AARP Smart Guide to Vacation Lodging

Additionally, beware of emails sent from addresses that don’t resemble the website where you’re looking to book a stay. (In the case of Airbnb, AARP noted that they might look like @bnb.com or @reservation-airbnb.com.) A surefire way to avoid scams like this is to only work with travel websites that you know are legitimate and secure. (You can tell if a website is secure if you see a lock icon in the website’s address bar.) 

And while it’s easy to be tempted by major savings when searching for vacation rentals, it’s best to be cautious, says Cari Stoltz, director of inside channels and consumer marketing and communications for vacation rental booking site RedAwning.com. That’s especially important to remember as the rental property market grows at an unprecedented rate. “The [growth] is fantastic for travelers; it provides more options than ever, including access to destinations previously dominated by hotels,” Stoltz says. “However, this growth also means some bad actors may not deliver on promises made in their listings.” Be wary of price cuts, such as discounts for first bookings in new properties. “If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she says. Another sure sign of a scam is any site that asks you to pay for a trip with a wire transfer or a prepaid gift card. Always use a credit card — they come with extensive fraud protections. 

10. Consider lodging alternatives

Hotels and vacation rentals are popular accommodation options, but you can also get creative with where and how you sleep. Try housesitting, where you get a free stay in exchange for caring for someone’s home, plants and potentially pets; this option is available via vetted services such as Trusted Housesitters, Nomador and MindMyHouse.

11. Go camping — or glamping

Camping is another great option for getting up close with nature. That said, if you prefer the comforts of a bed and plumbing, you can always get your dose of the outdoors via glamping, says Emily Pennington, travel journalist and author of the book Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks. “Glamping can be great for couples where one traveler isn’t so into roughing it, but the other wants to have a campfire under the stars,” she says.

12. Provide your own caffeine

There are certain items you can typically expect in hotel rooms, but for other vacation rentals, unless they include it in the description, it’s best to bring the necessities yourself. If you need coffee, some hotels provide it in the lobby. You may also find a nearby coffee shop or bring your own to-go coffee press or bottled/canned coffee drink. The coffee maker in a hotel room or vacation rental is likely teeming with germs, and although a superficial wipe down can make it look clean, you never know what others have used it for before you — or if it was cleaned well.

13. Stay connected

Charging cables for phones, tablets and laptops are a must-bring item, so bring the longest ones in case your place doesn’t have as many outlets as you’re accustomed to. For entertainment, pack a small, waterproof Bluetooth speaker. 

HOTELS

14. Book as early as you can … 

Tourism is booming, especially come high season (which varies based on the place you’re visiting — summer for Europe and U.S. national parks, and winter for ski escapes like Colorado and Utah). This heightened travel interest means hotel rooms get scooped up quickly, so time is now of the essence when planning trip lodging. “Booking early is very important,” says Kempf, noting that as soon as you confirm the trip is happening, it’s time to start booking. “The early bird is going to get the prime location; waiting until the last minute means you may not get to stay where you want to stay.”

15. …Or wait for last-minute deals

Alternatively, booking a last-minute or nearly last-minute hotel stay can also provide some savings. A study by Skyscanner determined that booking a domestic hotel stay within a week of your trip can cut more than 20 percent off the price, and you’ll still save an average of 8 percent if you book one to two weeks out. 

16. Join hotel loyalty programs — and be loyal

One of the easiest ways to save money — and eventually earn free stays or upgrades — is to be loyal to one overarching hotel brand. “Join whatever loyalty program the hotel offers,” Kempf says. “I’m surprised how many people don’t do that.” One common perk of the typically free loyalty membership is complimentary Wi-FI (which can cost non-loyalty guests upwards of $15 per day, Kempf says). Similar to airline points, hotel perks can add up with repeat stays, especially with large hotel brands like Marriott (the Westin, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, etc); Hilton (Waldorf Astoria, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, etc.); and InterContinental/IHG (Regent, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, etc).

17. Think of points as valuable currency 

In his debut book How to Win at Travel, Brian Kelly, founder of travel-advice website The Points Guy, writes that most travelers don’t realize how valuable points can be. “Points are real, nonliquid assets,” he notes. “While the IRS doesn’t generally consider points as income and won’t tax you on them (in most cases), points are an extremely worthwhile currency.” 

