We’ll give you tips that will make your vacation cheaper thanks to information provided by AAA Travel Cost Reports, Airbnb Official Site, and Booking.com Travel Trends. Because you’ve earned your money and you deserve a vacation without dealing with the hassles of an expensive hotel room or the money you’ll spend on gas, we’re revealing these cheap Airbnb and hotel tricks!
Booking Sunday Through Thursday Instead of Weekends
Hotel rates on Airbnb and Booking.com tend to drop significantly at night, except on Fridays and Saturdays. Many people already take this into account and start planning their weekend getaways midweek to avoid the price increase and decide on their departure date closer to the last minute. Another point to consider is that tourist cities are generally cheaper during the week, while cities with large businesses and offices tend to be more affordable on weekends.
Zooming Out on Airbnb Maps
Once you avoid accommodations near major tourist destinations, you’ll start noticing properties worth renting. If you look for a place 10 to 20 minutes outside the city, you can offset the lower rent with a few extra dollars spent on gas. Prioritize finding free parking or cities with lower taxes—you’ll save money!
Searching for Newly Listed Airbnbs
To find cheap accommodation, look for Airbnbs that have been recently listed. This is because those who list the property are eager to offer a low price to generate interest and better reviews. You can look for apartments or houses with few reviews, but where the price and what you see appeal to you. You might even be able to negotiate a temporary discount with the owner for being one of their first guests.
Filtering Out Places With Huge Cleaning Fees
As with any purchase, people tend to focus on the final price, but not on the details of what’s included. Avoid paying fees like the cleaning fee, which has been one of the most frequent complaints about Airbnb since 2020. In fact, many customers have opted for hotels instead of rooms because the prices were similar.
Booking Hotels Directly After Finding Them on Apps
Another tip that will save you money is to call the hotel before confirming your Airbnb booking. It turns out that some hotels offer lower prices or discounts on parking or meals if you book directly by phone. In these cases, both the host and the guest would be saving on third-party taxes. Cheaper? Even better!
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Staying Near Airports Instead of Tourist Districts
Tourist areas are among the most expensive places you’ll find in a city, so you should avoid them. And since airports are usually located far from major cities, or at least in a secluded area because they need open space, you can often find better prices there. If there’s “free” transportation or breakfast included, that cost will be factored into the final price. Therefore, prioritize practicality and affordability over appearances.
Traveling During “Shoulder Seasons”
More and more travelers are planning their trips during the spring and autumn months because prices tend to rise during both summer and winter, as it’s usually peak season. These periods, when prices are lower, often offer more reasonable hotel rates, and the city won’t be overrun with tourists. If your family doesn’t have a fixed school schedule for your children, you should take advantage of the off-season.
Looking for Hotels With Free Breakfast and Parking
In cases where they offer free breakfast and parking, you should know that the cost is added to the final price, but if it’s useful to you, take advantage of it. Just keep in mind that companies don’t usually give money away. If they “give” you these services, pay attention because they’ll be recouping the cost in other ways. You only need to know what you would pay for parking in the area you’re in, which, since 2020, hasn’t been cheap in any city in the world.
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Booking Smaller Towns Near Big Destinations
To offset the high accommodation prices you’ll pay in the big cities you want to visit, the best option is to stay in the smaller towns closer to them. These towns often have free parking and lower taxes, so you can use that money for other aspects of your trip, or even save it. Keep in mind that you might drive a few minutes longer, but you’ll save more money than you think.
Watching Prices Like Airline Tickets
In today’s technologically advanced world, prices are changing with unprecedented dynamism. Just like airline tickets or fuel prices at the pump, hotel rates need to be monitored weeks in advance of booking. This allows you to assess price fluctuations and determine the best time to reserve. In fact, many travelers book but then cancel their reservation if they notice the price has dropped.
Joining Hotel Loyalty Programs Even for One Trip
There are too many companies offering discounts for specific activities or services. You might think you’ll never use them again, which is often true, but still, consider the final price. These loyalty programs might require you to pay for a whole month, but sometimes they offer perks like internet access and the option to check out later than usual. Even if they don’t offer a direct discount on the room rental, the loyalty program might still be worth paying for.
Choosing Walkable Towns To Reduce Overall Costs
You’re probably already aware that gas prices have reached record highs, so if you avoid using your car, you’ll not only save money but also do your body a favor by getting some exercise. Choose a compact city where you have restaurants, markets, clothing stores, and attractions close by to increase your daily walking. That way, you only have to park your car once and then you don’t have to worry about finding a spot.
Staying Sunday Night Instead of Saturday Night
Room rates on Sunday nights are among the cheapest of the week, for obvious reasons: most people start their work week on Mondays. If you travel frequently and don’t mind spending more time away on a Sunday, take advantage of the savings. The more flexible you are and the more you travel differently from everyone else, the more you’ll save.
Travelers Are Getting Comfortable With Simpler Trips
The world has led us to seek simplicity in things, which isn’t a bad thing because that’s where enjoyment lies. Many Americans prioritize budget-friendly vacations over luxury. Since 2020, smaller hotels, more modest Airbnbs, and shorter trips have become the trend and the norm. Travelers want to avoid the emotional stress of being on a tight budget.
The Affordability Crisis Changed How People Book Travel
Years ago, when a person or family took a vacation, they would research their destination, book a hotel with all the amenities, and expect everything to be taken care of from the moment they arrived in their room. Things aren’t like that anymore. Travelers now put thought into every decision they make; it’s no longer spontaneous. Hidden fees are no longer so hidden, and inflation has become more apparent, and to some extent, it can be managed. You won’t win every economic battle, but you’re doing your best to get the most for your money. Congratulations!
More from Cheapism:
- Once Included, Now Extra: 10 Hotel Amenities That We Can’t Believe Cost Money — Hotels used to include basics like breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping, but many of those once-free perks now come with surprise fees.
- Travel Booking Scams Can Ruin Your Vacation. Here’s How to Get Ahead of Them — Fake rentals, cloned booking sites, and phishing tricks can turn trip planning into a costly mess, but a few smart checks can help travelers avoid getting scammed.
- 17 Things You Should Never Do in a Hotel Room — From touching dirty surfaces to ignoring safety risks, these hotel-room mistakes can expose travelers to germs, theft, fees, or bigger problems.
