How Far Out Should You Book Airbnb – Guide

Planning for your chosen destination requires an excellent accommodation to help you prepare well.

Whether you’re a seasonal traveler or a digital nomad who likes to plot your destination, booking in advance can be part of your travel routine.

One of the most asked questions by many guests is how far in advance you should book an Airbnb.

Wait no further; we will explain the main factors to consider when determining the optimal booking timeframe for your Airbnb stay.

This article will help provide you with valuable insights to make the most informed decision.

Factors to Consider How Far You Should Book

Booking in advance on Airbnb can help you secure the desired dates and locations. Not only that, but it can also help you save money.

The early bird catches the best deals most of the time. Booking in advance also depends on your goals and plans. Why do you want to book as far as possible?

There are a few factors to consider regarding how far out should you book Airbnb. Here are the following:

Before the Demand Rises

One of the things that you should consider in how far you should book is the demand and availability. Are you planning to visit a popular tourist destination or landmark?

The chances are that they are populated by many tourists booking a rental property at Airbnb; you don’t want to struggle looking for an affordable place to stay, so it’s best to plan your booking.

If you have specific dates or preferences, it is recommended to book several months ahead. It increases your chances of finding the best property to stay at Airbnb.  

For example, Texas experiences high demand for vacation rentals during summer, so it is advisable to secure your preferred accommodation.

Last-Minute Deals

You can book in advance during last-minute deals because you can grab a discount. We all love to offer discounts, especially on a tight budget.

Many travelers find this opportunity a great steal because you can find a lower price than usual. If you’re on a tight budget, maybe you would like to consider this one.

There are Airbnb hosts who choose to offer discounted rates to fill last-minute vacancies, so if you’re budget-conscious, you may give it a go.

The best times to book an Airbnb in 10 rental cities in the United States are:

• Three days in advance
• Four weeks in advance
• Forty-seven weeks in advance, which is almost one year

Special Events and Holidays

If you are fascinated by traveling for special events and holidays during the year, it is advisable to book a year ahead. It helps you avoid the possible expensive rental bookings.

Are you worrying you would change your heart and mind and don’t want to continue the trip anymore? You don’t need always to book one year; you can choose months away before your trip.

However, you should know that special events and holidays can significantly attract many travelers seeking accommodations and might affect your preferences.

• Christmas and New Year: Many people travel to celebrate the holidays in different cities. You should book at least 2-3 months in advance.
• Valentine’s Day: Many couples worldwide plan their trip anywhere during this time. You should book 1-2 months in advance.
• Summer Holidays: Summer months are popular for many tourists, especially families. You can book 3-4 months in advance for this.

Host Booking Timeframe

You may reach out to the host to ask how far you can book in advance their property. Many hosts are open to accepting bookings. However, others may take time to confirm your reservations.

Always take the time to check the host’s booking timeframe so you can find flexible accommodations.

Have you ever tried or heard about Airbnb Instant Book? If not, it’s time to consider this when planning to book in advance. The good thing about it is that it doesn’t require host approval. Here’s how to use Instant Book:

• Search for listings: You can start by choosing what accommodations are available on the platform and clicking your travel date and destination. Don’t forget to click other essential options for accurate search results. Choose to search for available listings for accommodations on Airbnb. Do not forget to be specific regarding your trip’s dates, location, and other preferences to give you the best search results.
• Look for the Instant Book badge: After searching, you may browse the listings and then look for the “Instant Book” badge. You can filter your search results only to show listings with the Instant Book feature. Seeing this badge means you are allowed to book instantly without waiting for host approval or confirmation,
• Check the listing details: Click on a listing with the Instant Book feature to view more information. Read the description, house rules, amenities, and other essential details the host provides.
• Enter your travel details: The next step after selecting a listing and other important information is to show the total cost, including any additional fees.
• Confirm and book: After reviewing the details and ensuring everything is correct, click the “Instant Book” button. You may be prompted to confirm your payment details or provide any necessary information requested by the host.

Long-Term Stays

If you are traveling for longer or extended stays, booking in advance can be a great choice to secure your preferred accommodation. It is recommended that you book at least 3-6 months in advance, especially when traveling to a popular destination.

If you reserve longer stays, many hosts can offer discounted rates, so grab this chance. