With travel becoming one of the most desired activities around the globe, there is a lot going on in the tourism industry. One of the best things to happen for the industry is Airbnb itself.
If you’re looking for a traveling experience closest to “this feels like home,” Airbnb is truly a great option. It has risen in popularity with its numerous locations around the world that make up a more cost-effective, adventurous, and spacious destination for you and your family/friends to stay at, as compared to a generic hotel.
Now, if you’re planning your next trip and the Airbnb place you have your eye on seems out of budget, you’re probably wondering how you can save money and have this experience at the same time.
We have the answers here for you, with the best methods to get a discount on Airbnb.
So let’s dive into it!
Negotiate directly with the host
Many Airbnb users accept the listed cost without much thought; anyone would if they could. But if you’re willing to take a chance, you should privately reach out to the host and see if they’re open to negotiation.
But remember that it’s a thin line you’re walking on, so make sure to be as polite as you can and explain your circumstances to them. Some hosts are very open to such negotiations and some might straight-forwardly decline. This is the riskiest method of all so proceed with caution.
Book with a host new to Airbnb
Once again, if you’re willing to take a chance, which in this case has a higher probability to turn out great, you should select a host who is new to Airbnb.
Usually, the newer hosts list more competitive prices from the beginning. Otherwise, they may be more open to negotiation and giving a discount than more tenured Airbnb hosts with more ratings.
Reserve a room instead of an apartment
If you’re alone, or you’re booking for a party of two, reserving a room can be cheaper than reserving a whole house or apartment. It’s possible that the other rooms will be shared by other Airbnb guests, if the host books them separately. This is often much cheaper for all the guests with the downside of having to share amenities—or even a bathroom.
You might be able to have just as comfortable a stay at half the cost. It’s a win-win for everyone and also saves you money. You might even make some new friends!
Book longer stays
Airbnb hosts oftentimes offer up to 30% discounts on week-long stays, and up to 50% discounts on month-long stays. So if you’re going to be in the city for a few weeks, stay in the same place for the entirety of your trip and make sure to ask your host about a potential discount if it’s not already advertised on their listing.
Some travelers might book different locations, either for the fun of it or for convenience when traveling to nearby places. But if your budget is tight and all the places you’re planning to visit fall within a reasonable range from your Airbnb, staying in one location could be a better idea for you to save money.
Use points and gift cards
Airbnb does not have its own points or loyalty offers. However, there are other ways to get discounts on Airbnb using points and gift cards from other services like Capital One miles. It offers a point system for gaining discounts on almost everything travel-related, like car rentals, airfare, hotels, and Airbnb. Similarly, you can also look into other ways to save money on your subscriptions.
Also, keep an eye out for gift cards—many different stores sell Airbnb gift cards, and you’ll be delighted to know that most of them are the ones you might visit often. Sites like Raise, Cardpool, and Amazon keep these gift cards available and though they don’t make a huge difference, they will help you save a bit of extra money.
Second time at the same place—ask for a discount
If you or a family member of yours has had an amazing experience at an Airbnb, and you’re hoping to go again, make sure to drop a message to your host and tell them about it. Chances are good that they might give you a discount, show more hospitality than before, give you some extras during your stay or offer you some advice on local sightseeing.
Even in cases where you don’t get the discount you’re looking for, the host usually offers something of equivalent value to show their consideration.
Book far ahead or right at the end
In both scenarios, there’s a higher chance for you to get a lower price or a discount. If you’re planning a trip when tourism is bustling where you’re visiting, make sure to book a place months beforehand, with a down payment, because the costs will rise during the season.
If you missed your chance, another option is to wait until the end of the season when many hosts lower their prices to encourage people to book with them—especially if their previous bookings didn’t go as planned and fell through. If you really want to save money on Airbnb you should stay updated and wait for such opportunities to arise.
Save yourself from getting overcharged
Nobody wants to get additional charges after a stay. Make sure to take pictures of the places you used before leaving so you have proof of the condition you left your Airbnb in. Some guests get charged extra cleaning fees; you may also get charged for damage to property. If you’re already on a tight budget, you’ll want to avoid these extra charges. Having pictures, just in case, will let you solidify your position if something comes up once you’re back home.
Key takeaway
In the end, the best way to save money on Airbnb is to travel off-season. And while you’re at it, you can put all these tricks to use and save as much as possible.
