How to Save Money on Vacation Rentals {11 Easy Ways}

When you’re traveling as a family of six, vacation rentals are almost always the way to go.

We love having extra space to spread out, a kitchen to cook some of our own meals, and a place that feels a little more like home—especially on longer trips.

Over the years, we’ve booked dozens of Airbnbs, VRBOs, and other vacation rentals all across the U.S. (and we were vacation rental owners ourselves for several years!). So we’ve seen both sides and we’ve learned a lot about what actually helps you save money on your stay.

In this post, I’m sharing 11 easy ways to save money on vacation rentals, and the best part is that each one takes just a few minutes to do.

These are the exact strategies we used to save over $700 on accommodations for our last big trip, and I’m excited to help you do the same on your next family getaway.

1. Compare Prices Across Platforms

Before you hit “book,” take a few extra minutes to compare prices for the same rental across multiple sites. You might be surprised by how different they can be!

One of my favorite tricks is using the Google Lens feature. Just right-click on the main photo of the vacation rental you love, then click Google Lens to search that image. It will pull up all the sites where that same property is listed.

We’ve seen price differences of 10–20% (sometimes more!) between Airbnb, VRBO, and a property’s own website. In fact, we saved $700 on our trip to Zion National Park just by booking on VRBO instead of Airbnb!

Watch the video below to see this strategy in action. ⬇️

2. Book Direct

Once you’ve found the rental you want, check to see if it’s available directly through the owner or property manager’s website.

That Google Lens trick above can help you find the direct booking page quickly.

Booking directly can often save you the hefty service fees charged by third-party platforms, which usually add 10–15% to your total.

Not every rental will have a direct booking website, but if they do, this is a great way to save money.

3. Choose a Rental Outside of Town

Sometimes a little distance goes a long way when it comes to saving money. On our recent trip to Santa Fe, we found that rentals just 15 minutes outside of downtown were 30–40% less expensive than similar places in the heart of the city.

The same is true for beach destinations. Choosing a rental just one or two streets back from the ocean instead of right on the beach can make a big difference in price.

You’ll often get more space, quieter surroundings, and a lower bill, without sacrificing much convenience.

4. Compare Multiple Travel Dates

Even shifting your trip by a day or two can have a major impact on what you’ll pay. Try adjusting your check-in and check-out dates and see how it changes the nightly rate.

For example, weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends, and many properties lower their rates for longer stays.

If your schedule is flexible, take a few minutes to play around with dates. You might uncover hundreds in savings just by tweaking your travel window.

5. Travel in the Off-Season

If you have even more flexibility in your travel dates, plan your trip during the off-season or shoulder season. This is hands-down one of our favorite ways to save.

Vacation rentals can cost half as much as they do during peak season, and you’ll get to enjoy popular destinations without the crowds.

Shoulder season (right before or after peak) often gives you the best of both worlds—great weather and lower prices.

6. Be Flexible with Your Destination

If prices are sky-high in one destination, try looking for a similar location.

For example, if rentals near a major national park or beach town are out of budget, check out a different national park or beach with a similar vibe.

We’ve found some amazing (and more affordable) stays by changing our destination to a spot that still has almost the same experience and feel.

7. Book Early or Last Minute

Most vacation rentals use dynamic pricing tools, which automatically adjust rates based on supply and demand in the local market.

That means prices can change daily.

Booking early (especially for high-demand destinations) locks in lower rates before they rise.

On the flip side, if you’re flexible and don’t mind a little risk, last-minute bookings can also come with great discounts as hosts try to fill open dates.

Just remember that last-minute deals are hit-or-miss if you’re set on a specific destination or travel week.

8. Use Travel Rewards

If you have a travel rewards credit card, don’t forget to use those points! Some cards allow you to redeem points directly for Airbnb or VRBO gift cards, while others offer cashback or statement credits on travel purchases.

Even if it’s just 2–3% back, those savings can really add up. Not to mention the amazing sign-up bonuses!

👉 Note: I always recommend paying off your card balance in full each month!

➡️ This is a great starter credit card for travel ⬅️

9. Take Advantage of Long-Stay Discounts

Many vacation rentals offer weekly or monthly discounts, often kicking in around the 7-night mark. In a few cases, staying one extra night can actually lower your total cost.

Before booking, check the price breakdown or message the host to ask about extended-stay discounts. If you’re planning a longer family trip, this can easily save hundreds.

10. Split the Cost of a Larger Home with Family or Friends

If you’re traveling with extended family or another family, consider sharing one larger home instead of booking separate rentals.

You’ll split not just the nightly cost but also cleaning fees, groceries, and other expenses. 🙌🏼

It’s a win-win: you save money and get more quality time together (plus, the kids will love having cousins or friends to hang out with).

11. Take Advantage of Amenities

One of the best parts about vacation rentals is that they’re designed for comfort and convenience, so use those amenities to your advantage!

Cooking a few meals in the kitchen can save hundreds compared to eating out. A washer and dryer mean you can pack lighter (and save on baggage fees).

Rentals that include beach gear, bikes, or a golf cart can help you avoid extra rentals or Uber costs once you arrive.

Little things like these can make a big difference in your overall vacation budget.

Save Money on Your Next Airbnb or VRBO Vacation Rental!

Using these strategies is truly what makes vacation rentals doable for our family of six. With a little flexibility and a few extra minutes of planning, we can get a good deal and at times even beat hotel prices.

We can still enjoy all the things we love most about staying in a rental: the extra space, the fully stocked kitchen, and the feeling of having a home base while we explore.

Plus, vacation rental owners usually go the extra mile with family-friendly touches like board games, puzzles, outdoor toys, beach gear, and more. Those little surprises make traveling with kids so much easier.

If you want even more ways to save money on your next family trip, be sure to download our free Travel Savings Blueprint below.

It’s packed with simple, practical strategies that help you save quickly and make family travel more affordable. 👇