Use This Hack To Avoid Hefty Airbnb Fees, According To Your Rich BFF Vivian Tu
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Gabrielle Olya
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Zuri Anderson
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Airbnb can be a great way to travel like a local — but the fees can place a damper on your trip. Cleaning fees alone now average $161 per stay, according to AirDNA.
But if you’re a savvy traveler, you can get around paying these fees and lower the cost of your getaway. Vivian Tu, aka “Your Rich BFF,” recently shared a travel hack you need to know before you book your next vacation rental.
How To Save on Airbnb Fees With a Simple Hack
In addition to cleaning fees, Airbnb bookings often come with additional fees, like service fees and occupancy fees.
“These fees have gotten out of control,” Tu said in a recent Instagram post. “I figured out a way to not pay them, or at least pay a lot less.”
When Tu finds an Airbnb she likes, she takes a screenshot of the main photo and does a reverse image search of that photo in Google to see if it’s listed elsewhere.
“This won’t work for Airbnbs owned by individual owners, but a lot of Airbnbs are actually hosted by rental property groups, and that’s what we’re banking on,” Tu said.
Booking on Airbnb is typically more expensive than booking directly with the rental site. In the example rental property Tu featured in the Instagram post, you’d save $20 on the nightly rate plus save on fees when you book directly with the rental group.
“What you have to remember is that these rentals are on Airbnb because it’s the easiest way for you to find them, but if you book directly with them, they don’t have to charge you nearly as many fees because they don’t have to pay Airbnb,” Tu said.
More Ways To Save on Airbnb Rentals
Even if a property must be booked through Airbnb, there are additional ways you can cut costs:
- Travel during off-peak times: Weekday stays and shoulder seasons often come with lower rates.
- Book early: Lock in better prices by reserving well in advance.
- Skip extras: Filter out amenities you won’t use to avoid paying for them.
- Widen your search: Staying just outside your destination can mean big savings.
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