Tips for Finding Deals on Airbnb Stays

If you’re traveling for more than a weekend, hotels may not always be the best option. When we’re not pet-sitting through Trusted HouseSitters, we often look for short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. While there are ethical and economic impacts to consider when using these platforms, they can sometimes provide the best way to experience living like a local.

With that in mind, here are our go-to tips for finding better deals on Airbnb stays.

1. Longer Stays Can Lead to Discounts

We didn’t realize at first that booking longer stays could actually save money. Many hosts offer discounts for stays of five days, a week, or even a month. The biggest savings typically come with month-long stays, but even shorter trips can qualify for discounts. For example, some listings offer significant markdowns once you hit a certain threshold.

If you stay at this Airbnb in Loveland, CO for a month, you get over $3,000 off!

2. Look for “New” Listings

New listings often have lower prices to attract their first guests. While it can be a bit risky since they might lack reviews, it can provide an easy way to get a better rate. To identify if it’s a new listing, the listing will say “New” with a star next to it to indicate that it doesn’t have any reviews yet.

Booking a newer listing (along with a long stay) allowed us to stay at an Airbnb in Austin, TX before it became too expensive. We booked it for a month for about $2,800, including taxes and fees. Now, it only rents out for six-month periods and costs around $7,000 per month.

3. Start Looking Early

The earlier you start your search, the more options you’ll have. I usually begin browsing as soon as I start planning a trip. I create a Wishlist and share it with Danny, adding notes about what we like or any potential concerns. We then review our list and add to it incrementally throughout the time until we’re ready to book.

4. Check Back for New Listings

You never know when something new will pop up. New listings and updated availability pop up all the time. Since Airbnb doesn’t allow saved searches with alerts, you’ll need to check back regularly to catch the best deals.

5. Consider Traveling During Off-Peak Seasons

This is a common trick for travel savings in general. If you visit during the busiest months, you’ll likely pay premium prices. Shoulder seasons—just before or after peak times—can offer much lower rates while still providing great weather and attractions.

6. Avoid Booking During Major Events

We once looked into visiting Toronto for our anniversary and were shocked by the high prices. It turned out we had unknowingly planned our trip during the Toronto Film Festival, which drove costs through the roof. In fact, flying to Ireland and staying there was comparably priced (so obviously, that’s what we chose to do)!

The takeaway? Research major events happening in your destination to avoid unexpected price surges. If an event isn’t on your must-do list, it may be better to visit at another time.

7. Compare Listings on Other Platforms

Sometimes, the same Airbnb listing is available on other sites like Vrbo or direct booking platforms at a lower rate. Websites like HiChee let you compare vacation rental prices across multiple platforms. You can also use Google’s reverse image search to see if a listing appears elsewhere for a better price.

By using these strategies, you can maximize your savings while still enjoying a comfortable and unique Airbnb stay. Happy travels!