In this comprehensive guide, I unveil insider strategies for finding the best Vrbo discounts so that you can save money on your next Vrbo rental. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your dream vacation knowing you’ve got the lowest price.
Eager to plan your next getaway but hesitant about the cost? I get it – travel is expensive these days, but there are always methods to bring down the cost if you’re in the know. A good way to reduce the cost of your trip, particularly if you are traveling with a larger group, is to opt for a Vrbo rental instead of a hotel.
You can get fantastic Vrbo rentals that are often larger than hotel rooms, have cooler features, and are located in more unique locations. For example, in Seville, Spain I was traveling with a group and was able to stay in a 5-story rental with a rooftop overlooking the main cathedral. No hotel offered that view! And it was cheaper than buying multiple rooms in the nearby hotels. I put some pictures of great rentals I’ve stayed in recently throughout this article to give you a sense of why opting for a Vrbo can be a great choice.
That being said, it is important to understand how tourism may affect local residents. Vacation rentals can be a great source of income for some, while for others they might be driving up prices and causing local displacement. Be cognizant and make responsible choices.
Vrbo very rarely offers any discount, promo, or coupon codes, but don’t worry. There are many methods to save money on your Vrbo rental and get the cheapest price. Let me explain how to save money on your next Vrbo rental.
If you’re short on time, click here for the main takeaway
Vrbo infrequently offers direct coupons. You can still save money on Vrbo rentals by using new property discounts, finding early-bird and last-minute deals, taking advantage of extended stays and off-season rates, negotiating with property owners, and utilizing the OneKey program.
Table of Contents
What is Vrbo?
Vrbo, which stands for Vacation Rental By Owner, is a platform that allows property owners to rent out their homes, apartments, or vacation properties to travelers seeking accommodations. Users can browse through a wide range of rental listings, from cozy cottages to luxurious villas, and book directly with the property owner or manager for their next getaway. Accommodations are offered worldwide and are often spacious and at competitive prices. Vrbo is essentially the same service as Airbnb.
How to Get A Vrbo Discount And Save Money
Use these 11 methods to secure a lower price on your Vrbo rental.
1. Do A Quick Coupon Search
There are rarely coupons for Vrbo; however, when there are they will be posted to Groupon. Check Groupon before hitting the purchase button – just in case. You may get lucky!
If you are a student, Unidays sometimes offers Vrbo discounts. You can register with Unidays for free with your student email.
2. Choose Newly-Listed Properties
As of 2024, Vrbo is offering 20% off newly-listed vacation rentals. This can be a great way to save big! Use your judgment to evaluate if the property is right for you, and looks to be a good and safe choice. Here is the link to access the 20% off newly-listed rentals.
3. Use Rakuten
Rakuten is a browser extension that lets users earn cashback rewards and discounts on purchases they make. All you have to do is install the extension and activate the cash back on the website. Rakuten often offers some form of cashback on Vrbo. As of May 2024, they are offering an additional $20 cash back if you book a newly listed rental. You can check Rakuten’s Vrbo cashback offers here.
BONUS: Use my Rakutel link here to earn an ADDITIONAL 10% on top of that.
4. Book Early for Early-Bird Vrbo Discounts
This may go without saying, but you can beat the rush and secure substantial savings by booking your Vrbo rental well in advance. Many property owners offer early-bird discounts to travelers who plan ahead and reserve their accommodations ahead of time. By locking in your booking early, you not only ensure availability but also enjoy discounted rates compared to last-minute bookings. Keep an eye out for early-bird specials when browsing Vrbo listings and take advantage to maximize your savings. Some rentals even offer free cancellation meaning, making this easier.
5. Stay Flexible with Off-Peak Travel
I always recommend embracing flexibility and considering traveling during off-peak seasons to capitalize on discounted rates and special promotions. Off-peak travel can often be the best time to go for smaller crowds! Vrbo hosts often offer lower prices during quieter periods when demand is lower, making it an ideal time to score great savings on a vacation rental. Exploring destinations during off-peak travel seasons allows you to enjoy discounted rates and a more tranquil travel experience!
6. Look for Last-Minute Deals
Now I know I just recommend that you book your Vrbo early, but that may not always be possible. Lucky for us, you can sometimes snag last-minute deals and enjoy cheaper Vrbo rentals. As departure dates approach, property owners sometimes offer reduced rates to fill vacant dates and avoid missed profit opportunities. Keep an eye out for last-minute specials and promotions on Vrbo listings, and be prepared to act quickly to secure your preferred accommodations at a discounted price. With a bit of spontaneity and flexibility, you might find yourself with a Vrbo discount on your next getaway.
7. Filter Search Results by Discounts
It can be very helpful to streamline your search for discounted Vrbo rentals by utilizing the platform’s filtering options. When browsing listings on Vrbo, use the search filters to narrow down your options and prioritize properties offering discounts and special promotions. Look for filters such as “Deals & Discounts” or “Special Offers” to quickly identify discounted rentals that meet your criteria. By leveraging these filtering tools, you can efficiently identify money-saving opportunities and find the perfect rental for your budget and preferences. You may have to be more flexible in the rental you choose to make this work, but sometimes cost beats desire!
