Well there is no absolute answer because depending on who you talk to #BookDirect has various meanings. My opinion about #BookDirect has two criteria:
Direct Communication between owner/manager and guest
No listing site guest service fees/booking fees (so you save money)
Can I book through a listing site? Absolutely (but not all listing sites)
In fact, I encourage guest to communicate through listing site links, to protect themselves from scams. Listing sites give guest an extra layer of protection because the listing site has already performed a level of owner verification. But not all listing sites are created equal. You have to find a listing site that does not charge guest service fees/booking fees and allows guest and owner/manager communication.
Houfy.com is a great example of a listing site that does not charge guest listing site service fee/booking fees, and allows direct communication between owners and guest.
Other vacation rental sites without guest listing site service fees/booking fees/ direct owner/manager and guest communication
So how does it work? How do I #BookDirect?
While searching on facebook/market place/other click on the links. (Private messaging on facebook has become a gateway for scammers, always message owners through links)
Houfy requires guest to "sign in" then search the listing: look at the rates, availability, photos, search the guides, verify owners name/phone number and you can send a message directly to the owner through the listing site.
Can I book directly with an owner through a web site? Absolutely, again click the link and communicate through the website/or use the phone number on the web site to communicate with the owner/manager. (I suggest always verifying an owner by comparing two secure links/sites name/number/photos of property.)
How do I save money? #BookDirect eliminates the guest listing site service fee/booking fee which could be anywhere from 5-20% of the cost of the rental. For example:
#BookDirect price for Fall 2018 week at Diamond on the Emerald Coast is $1143
vs
Guest listing site service fees/booking fees for Fall 2018 week at Diamond on the Emerald Coast is $1397.16
****************************Savings of $254.16*****************
What could you spend that $254.16 that you saved on?
A meal for your family: steaks, seafood, drinks and appetizers.
Family Sea Screamer Cruise to watch the dolphins, sunset, and have fun.
A lot of groceries for the week
Airboat Tours
Put it towards your next vacation at Diamond on the Emerald Coast #BookDirect