7 Smart Hacks to Find the Best Vacation Rentals (and Save Big)

By C. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC. - an experienced travel planner passionate about connecting travelers with meaningful, direct-to-local stays across Europe

Tired of overpaying for rentals or ending up in a place that doesn’t match the photos? These real-world tips will help you find better stays—and keep more cash in your travel budget.

Booking a vacation rental used to feel like finding a hidden gem. Now, with hundreds of listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—or worse, pay a premium for something that doesn’t live up to the hype.

Here’s my tried-and-true system for cutting through the noise, avoiding hidden fees, and finding great places to stay—often by going straight to the source.

1. Start on a Platform—But Don’t Stop There

Start your hunt on Airbnb or Booking.com to get the lay of the land, but don’t let that be the end of the road. Third-party platforms are great search engines, but not always the best place to book. Often, the best deals—and most direct connections—come outside the platforms.

2. Study the Host’s Profile

Once you find a listing you like, click on the host’s name. Look at how long they’ve been active and how many reviews they’ve received.

Red flag: If they’ve been on the platform for years but only have a handful of reviews, that could signal a recycled or duplicated listing.

3. Look for Patterns in Reviews

Click around to see other listings or services from the same host. Then read all their reviews. Are the reviews thoughtful and unique? Or are they eerily similar—copied and pasted from one property to another? Identical reviews across listings (without sourcing) can mean the host is repackaging content to boost their profile.

Red flag: Pay attention to repeated patterns in negative reviews—if multiple guests mention the same issue (like spotty communication, unclean conditions, or last-minute cancellations), that’s usually a sign it’s not just a one-off experience

4. Use Google Reverse Image Search to Cross-Check Listings

One of my favorite travel sleuthing tricks is using Google Reverse Image Search to find out where else a property is listed:

• Take a screenshot of a few photos from the listing (the opening photo shot, or kitchen, or front entrance work well).

• Go to images.google.com and upload the photo.

• You’ll often find that same property listed on other platforms—or

• Sometimes get in touch directly with the host on its original website with a local domain (like .it for Italy, .at for Austria, .pt for Portugal).

That’s your jackpot—book directly with the host, skip the fees, and often get a better deal.

5. Zoom In on the Map + Neighborhood Clues

Many platforms only give you a vague idea of location. But you can often use the map pin or neighborhood name to search more precisely on Google Maps.

Search terms like “vacation rental,” “apartment,” or even the name of the building (if mentioned) often lead to local listings—some of which aren’t on big platforms at all.

6. Don’t Assume the Amenities Are Included

Even if a rental looks great in the photos, be sure to know your deal-breaker amenities, and don't assume they are typical -- there are a few crucial comfort features you should never assume are included—especially in Europe.

A friend of mine recently booked several charming apartments in Italy for a June trip, assuming they’d all have air conditioning. They didn’t. She also didn’t realize one rental was several flights up in a building with no elevator—problematic for her knees.

Always double-check:

• Air conditioning (especially in summer)

• Elevator access

• Wi-Fi strength

• Washer/dryer availability (although dryers in Europe are either non-existent or a washer/dryer combo)

• Parking (if driving)

If anything’s unclear, message the host directly. It’s better to ask now than regret it later.

If something feels too good to be true, it might be.

7. Reach Out—Respectfully

Once you find the host’s original site or business contact, send a polite message. Be transparent:

"Hi! I found your listing on [platform] and love the look of your place. I’d love to book directly if that’s possible."

Most hosts appreciate the direct connection (and the chance to avoid hefty platform fees). Just be respectful—don’t try to bargain if the price is already fair, and don’t ask hosts to bend platform rules if you still want to book there.

However -- Sometimes the Platform Is the Best Option

While I often book direct to support small businesses and save on fees, not every host wants to manage their own website or payments. In many cases—especially in smaller towns or with family-run apartments—Booking.com or Airbnb is simply the easiest option for both parties. As long as you’ve vetted the listing, read the reviews, and feel confident, go ahead and book through the channel that works best for everyone involved.

Ready to Travel Smarter?

Let Max Travel Abroad LLC. handle the details. Whether you're dreaming of a European getaway, need help finding local rentals, or want a custom itinerary designed around your interests—we’re here to make it easy, authentic, and unforgettable.

Explore our small-group tours or inquire about personal travel planning at MaxTravelAbroad.com Better Stays, and Better Travel