If you want to accrue as many points as possible to use for travel, Kelly says you should have multiple credit cards so you can earn points on nearly everything you purchase, every day. His advice is to try to earn more than 1 point for every dollar spent. However, it’s very important to manage your spending carefully and pay all your credit card balances in full each month to avoid falling into debt. “You lose at rewards when you pay interest,” writes Kelly, who juggles 28 credit cards himself. “I think of it like a game,” he adds. “Some people get great satisfaction out of crossword puzzles or a sudoku; I get mine from cracking the points and miles code and booking incredible travel for a fraction of the price.”

18. Use technology to put those rewards in play

In his book, Kelly writes about startups such as Awayz.com, AwardTool, MaxMyPoint and StayWithPoints that will help you search across hotel and airline awards programs to find the best deals out there. 

For example, on Awayz.com, you can search for hotels and flights and see how much each costs in points, miles or cash. However, these sites come with annual fees that can range from $95 to $129.99. Kelly also notes in his book that the data you see on these sites may not be the most up-to-date, so he urges users to “verify the availability on the hotel website before transferring any points.”

19. When possible, book a refundable stay

To protect yourself when booking early, go the refundable route. “Hotels have refundable and nonrefundable rates,” Kempf says. With a refundable rate, you can typically cancel up to a few days before check-in. (As always, read the fine print to understand cancellation deadlines.) Paying in full before your stay may come with some cost savings, but Kempf says it’s important to evaluate whether the savings are worth the risk.

“These rates really are nonrefundable. No matter what your situation is, they are not going to give you your money back,” she says. “It’s probably an average of about $20 per night savings, so is it worth it to you for $60 saved for three nights to know you’re not going to get your money back?” On the other hand, Kelly writes that “it can often be cheaper to buy a nonrefundable rate and buy travel insurance that will reimburse you if you need to cancel or change the trip.” 

20. Invest in travel insurance

Speaking of travel insurance, Kempf says travel advisers almost always recommend that you purchase it — particularly in recent years, as hoteliers are less flexible than ever. Most people get insurance specific to one trip. However, Kempf has a lesser-known tip for frequent travelers: “For people that take more than two trips a year, try an annual [travel insurance] plan,” she says. “I’m on an annual plan and it’s less than $300 — and you can file as many claims as you want. If you do two trips a year, you will save money doing it this way.” Travel insurance companies that offer long-term travel insurance include World Nomads, Allianz and SquareMouth.

21. Book the corner room

It never hurts to ask for a free upgrade when you’re checking in, and Pennington has another easy way to nab better digs at no cost: Request the corner room. “A great way to snag a few extra square feet of room space — and a better view while you’re at it — is to request a corner room,” she says. “It generally doesn’t cost a thing and best of all? Fewer neighbors equals less ambient noise.”

22. Choose a safe hotel and room

Safety is critical when booking hotels, and for that, Kempf has tried-and-true tips — especially for solo travelers. “Never stay in a hotel with a motel-style outer-core corridor, and I never stay on the ground floor. If I do, I want a room close to the lobby,” she says. “I like to be by the elevator, so I’m not walking by myself all the way down to the end of the corridor.” She also stacks her luggage in front of the door at night and always uses the deadbolt and double-lock system. When you first enter your room, turn on the lights and look in the closet, under the bed and in the bathroom — even check behind thick curtains. And never open the door for an unexpected visitor. If you call for room service but don’t feel comfortable opening the door, ask the server to leave the items on the floor outside your door and retrieve them later.

23. Be mindful of germs

Even with daily cleaning, hotel rooms can harbor germs. That’s why solo travel adviser Jen Tenzer, founder of The Soloist blog (thesoloist.travel), adopts specific habits whenever a hotel room feels less than pristine. Tenzer’s tips? Avoid bare feet on both the carpet and shower by bringing a pair of flip-flops or sandals. Don’t use the outer layer of bedding, even in nice hotels, as the “bedspread likely gets washed every three months or so.” (Tenzer moves it to the bottom of the bed.) Additionally, bring sanitization products and wipe down everything — doorknobs, the bathroom faucet, TV remote and light switches. 

