Lodging - Avoid Platform Fees

The hefty fees on Airbnb and Vrbo typically add an additional ~10–20% to total lodging costs (and in some cases higher, depending on the property manager).

One way to reduce this is by booking directly through property management companies, which often eliminates platform commissions and lowers the overall price. Many listings on Airbnb and Vrbo today are actually managed by professional property management firms or hotels rather than individual owners.

To avoid paying unnecessary fees, it can be more cost-effective to identify the underlying property management company and book directly through their website whenever possible.