There are currently three VRBO discounts you can filter by:
- New listing discount: Be one of the first three guests to stay here and get this reduced nightly price from the host.
- Weekly discount: The host offers a discount for staying 7 nights or longer.
- Monthly discount: The host offers a discount for staying 28 nights or longer.
8. Subscribe to Vrbo’s Newsletter
You may not want another email cluttering your inbox, but joining Vrbo’s newsletter can actually be helpful. Sign up to receive regular updates on special promotions, exclusive offers, and last-minute deals delivered directly to your inbox. By staying connected with Vrbo via email, you’ll gain access to insider tips and opportunities to save on your next vacation rental. Keep an eye out for the occasional promo code and limited-time offer reserved for newsletter subscribers. if they have a coupon, you’ll actually be able to take advantage of it by being on the newsletter. If you are signed up long enough, you’ll start to learn what times of year they offer exclusives.
9. Consider Extended Stays for Additional Vrbo Savings
If you have additional flexibility, a really great way to maximize your savings is by opting for extended stays when booking Vrbo rentals. Many property owners offer discounted rates for longer stays (≥7 days or ≥28 days), making it financially advantageous to extend your vacation duration. Whether you’re planning a week-long retreat or a month-long getaway, exploring extended stay options on Vrbo can lead to significant savings compared to shorter bookings.
A long stay may differ based on the rental. Sometimes this can mean staying a week instead of 5 days, and sometimes it can mean staying a month. If you have some wiggle room, try extending the stay.
Even if you don’t plan to stay the additional days, booking the long stay can sometimes still be cheaper than the short stay. Before booking, try adding a day or two to the rental to see if you can secure savings, such as a percentage off or a free night. For example, staying 7 nights can sometimes be cheaper than staying 6 nights, even if you don’t plan on staying the 7th night.
10. Negotiate with Property Owners
This one is often skipped out on. But don’t be afraid to negotiate with property owners to secure the best possible rate on your Vrbo rental. Reach out to hosts directly and inquire about any available discounts, special offers, or flexible pricing options. Be polite, courteous, and transparent in your communication, and explain your budget constraints and preferences. Sometimes the property owners may be willing to offer discounted rates or additional perks to secure your booking, especially if you’re booking during off-peak periods or for an extended stay.
If you are asking for a Vrbo discount, you should have good reason to do so, and it should benefit both you and the host. Do not negotiate with the property owners to take advantage. Remember, they have no obligation to agree, and may not respond at all. If they offer a discount, be gracious and leave a glowing review to show your appreciation.
11. OneKey Program – Earn Towards Free Vrbo Rentals!
Vrbo recently joined OneKey. The OneKey program is a unified loyalty program by Expedia Group, integrating rewards across its travel brands such as Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. It allows members to earn and redeem points seamlessly across multiple platforms, enhancing their travel experience with exclusive benefits and savings.
Before booking, make sure to sign up for the program so you can collect points. Do this on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. You will collect points on eligible purchases at all of these sites. You can then redeem them later for free stays! In my opinion, this gives Vrbo a big leg-up to Airbnb! The OneKey program has opportunities for gaining status and has good point earnings/redemptions if you show loyalty to the brands. Notice in the above screenshots how the booking shows the amount of OneKey cash you earn before purchasing. Learn more about the OneKey program here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Vrbo have referral discounts?
At the time of writing this, Vrbo does not have any referral discounts that I am aware of. I researched extensively and did not find any.
2. Does Vrbo have work discounts?
At the time of writing this, Vrbo does not have any discounts for working employees that I am aware of. I researched extensively and did not find any.
3. Does Vrbo have teacher, military, or first-responder discounts?
At the time of writing this, Vrbo does not have any teacher, military, or first-responder discounts that I am aware of. I researched extensively and did not find any.
4. Does Vrbo have student discounts?
Vrbo does not have student discounts on their website; however, Unidays occasionally offers discounts to students for Vrbo rentals.
Conclusion – How To Get A Lower Price On Vrbo Rentals
From early-bird specials to last-minute deals, Vrbo has a variety of opportunities for informed travelers to save on accommodations and enjoy memorable getaways without breaking the bank. By implementing one or more of these 11 Vrbo money-saving strategies, you can get some great Vrbo discounts on rentals and have that dream vacation for a bit cheaper.
Ultimate Money-saving Vrbo Hack: Activate Rakuten to get an additional $20 cash back when you book a newly listed rental. This is on top of the already 20% discount. Book early using this method at an off-season time for an extended stay and you will save BIG!
I hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy!
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Disclaimer: This article is intended to be for informational purposes only and may contain affiliate links. Refer to the full disclaimer for more information.