The same rules apply to vacation rental homes, which have additional germ-laden zones in the kitchen (sinks, sponges, cutting boards, refrigerators), as well as in multiple bathrooms (toilets, shower curtains, sinks). Additionally, be aware that linens and towels in vacation homes probably don’t get the same level of cleaning as those at hotels, which are typically washed in industrial-grade machines at high temperatures to sanitize them and kill germs.

24. Know your must-haves

It’s easy to get distracted by flashy hotel amenities like a pool, yet many travelers who look for a hotel with a pool or Jacuzzi never end up using it, Kempf says. “You have to know what’s important to you in your hotel experience; I have my own list,” she says. Other must-haves could include a fitness center, location convenience, an airport shuttle, or a shower versus a bathtub. Make your list before beginning the hotel search to ensure fancy amenities don’t sway your judgment. If you are looking forward to a hot, powerful shower, ask which floors offer better water pressure when you book. If you’re looking to save some money on food while you’re on vacation, book accommodations that offer free breakfast. 

25. When all-inclusive getaways make sense

The idea of an all-inclusive may be tempting, but when is it actually a good deal — and when is it not? Be sure to read the fine print: Does “all-inclusive” mean food, or food and alcohol? “If you’re going to go onto the resort and never leave, an all-inclusive is definitely the way to go,” Kempf says. That said, if you’re leaving daily to do off-site activities, or you’re eating in town, “you’re leaving money on the table.” That’s because all-inclusive rates typically include all meals and alcohol, and in many cases, excursions.

Kempf says an all-inclusive does provide a great and less-expensive way to sample cuisines. “You’re not paying for a per-piece, a la carte item. For those curious with their palate and conservative with their checkbook, an all-inclusive is better.” It’s also ideal to go the all-inclusive route in a place with few nearby restaurants, such as a remote island.

26. Consider day rooms for late-night flights or long layovers

Frequent hotel bookers know the typical afternoon check-in and morning checkout times well, but what happens when your flight is in the evening — or if you arrive by sunrise yet can’t check in until 4 p.m.? Try a day room. Many hotels offer day-room rates for off-hour use, particularly those near airports or busy train stations. While stowing your luggage with a bellhop and setting out to explore your destination for a few hours before your room is available is always an option, a day room lets you relax and clean up before or after a flight. To find a daytime stay, look to day-room-specific booking sites like Dayuse.com, Daybreakhotels.com and Hotelsbyday.com. 

27. Check in early with elite status

There are also a few tips and tricks to speed up the check-in process. In his book How to Win at Travel, Kelly notes that vacationers with elite status in a hotel’s loyalty program can get priority check-ins, including the option to check in online.

28. Look for a check-in kiosk

You don’t have to be a points maven to use this simple check-in tip from Kelly: Look for an electronic check-in kiosk in the lobby. “You’d be surprised how often I see a long line of weary travelers waiting to check in to a hotel, completely ignoring a lonely kiosk that would allow them to quickly check-in and receive their keys,” he writes. “So before you resign yourself to the hotel’s long line, take a quick look around and see if you can do it electronically.”

29. Look for hotel packages and membership discounts

Many travelers don’t realize the potential lodging cost-saving options at their disposal. Kempf reminds clients to take advantage of AAA, military and AARP discounts — the latter of which includes everything from hotels to rental car price cuts. Additionally, look into the special packages the hotel offers. “The hotel might have a romance package, and even though you’re not going on a romantic trip, it could give you cool [add-ons] for $10 per night, so ask what packages are available,” she says.

VACATION RENTALS

30. Read the fine print

Don’t sign a vacation-rental contract without reading the fine print, which outlines valuable information that could add costs or stress to your stay. Examples include cancellation policies or strict house rules. “Many vacation rentals offer free cancellation policies, but the time frame may be far out, such as 60 days prior to arrival,” says Stoltz. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable host wants travelers to feel comfortable with the policy.”

31. Watch out for fees

Many rental properties have check-in and checkout rules for guests that, if not followed, could incur fees. Know what’s expected of you, such as stripping the bed, taking out the trash or running the dishwasher before departure. These should be shared with you before or during your stay — and you should book in time to finish these tasks before checking out.

