How to Save 20% on Your Next Airbnb or VRBO Rental
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Hi, my name is Kourtney, and I’ve hosted over 3,000 guests in oceanfront beach house Airbnb rentals on the Texas coast. I can share some tips that will help you save ~20% on accommodations for Surfside Beach Texas rentals on Airbnb or VRBO.
This time of year is extremely busy, as everyone is planning their next family beach vacation! 🏖️
As a host, here is the advice I share with my friends/family when they want to book a short-term rental:
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1. Find a house you love on Airbnb
Airbnb and VRBO are the easiest platforms to search widely and verify availability. I always recommend starting with Airbnb because it is the easiest to search and has the most reviews. Be sure to check VRBO also, as many hosts are only on one or the other.
2. Scroll down in search results
Scroll way down in search results on platforms. The listings at the top of search results have worked hard to get their listings a lot of traffic, and they are priced according. Hosts in a top listing position are less willing to offer discounts because they know they will have many more guests looking at the property soon.
Listings further down the list rarely get traffic, and are more eager to work with you on price to earn your booking.
3. Google to find the host’s direct booking website
Most properties have a vanity name in the title like “Blue Lagoon Cottage” or “Seven Oaks Bungalow”. Google that exact phrase to find the hosts’ direct booking site.
Airbnb/VRBO charge 18-25%, so hosts have to raise prices to list their rentals on those platforms. This means prices are typically 20% lower when folks book through our direct site.
If you can find their social media, even better! Like/tag the property on Facebook or Instagram and message the host through those platforms (see below).
4. NEVER instant book, always message first
If you can’t find a direct booking site for the property, never instant book on Airbnb/VRBO, always message the host through the platform first and tell them your budget for the trip (up to 15% less than quoted).
Note: Wait to do this until you are really ready to book, and say you can book right now if the host can meet your budget
Highlight your positive guest review history on the platform, if you have it
Hosts will almost always offer a 10% discount if a guest has good reviews and is willing to book immediately (good hosts want good guests and full calendars, not top dollar per night)
5. Maximize Sunday – Thursday nights
Plan travel to maximize Sunday – Thursday night stays – many times these days are hard for hosts to book, so as a host, I’ll always check the math on offering a huge discount (30-40%) on the weekend rates if a guest is also staying Sunday – Thursday.
6. Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Don’t overlook the power of loyalty programs and newsletters from rental platforms. By simply signing up, you can tap into a world of exclusive discounts and accumulate points for future stays. It’s like a little secret between you and the platform – the more you stay, the more you save.
So, next time you’re browsing for that perfect getaway spot, remember to check if there’s a loyalty program or newsletter sign-up bonus. It’s a small step that can lead to big savings!
7. Off-Season Travel Benefits
Here’s a savvy traveler’s tip: aim for off-peak seasons. Not only do you dodge the Airbnb crowds, but you also get to enjoy significantly lower prices than on VRBO. It’s a win-win!
During these quieter times, hosts are more likely to offer attractive discounts to fill their properties.
So, why not plan your getaway when everyone else isn’t? You’ll get to experience the destination in a more authentic, peaceful way, and your wallet will thank you for it.
8. Group Travel Savings
Traveling with friends or family? Make it an opportunity to save! Group bookings often mean you can go for larger properties that, when the cost is split, turn out to be more economical per person.
Plus, it’s more fun when you’re sharing the experience (and the bill) with your favorite people. So, gather your group, pick a spot, and get ready to make memories without breaking the bank.
9. Long-Term Stay Discounts
If you’re planning an extended stay, this one’s for you. Many hosts offer discounts for longer bookings – we’re talking a week, a month, or even more. Also, since you only pay the cleaning fee once, it makes sense to get the most out of it!
This is perfect for those workations or extended vacations. Reach out to hosts and inquire about long-term stay discounts, typically 15-30%. You might be surprised at how much you can save, and it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new place.
10. Travel Insurance and Cancellation Policies
Travel plans can be unpredictable, and that’s where travel insurance and understanding cancellation policies come into play. Opting for the right travel insurance can save you from unforeseen expenses, and being aware of cancellation policies can prevent losing money if plans change.
Always read the fine print and consider insurance options that best suit your travel needs. It’s about being prepared, so you can travel with peace of mind. Many hosts on Airbnb and VRBO offer a 10% discount for non-refundable reservations that can then be easily insured for a cost that is only a fraction of that discount, if you are concerned about your plans changing.
Kourtney is a Superhost on Airbnb and a Preferred Host on VRBO
Superhosts are experienced, highly-rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.
All of Kourtney's Airbnb properties have been specially endorsed by Airbnb as "Guest Favorites"
Guest Favorites are a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on ratings, reviews, and reliability data from over half a billion trips.
Kourtney is born and raised in Texas. She is a beach lover and mom of four littles 🙂
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Kourtney
Kourtney has hosted over 3,000 guests and has an average review rating of 4.9 stars.Kourtney is a Superhost on Airbnb and a Preferred Host on VRBO Superhosts are experienced, highly-rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.All of Kourtney's Airbnb properties have been specially endorsed by Airbnb as "Guest Favorites" Guest Favorites are a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on ratings, reviews, and reliability data from over half a billion trips.Kourtney is born and raised in Texas. She is a beach lover and mom of four littles :)
