restructured how it charges for its platform, and if you haven’t already adjusted your listings, the...

Sep 23, 2026 27 min
Printed vs. Digital Welcome Books for Airbnbs
Digital Guidebooks

Printed vs. Digital Welcome Books for Airbnbs

Every guest who walks through your door is asking the same unspoken questions: How does the TV work?...

Sep 11, 2026 27 min
How to Improve the Guest Experience at Your Vacation Rental
Guest Experience

How to Improve the Guest Experience at Your Vacation Rental

Guests do not remember your property the way you do. You remember the renovation, the new mattresses, the...

Aug 31, 2026 22 min
Why Memorable Guest Experiences Matter More Than Your Logo
Guest Experience

Why Memorable Guest Experiences Matter More Than Your Logo

Your logo might look great on a welcome mat, but it won’t convince a guest to book again....

Aug 25, 2026 27 min
The Best Bedding for Airbnb Hosts: A Complete Guide
Guest Experience

The Best Bedding for Airbnb Hosts: A Complete Guide

Guests may forget which streaming service was logged in or where you keep the spare keys, but they...

Aug 16, 2026 37 min
The Financial Cost of a Bad Airbnb Review (And How to Recover)
Airbnb

The Financial Cost of a Bad Airbnb Review (And How to Recover)

You work hard to create a great guest experience. You stock the kitchen, perfect the décor, write the...

Aug 14, 2026 33 min
The Secondary Guest Problem: Why Your Digital Guidebook Link Isn’t Reaching Everyone
Digital Guidebooks

The Secondary Guest Problem: Why Your Digital Guidebook Link Isn’t Reaching Everyone

Communicating effectively with guests in luxury vacation rentals presents unique challenges. Hosts often depend on digital guidebooks for...

Jun 16, 2026 15 min