32. Book early, if possible (though last-minute deals exist)

Like hotels, earlier is better when it comes to booking a vacation rental, especially if you’re aiming for a specific property or a busy time of year. “If you have your heart set on a particular property, especially during a popular holiday weekend, booking at least a year in advance or even earlier is recommended,” Stoltz says. “However, if you’re more flexible with your travel plans, you may have more options available and can book closer to your desired dates.” If you’re planning a last-minute trip and you don’t have your heart set on a specific spot, look for last-minute deals from hosts trying to fill their open dates.

33. Book with points

Many people may not be aware that you can rent vacation homes with points earned in hotel rewards programs. For example, you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to reserve properties through the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy website, pay for Vacasa rentals with Wyndham points, or use Hyatt points at Hyatt Homes & Hideaways.

34. Consider a longer stay

If time and budget allow, stretch your trip beyond one week. A longer-term vacation rental gives you more time in your destination, along with the perk of cost savings. “Many vacation rentals offer lower rates for longer stays. You may be able to negotiate a discounted rate for a longer rental period, especially if you are renting directly from the owner,” Griffiths says. “Longer rentals can also offer more flexibility with check-in and checkout times.” Plus, you’ll have the chance to really see the destination like a local.

35. Book a midweek trip

Another money-saving trick for vacation rentals? “Book midweek instead of on weekends,” Griffiths says. “Many vacation rentals offer lower rates during the week when demand is lower.” It’s also wise to analyze the lodging cost breakdown by day when you’re booking, notes Kempf. “Being flexible and switching your dates by one day earlier or later can make a difference,” she says, using Las Vegas as an example. “The cheapest days to go to Vegas are Sunday through Wednesday; the weekend is higher.”

36. See the total price while searching

Service and cleaning fees can add up for vacation-rental bookers. Many property booking sites default to show the nightly price for a property — which often doesn’t include those cumbersome fees. However, a new rule passed by the Federal Trade Commission in December 2024 will require these sites to disclose all fees related to booking a property. While enforcement will be phased in during 2025, many sites are already complying. For example, Airbnb displays the entire cost of a property when searching, including taxes and fees. Vrbo listings automatically include the nightly cost with the total trip cost (including fees and taxes) beneath it. 

37. Look for views and a vibe

From decor aesthetic to nearby activities, the vacation rental you choose will largely dictate the kind of trip you have. Case in point? If you choose a house with a dazzling view — be it a mountain vista or waterfront panorama — you’re in for hours of deck lounging and golden-hour gazing. In fact, the home becomes a vacation in and of itself. Beyond a house with a great view, Griffiths says many properties offer perks like virtual concierges to help travelers plan their trips. Others provide customized guest experiences like cooking classes, private tours or outdoor adventures, such as kayaking. Check with your host about available experiences, and don’t forget to check out the guestbook when you arrive for local recommendations.

38. Bring starter supplies

Many hosts leave a few days’ worth of supplies like toilet paper and paper towels to begin your trip, says Stoltz. If you’re staying longer, be ready to restock your own supplies at the local grocery store — or pack extra with you if you’re driving. Also, remember that a vacation rental is not like a hotel when it comes to supply stocking and cleaning. “Very few vacation rentals offer daily maid service, and they may or may not provide linens,” Stoltz says. “While the line between hotel and vacation rental can be a bit blurry, if a traveler is looking for a hotel experience, there are things that are bound to be disappointing.”

40. Be prepared

First of all, be prepared before you travel. Kelly strongly urges those arranging vacation rentals to buy travel insurance. “It will cover most things that go wrong, like last-minute host cancellations that require you to rebook at much higher prices, poor quality/uninhabitable reservations, sickness, items being stolen from the property, and so much more,” he writes in How to Win at Travel. If you’re not satisfied with your accommodations, or if part of the property is dangerous or broken, take photos and videos, and log the timeline. Next, reach out to the owner or manager via email, text or phone call as soon as possible to see if they can fix it quickly, or in cases where the space is unlivable, provide alternative housing options. If they’re unreachable or unhelpful, reach out to the third party booking company if applicable, like Vrbo or Airbnb, to escalate the issues. The sooner you act, the better. Look up the fine print — are there any written guarantees that cover your issue? If so, refer to them.