How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO or AirBNB!

Planning a vacation right now? Skip the hotels and use VRBO or AirBNB to slash the cost of your next trip! You’ll love saving money at your cozy home away from home!

Art of a beach hanging over a bed with several pillows.

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO or AirBNB

Are you dreaming of your next fun getaway?? Well, today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite tricks to save BIG on vacations!

When you learn how to slash the cost of your next trip using VRBO or AirBNB, affording your next vacation becomes a whole lot easier.

Related: 101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets!

Lounge chairs near a pool.

One of the biggest expenses of any vacation can be the lodging… so I’m always looking for simple ways to save!

Did you know that you can drastically cut the cost of your lodging by skipping the hotels altogether and staying at a VRBO or AirBNB instead?

It’s true! Private residences are my absolute FAVORITE source of vacation rentals! We’ve stayed at several, and they are my favorite way to slash the cost of any trip. Basically, owners will list their properties from all over the world, then you can stay at them (instead of a hotel) for a fraction of the cost!

As a bonus, they’re often more private and spacious than a hotel, too!

As soon as you know where you want to go, I suggest booking a VRBO right away so you can keep the cost of your trip in check!

What Your Frugal Friends are Saying about Staying at Condos and Private Homes…

Julianna writes: “VRBO is the way to go when traveling. Forget hotels! You can save TONS!”

Jenny writes: “Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) is a great way to save on hotels! You can find some great deals. We stayed in a large, very nice studio apartment on Oahu, HI for $100 per night in October. That is off season, so it is a little cheaper, but MUCH cheaper than any hotel (they can run $200 – $400+ per night)! Plus most rentals have full kitchens so you can cook your own food, and many have washers and dryers in the unit! You can browse what is available on the website. Many rentals have pictures online also. I’ll never stay in a hotel for vacation again!”

Nita writes: “I love a VRBO…I like a back porch away from everyone… just like home.”

Becky writes: “We rent our condo in Ozarks thru VRBO”

How to Save Money on VRBO Rentals and AirBNB’s

#1: Book As Early As You Can

If you’re looking for the best prices, availability, and options… the earlier you book the better!

#2: Try Booking During the Off-Season

You’ll find lower rates during off-season as opposed to peak-season, so if you’re flexible about the time of year you go… this is an easy way to dramatically reduce the cost of your trip.

#3: Always Be Flexible on Dates

When making your reservation, be sure to play around with your dates. You never know what deals you might find. For example, some properties will offer deals for 5 day stays, 7 days stays, etc.

#4: Take Advantage of the Kitchen + On-Site Grills!

Another way to save on your trip is by taking advantage of the kitchens most properties have. I’ve had mini-kitchens and full-sized kitchens in the various VRBO’s I’ve stayed at.

Both saved so much money on the food costs of the trip. I love the flexibility of being able to make a leisurely breakfast in the morning {no having to wake up early for a hotel breakfast}.

Then I also stock the fridge with groceries and pack lunches in the cooler for the days out. At night, it’s so nice to have the option to come back and make dinner at the room… or use the on-site grills to cook up something delicious!

Alicia writes: “Find a condo that you can cook your own meals and then figure out what meals you want to eat out for.”

Moriah writes: “I look for a condo with a full kitchen, and then eat breakfast and lunch (or some meals) in instead of out!”

#5: Look for Properties with FREE Gear + Extra Amenities!

I’ve personally stayed at several VRBO’s, including lovely condo complexes on Maui and Kauai.

Not only were they significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and an in-room kitchen.

One of the condos even had in-room laundry. These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Plus… as a bonus there was free parking, no resort fees, a gorgeous pool and hot tub, ocean views, and excellent customer service with tips and tricks for local attractions and best nearby restaurants.

Many AirBNB’s and VRBO’s will even offer bicycles to use, snow gear, free Netflix, and more!

They really are the perfect home away from home!