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Learners and Makers

How to save on Airbnb?

Published 18 days ago • 2 min read

Hi from Anthony and Jodie! We are the Learners and Makers. Traveling the world full time since 2022, we empower families and the mobility disability community to travel confidently, their way.

Traveling the world as a family of four, we often seek out vacation rentals instead of hotel rooms. Since we aren't just sightseeing but living regular life, albeit in different countries, staying in rentals gives us more space. Plus, we typically can find stays in regular, everyday neighborhoods. That makes it so much easier to get into the pace of local life, whether grocery shopping, finding a cool cafe, or simply having a family wander.

So, this week we wanted to share some of the ways we get the most out of our vacation rentals—especially the price.

​How to save money on Airbnb, VRBO & other vacation rentals​

From week-long escapes to extended 28-night stays, we've discovered effective methods to reduce costs while enhancing our travel experiences. Here are 7 practical tips that have transformed our approach to booking vacation rentals. Keep an eye out for our fourth tip – it's been particularly impactful for our family budget.

SPONSORED

Using phone data abroad:
Why we don't worry about it

Whether you love or hate your mobile network, you don’t have to use their (probably overpriced) international data plan the next time you go abroad.

Wherever we’re abroad, we keep our USA carrier for voice and text, but we don’t use their international data plan.

For example, our 2026 travels have included Japan, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. In each country, whether using Google Maps while navigating, or ordering a rideshare, Airalo eSIMs keep us connected with excellent data at an excellent price.

From Europe to Asia to beyond, wherever your summer adventures take you abroad, you can find an Airalo eSIM for your data, instead of your carrier’s plan.

You can even get your Airalo eSIM in advance, and activate it when you’re ready!

PLUS, Airalo's given us 2 special coupon codes that can save you more on your eSIM:

New to Airalo? Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off.

Used Airalo before? Use code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off.

​Get your affordable international data today:​
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Thank you for using our links! Using our links supports our work, keeps us traveling, and helps us put together advice and stories for you.​
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More ways we get the most out of travel (and our family budget)

Yes, you can afford family vacations: here’s how

Is travel in Asia easy?

7 ways we afford Japan with kids

Travel deals & more (using our links supports our travels and content!)

Accommodation savings: Agoda | Booking | VRBO | Hotels.com | Expedia | Airbnb​

What travel questions or ideas are on your mind? Hit reply and let us know!

Learners and Makers

Travel every month

Cozy, family, nomad, and mobility travel tips, twice a month

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