How to Save Money on Your Next Vacation Rental
Between hidden charges, overpriced cleaning fees, and inflated nightly rates, you could be spending hundreds more than you need to on your vacation rental.
Booking a vacation rental should be exciting, not expensive. But with service fees, cleaning costs, and fluctuating rates, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.
The good news? There are simple ways to save money on vacation rentals without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re booking through Airbnb, Vrbo, or directly with a vacation rental manager, these insider tips will help you get the best deal every time.
Be Flexible with Your Dates
Vacation rental prices change based on demand, and shifting your stay by just a day or two can make a big difference. Weekends and holidays tend to be more expensive, while midweek stays often come at a lower cost.
If your schedule allows, compare different dates before booking. Many platforms, including Airbnb, offer a price calendar that makes it easy to spot savings. Avoiding peak seasons and traveling during the shoulder season can also lead to lower prices. A small shift in your itinerary could mean big savings.
Stay Longer, Pay Less
Many vacation rentals offer discounts for extended stays, but these deals aren’t always easy to find. Hosts often prefer longer bookings to avoid frequent turnovers, so they reward guests who stay a week or more.
For stays over seven nights, you might see an automatic discount of 10-20%, while month-long stays can sometimes offer up to 50% off. Additionally, some hosts waive cleaning fees for longer stays. If you’re planning a vacation or a work-from-anywhere trip, extending your stay could significantly reduce your nightly rate.
Avoid Hidden Costs
Extra fees can add up quickly and turn a great deal into a pricey one. Cleaning fees, service charges, and security deposits are common expenses that catch travelers off guard.
Before booking, review the total price breakdown carefully. Some properties charge per guest, so adjusting your group size might lower the cost. Others include hefty service fees that can be avoided by booking elsewhere. Looking for listings with lower cleaning fees or those that bundle costs into the nightly rate can help you stick to your budget.
Use Credit Card Rewards or Travel Points
If you have a travel rewards credit card, you might be sitting on unused points that could cover part (or even all) of your stay. Many cards also offer cashback on travel purchases, which adds up over time.
Before booking, check if your credit card provider offers travel perks. Some companies, like Chase Travel and Capital One Travel, even have their travel portals with exclusive vacation rental discounts.
Follow Your Favorite Vacation Rental Companies
Many vacation rental companies and Airbnb hosts offer exclusive deals through their websites, newsletters, or social media pages. Signing up for email lists can get you first-time booking discounts, while following hosts on Instagram or Facebook can give you access to flash sales and last-minute deals.
Some vacation rental companies also have loyalty programs, offering discounts for repeat guests. At Skis And Seas, we love rewarding our repeat travelers—follow us on Instagram for updates on special offers and exclusive promotions.
Book Direct & Skip the Extra Fees
One of the easiest ways to save money on vacation rentals is to book directly with the host or property manager. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo charge service fees that can add up to 15% or more of your total booking cost. By booking directly, you eliminate these extra fees and often gain access to better rates, flexible cancellation policies, and special perks.
Many professional vacation rental managers have their own websites, making it easy to find the same property at a lower price. A quick Google search of the property name and location can often lead you to a direct booking option.
At Skis And Seas, we always recommend booking direct for the best rates—no hidden fees, just great stays at the best price. Browse our direct booking options to find your next vacation rental.
Saving money on vacation rentals doesn’t have to be complicated.
Being flexible with your dates, staying longer, asking for discounts, and avoiding extra fees can all lead to significant savings on your next trip. Following your favorite vacation rental companies and booking directly are also great ways to unlock exclusive deals.
Ready to skip the hassle and book your next trip at the best price? Check out Skis And Seas for exclusive direct booking rates and special offers.
Happy travels!
