Booking a private rental getaway often comes with hidden fees like cleaning or service charges that can quickly add up, sometimes pushing the accommodation beyond budget. While sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo offer countless options for travellers, one crafty holidaymaker has shared a reliable hack to avoid these additional costs.
The Reddit Revelation
The tourist posted in the /TravelHacks subreddit, explaining they recently tested a method to bypass fees that worked reliably. This trick is most effective for holiday destinations like beach towns and ski resorts, rather than renting a spare room in someone's home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Savings
The process begins by identifying a desired property on a holiday rental site. Look at the "Hosted By" section—if it sounds like a company name, such as "Island Rentals" or "Smith Properties," instead of just a personal name like "Steve," copy that name. Then, search the property name on Google to find the direct website.
In one instance, the holidaymaker avoided paying a $150 service fee on a Texas property by booking directly, securing the same unit without the middleman markup. They noted it was the same key code, cleaning crew, and property, with the only difference being who processes the credit card payment.
Caution and Benefits
The tourist warned others to exercise caution by ensuring direct websites are legitimate and have good online reviews. They also pointed out that in high-traffic tourist areas, property managers are often desperate for direct bookings to avoid platform fees themselves, creating a win-win situation.
Real-World Success Stories
Chelsea, known as @cheapholidayexpert on TikTok, revealed last year how she saved 21 per cent using the same technique. She found a characterful barge originally priced at £152 per night on Airbnb but booked it directly for just £120 by identifying key words to locate the barge's own website.
"This is a great hack, I use it all the time," Chelsea gushed, highlighting the potential for significant savings. This method not only cuts costs but also supports property managers by reducing their fees, making it a smart strategy for budget-conscious travellers.
