How To Easily Save Money On Airbnb
As an experienced Airbnb user (and host), I’ll let you in on a few secrets to save money by getting the best price possible.
Airbnb has allowed me to stay in the most authentic and local parts of many cities I’ve visited. I’ve rented single rooms, shared apartments with local hosts, and booked entire beautiful apartments.
I have also been an Airbnb host for a few years. As a traveler and a host, here are my top 5 ways to save money on Airbnb bookings.
Ask The Host For A Discount
If you’re deciding between multiple apartments and time allows, message each host and see if they can drop the nightly price a bit. Patience pays off and this is more common than you think.
I’d say this strategy is the easiest way to save money on Airbnb bookings. You’d be surprised what a host will do to fill a vacancy!
Check Cleaning and Service Fees
Hosts set their own cleaning fees, so they can vary widely. Take the cleaning fee into account with your budget.
Often, we filter by price and set a maximum, however, it is a good idea to increase your price range slightly. By doing this, you will be able to see some higher-quality listings with lower (or zero) cleaning fees.
In the end, these nicer apartments might work out to the same price as the cheaper ones if their fees are low, so don’t forget to broaden your range a bit!
Utilize Weekly Discounts
Many hosts offer 5-10% off if you book a full 7 days, and some offer even more of a discount if you book a full month.
Many times, that works out to a free night! Keep an eye on the long-term discounts so you get the best overall rate. This is a great way to save cash on Airbnb. Who doesn’t like free?
Check Similar Home-Share Websites
Sometimes the same apartment is listed at different prices on sites other than Airbnb. VRBO, HomeAway, and Booking.com are some places I check (more so outside of the United States) to compare deals.
If you’ve got the will to browse all these sites, there is a good chance you’ll find a bargain!
Earn Airbnb Credit by Inviting Friends
Get credit by inviting a friend to sign up with a new account on Airbnb, or any other platform that gives these offers.
If you’re traveling with people, you can have a friend sign up for a new account, and often a first-time use credit will be offered, but be careful! You must use the website-specific sign-up links! If they sign up without using the invitation link, then you likely won’t get the credit.
Did this article help you save some cash on your Airbnb booking? If so, share it with a friend!
Need easy ways to save space in your luggage? Check out these tips for packing light.
And don’t miss my recommendations for luggage, day bags, and backpacks!
