12 Genius Airbnb Tips To Save Money For A Beautiful Stay

Looking to save some cash on Airbnb? If you’re like me, you love finding great deals and making the most of your travel budget.

Airbnb is a fantastic platform for discovering unique accommodations, but did you know there are some clever ways to save even more money?

Let’s explore Airbnb tips to help you get the best bang for your buck to your next vacation!

Love this? Check out 40 Best Travel Hacks For A Stress-Free Vacation.

12 Airbnb Tips To Save Money For An Incredible Holiday!

1. Book Early, but Not Too Early

Booking early often gets you lower rates, especially for popular destinations or high-demand seasons. Make sure to book your stay 3-6 months in advance.

For instance, I once planned a summer trip to Italy, and booking in February saved me a significant amount compared to my friend who booked just a month before our departure.

However, if you’re an adventurous soul, check for last-minute deals. Apps like Hotel Tonight can sometimes have last-minute Airbnb deals too.

2. Be Flexible with Dates

If you can travel outside of peak times, you’ll find much better rates. For example, traveling mid-week instead of weekends can save you a lot. Use tools like Google Flights date grid feature to see price trends and align your Airbnb search accordingly.

Airbnb’s own flexible date search can help you spot cheaper options. Last winter, I shifted my travel dates by just a few days and saved over $200 on my week-long stay in the Rockies.

3. Use Filters Wisely

Using filters can save you time and money. When I traveled to California, filtering for “Entire place” allowed me to find a cozy studio that was perfect for my needs. Look for listings with amenities like kitchens, which allow you to save on dining out.

During a trip to Paris, having a kitchen meant I could enjoy fresh baguettes and cheese from local markets every morning, which was both cost-effective and delightful.

Websites like All The Rooms aggregate listings from various platforms and can help you find better deals with the amenities you need which helped me a lot.

4. Consider Entire Place vs. Private Room

Private rooms are not only cheaper but often come with the added benefit of local insights from your host. If you’re social, this can enhance your travel experience.

Websites like Couchsurfing can also offer free accommodations if you’re really looking to save.

During my backpacking trip across Europe, Couchsurfing provided me with not just free places to stay but also new friends and unique local experiences.

5. Look for New Listings

New listings can be a goldmine for deals as hosts set lower rates to attract guests and garner reviews. To find these, filter your search by listings along with checking of  reviews. Keep an eye on local Facebook groups or forums where new hosts might post their listings for a wider reach.

6. Negotiate the Price

Negotiating the price on Airbnb can be a game-changer, especially if you’re planning a longer stay or booking last minute. Start by looking at the calendar and booking window—if a property has many open dates, the host might be more inclined to offer a discount to fill the slot.

When contacting the host, be friendly and respectful. Mention your interest in their property and highlight your past positive reviews as a reliable guest. Politely ask if they’re open to offering a discount for your stay, explaining your circumstances, such as being a solo traveler, a family looking for an extended stay, or someone booking last minute.

For example, you could say, “Hi [Write Host’s Name], I love your place and would really like to stay there from [Write your date range]. I noticed it’s available and wondered if you might consider offering a discount for a longer stay.” This personal touch can make a big difference.

Additionally, point out if you have flexibility in your travel dates, as this shows you’re willing to work with the host’s availability. Also, if you’re planning to stay for an extended period, mention it explicitly. Hosts often prefer longer bookings to minimize turnover and cleaning costs.

Another tip is to look at comparable listings in that area and mention them. If similar properties are cheaper, you can use this as leverage to ask for a better rate.

Pro Tip: Remember to be courteous and understanding if the host cannot accommodate your request. Sometimes, just asking can lead you to a pleasant surprise and significant savings!

7. Check for Weekly and Monthly Discounts

Weekly and monthly discounts can sometimes slash prices by up to 50%. Airbnb usually shows these discounts on the listing page. When I stayed in Rome for two months, booking monthly saved me nearly 40% compared to the nightly rate.

Websites like Air DNA can help you analyze market trends to see the average costs in different areas.

8. Read the Reviews Carefully

Detailed reviews give insights beyond the listing description. Look for mentions of hidden costs, neighborhood safety, and host responsiveness.

On a trip to Prague, I almost booked a place with hidden high cleaning fees until a detailed review saved me from the surprise.

Sites like TripAdvisor or Trustpilot can also provide additional reviews.

9. Pay Attention to Additional Fees

I would highly recommend checking twice the cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes. These can sometimes double the cost of your stay, so beware. Compare the total price of several listings before booking.

You must check out platform like VRBO; it sometimes have lower fees compared to Airbnb.

10. Use Airbnb’s Map Feature

Utilizing Airbnb’s map feature is a brilliant way to find the perfect spot while also saving money. When you open the map, you can easily see the exact locations of listings and their prices. This helps you spot more affordable options that might be just outside the main tourist areas but still close enough for convenience.

For instance, staying a little further from the city center can often save you a significant amount, and you might discover charming neighborhoods that tourists usually miss.

To make the most of this feature, start by setting your desired filters—such as price range, number of guests, and amenities—then switch to the map view. Zoom in and out to get a broader view of the area. Sometimes, moving just a few blocks away from a popular location can reveal hidden gems with much lower prices.

You can also use the map to check proximity to public transportation, grocery stores, or check car rental prices on sites like Turo to maintain flexibility that can enhance your stay without adding extra costs.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on newly listed properties. New hosts often offer lower rates to attract their first few guests and build up positive reviews.

11. Follow Airbnb on Social Media

Airbnb often shares special promotions and discounts on their social media channels; do follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

12. Use Referral Credits

If you’re new to Airbnb, you can often get a discount on your first booking through referral credits. Likewise, referring friends can earn you travel credits.

Websites like Rakuten or Honey can also help you find additional discounts and cashback offers.

Bonus: Secret Airbnb Coupons

• Airbnb sometimes shows different prices based on location. Try switching your VPN to a lower-income country (e.g., Mexico, Thailand) before searching.
• Before finalizing your booking, search online for Airbnb promo codes—you might find active discounts for new users or seasonal deals.
• Check for corporate discounts; Some companies (e.g., Dropbox, Google) have Airbnb work travel deals—ask your HR!

FAQs

Ready To Use These Airbnb Deals?

With these expanded tips, you’re all set to save even more on your next Airbnb adventure. Happy booking and enjoy your travels!

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions in the comment below; will get back with more useful information.

Happy Airbnb in advance!