5 Ways to Save Big on Hotel or Airbnb Rentals

Travel can get expensive fast, and it can be tricky to find good deals. A recent NerdWallet survey found that over 117 million Americans planned to spend an average of $3,861 on travel in 2025. The same survey found that 40% of travelers planned to choose their accommodations based primarily on price rather than amenities. Everyone’s searching for how to save money on hotels. 

If you’re one of the many travelers looking for hotel booking tips, or considering Airbnb savings, then you’re in luck. There are ways to cut down on these numbers. Read on for tips regarding how to save money on hotels and curb costs before you make your reservation.  

Plus, with a Farm Bureau Member’s Choice policy, you can have exclusive access to travel discounts available only for those who are members of their local Farm Bureau by having insurance through Farm Bureau Financial Services. You can see a full list of the travel incentives connected to your policy by logging into your state’s Farm Bureau Federation website.  

1. Ask for a Lower Rate 

Locking in a lower price might be as simple as asking for one. When you’re making a reservation, skip discount booking sites and call the hotel directly. Hotel employees often have more latitude to offer discounts or upgrades, and talking to them can yield great results. 

If you’re using Airbnb, click “contact the host” before booking and send a message asking about reduced rates. If you’re traveling off-season mid-week, or attempting a last-minute reservation, it may be possible to snag a lower rate than the one posted. Some Airbnb hosts may even offer discounts for extended rentals or returning guests — developing a repeat relationship with a host can pay off. 

2. Show Your Loyalty 

Charging purchases to a rewards credit card (and paying the balance every month) can put you on a path toward free hotel stays. Many hotel brands offer loyalty programs that come with perks such as free WiFi and late checkout, on top of earning points toward free stays. Shop around for the best card for your needs and consider asking your bank or financial advisor for suggestions. 

3. Mark Your Calendar 

U.S. hotel bookings tend to be marginally cheaper on Fridays, while international bookings seem to be least expensive on Thursdays. But in general, you can save money by traveling during slower seasons. Give yourself time: Planning ahead will help you find the best deals, rather than scrambling at the last minute for whatever’s left over. 

4. Score Last-Minute Hotel and Airbnb Savings 

And yet: Procrastinators, rejoice! Sometimes you can score a deal with last-minute hotel bookings. Sites like HotelTonight, Hotels.com and Late Rooms offer steep savings on late bookings.  

Remember, last-minute deals aren’t limited to just hotels. When using Airbnb, ask about discounted rates for upcoming travel. If rooms are open, hosts might be willing to haggle. 

5. Keep Monitoring Prices 

Once you’ve booked, don’t stop searching for deals on a hotel room or Airbnb rental. Hotels and travel booking sites often offer “price match guarantees,” which means that if you happen to find lower-advertised prices, the hotel you have booked with may lower your rate. Keep checking rates for the days you’ll be traveling and call your hotel or host if you spot a better deal. 

With a little planning (or strategic willingness to wait until the last minute), it’s possible to land great deals on accommodations for your next trip. 

Stay Protected While You Travel

Before your next vacation, be sure that you’re covered while away. Connect with Farm Bureau today to uncover any gaps in your coverage.