It's not easy to get the right balance between a holiday that will create unforgettable family moments without breaking the bank.
When opting for a holiday home, a money-saving expert shared little-known ways to slash the cost of your trip.
“Most people approach holiday home booking the same way they'd book a hotel, but that's leaving money on the table,” CEO of Proxy Coupons Fred Harrington said.
“The biggest mistake I see travellers make is accepting the first price they see on Airbnb. The platform's algorithm and host behaviour patterns create multiple opportunities for savings that most people never explore.
GETTY | The experts shared how to save money when booking a holiday home
"By understanding how hosts think about pricing and occupancy, you can position yourself as the ideal guest they want to book with. These strategies work because they address the real motivations behind pricing - hosts want consistent bookings, positive reviews, and reduced platform fees.
"When you approach booking from this angle, you're working with the system's natural incentives to find better deals. The best part is that these techniques often improve your travel experience while saving money, giving you better locations or longer stays than you originally planned."
So, how do you put this advice into practice? Fred outlined five tips to consider when looking for accommodation.
Negotiate directly with hosts for off-platform deals
Many holidaymakers don't realise this is an option, but hosts are often more than happy to offer discounts if booking directly with them.
The expert said: “Hosts pay around three per cent in fees to Airbnb, so they're often willing to pass some of those savings onto guests who book directly. The key is being polite and explaining you're interested in a longer stay or repeat bookings.”
Book longer stays to trigger automatic discounts
You often pay a premium for a short stay, but hosts have the option to turn on automatic discounts when booking longer term. Even if you don't need the accommodation for a week, the discount might make booking this longer more affordable than booking five or six days, the expert suggested.
He added: "Search for properties offering weekly discounts of 20 per cent or more. You might discover that extending your stay by a day or two actually reduces your total cost while giving you more holiday time.”
Filter for 'entire place' listings with fewer reviews
The more positive reviews, the more money hosts are likely to charge. Look for holiday homes that have fewer reviews (but still positive ones), and you might be able to grab a bargain.
STAYCATIONS
GETTY | Changing your check-in and check-out days could save you money
He explained: "New hosts or those with fewer bookings are usually more flexible on pricing. They're building their track record, so they're motivated to provide great value to secure positive reviews.”
Avoid peak check-in and check-out days
Fridays and Sundays are often the most expensive days for check-ins in most destinations, but starting a holiday on a Tuesday could save 15 to 25 per cent on nightly rates.
Fred said: “Weekend departures also cost more because hosts know most people prefer to travel home on Sundays. Try checking out on a Monday or Tuesday instead for additional savings.”
Search neighbourhoods just outside tourist hotspots
Instead of searching for popular tourist attractions, expand your search radius to include neighbouring areas. Properties 10 to 15 minutes away can cost 30 to 50 per cent, according to the money-saving pro.
“Use Airbnb's map feature to identify clusters of listings in adjacent neighbourhoods. You'll often find identical amenities at a fraction of the cost.”