Traveling across the USA can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break your budget. One of the most effective ways to save on travel costs is by booking accommodations through rental platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. These platforms not only offer affordable alternatives to traditional hotels but also provide unique experiences and more flexibility for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a spacious house, or even a unique tiny home, there’s an option for every budget. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use Airbnb and other rental platforms to save money on your next U.S. adventure.
1. Why Choose Rental Platforms Over Hotels?
Hotels can be expensive, especially in popular tourist destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami. Rental platforms offer a range of benefits that can help you save money while enjoying a more personalized and comfortable travel experience.
- Lower Prices: Vacation rentals often come at a fraction of the cost of hotels. You can find affordable options in even the most expensive cities, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
- More Space and Amenities: Many rentals offer more space than a typical hotel room. If you’re traveling with family or friends, booking a rental home or apartment can save you money on separate hotel rooms. You’ll also enjoy amenities like fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, and extra bathrooms—perks that can make your trip more convenient and affordable.
- Local Experience: Staying in a rental property often means you’re in a local neighborhood, giving you a more authentic travel experience. You’ll be able to interact with locals, discover hidden gems, and avoid tourist traps.
2. How to Use Airbnb to Save on Travel
Airbnb is one of the most popular rental platforms, offering a wide range of options from private rooms to entire homes. Here’s how you can maximize your savings when using Airbnb for your U.S. travels:
Book in Advance
One of the easiest ways to save money on Airbnb is by booking your stay well in advance. Booking early allows you to take advantage of lower rates and gives you access to a wider selection of properties. Last-minute bookings often come with higher prices or limited availability, so it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.
Use Filters to Find Budget-Friendly Options
Airbnb has a robust filtering system that allows you to narrow down your search based on price, location, amenities, and more. To stay within your budget, use the price filter to find rentals that match your financial goals. Additionally, look for properties that offer discounts for longer stays, such as weekly or monthly rentals, which can significantly lower your per-night cost.
Check for Cleaning Fees and Other Extra Costs
While Airbnb offers affordable rental options, it’s essential to keep an eye on additional fees like cleaning charges, service fees, and security deposits. These costs can quickly add up and make an otherwise cheap rental more expensive. Always check the total price, including any hidden fees, before booking.
Look for Discounts and Promotions
Airbnb often offers special promotions, discounts, or coupon codes, especially for new users. Keep an eye out for these deals to save even more on your stay. You can also take advantage of Airbnb’s referral program, where you can earn credits towards your next booking by referring friends or family to the platform.
Consider Booking Shared Spaces or Private Rooms
If you’re traveling solo or with a small group, consider booking a private room in someone’s home rather than an entire rental. Shared spaces are typically much cheaper than entire homes or apartments, and you’ll still have the opportunity to enjoy the local culture while saving money.
3. Other Rental Platforms to Consider
While Airbnb is the most popular platform, several other rental platforms offer affordable options and unique accommodations. Here’s a look at some of the best alternatives:
Vrbo
Vrbo, or Vacation Rentals by Owner, is another well-known platform that focuses primarily on entire home rentals. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a home-away-from-home experience. Vrbo often has properties in popular vacation spots like beach towns, ski resorts, and national parks.
- Why Use Vrbo:
- Vrbo tends to focus on vacation homes, making it a great option for families or groups.
- Like Airbnb, Vrbo often offers properties with kitchens, saving you money on dining out.
- Look for special offers on Vrbo, including last-minute discounts and long-term stay savings.
Booking.com
Although Booking.com is traditionally known for hotels, it also lists vacation rentals, apartments, and other non-hotel accommodations. You can find affordable rental properties in cities and towns all across the USA.
- Why Use Booking.com:
- It often offers competitive prices, and you can filter for properties with free cancellation options.
- The platform offers rewards programs that let you earn discounts or perks on future bookings.
- Many listings include free Wi-Fi and breakfast, which can further reduce travel costs.
Hostelworld
If you’re traveling on an ultra-tight budget, consider booking a stay with Hostelworld. Hostels are ideal for solo travelers or young backpackers looking to save on accommodation. Hostelworld allows you to book both shared dorms and private rooms, and many hostels offer great locations near major tourist spots.
- Why Use Hostelworld:
- Hostels are often the most affordable accommodation option, especially in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
- Many hostels offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and kitchen access, helping you save money on food.
- You’ll also have the chance to meet fellow travelers and share experiences.
Tripping.com
Tripping.com aggregates vacation rental listings from multiple sites like Vrbo, Booking.com, and others. This means you can search across a wide range of platforms at once, helping you find the best deals on rental properties.
- Why Use Tripping.com:
- You can compare prices from multiple platforms in one search.
- Tripping.com often includes unique vacation rentals, like cabins, cottages, and beachfront properties, which may not appear on other platforms.
- It’s easy to filter for properties that fit your budget and location preferences.
4. Tips to Save Even More on Vacation Rentals
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
One of the best ways to save money on vacation rentals is to travel during off-peak seasons. Many rental properties offer significant discounts during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or mid-week stays. Avoid booking rentals during major holidays or peak vacation months when prices tend to spike.
Negotiate the Price
If you’re booking a longer stay, especially during the off-season, try reaching out to the host and negotiating the price. Some hosts are open to offering discounts for extended stays or filling last-minute gaps in their calendar. Just be polite and respectful when making your request.
Book Directly with Hosts
If you find a property you like on Airbnb or Vrbo, consider reaching out to the host directly to inquire about lower rates or discounts for booking outside the platform. Some hosts offer discounts for direct bookings to avoid service fees charged by rental platforms.
5. Additional Ways to Save on Your U.S. Travel
While using rental platforms is one of the most effective ways to save money on accommodations, there are other tips you can apply to reduce your overall travel costs:
- Use Public Transportation: Save money by using public transportation instead of renting a car or relying on rideshare services.
- Cook Your Own Meals: Many vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens. Save money by cooking your meals instead of eating out every day.
- Use Discount Travel Websites: Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can help you find the best airfare deals, often at lower prices.
