Save Money on Vacation Rentals with This Simple Hack

When it comes to booking vacation rentals, we’ve all heard the horror stories. From water not running to double-booked rooms, it’s enough to make you want to stick with traditional hotels. But what if I told you there’s a way to save money on your next vacation rental, without sacrificing the perks of booking through popular platforms like Vrbo and Airbnb?

The secret lies in a simple hack that’s been shared on Reddit, and it’s all about cutting out the middleman. According to one Redditor, you can save up to 50% on your vacation rental by booking directly with the property’s website, rather than going through Vrbo or Airbnb.

Finding the perfect vacation rental just got a whole lot cheaper

But how does it work? It’s actually quite simple. When you find a listing you like on Vrbo or Airbnb, take a closer look at the host information or About section. You might find the name of the rental company responsible for the property. From there, you can search for the company’s website and book directly, avoiding the service fees and price increases that come with booking through the bigger platforms.

Of course, this hack won’t work for every property. Some rentals are independently owned and listed exclusively on Airbnb or Vrbo, so you won’t be able to find alternative booking options. But for those that do offer direct booking, the savings can be significant.

The savings can add up quickly

It’s worth noting that booking with a lesser-known company can come with its own set of risks. You’ll need to be more vigilant to ensure you’re not leaving yourself vulnerable to scams or situations where you end up at a vacation rental that doesn’t exist. Make sure to review the cancellation and refund policies, and verify the listing’s authenticity by checking for reviews, a phone number, and other contact information.

But if you’re willing to put in the extra legwork, the payoff can be substantial. Imagine saving up to 50% on your next vacation rental, just by taking a few extra minutes to search for the property’s website.

The extra effort is worth it for a stress-free vacation

So the next time you’re booking a vacation rental, don’t be afraid to think outside the box (or in this case, the platform). With a little creativity and perseverance, you can save money and enjoy a more affordable vacation.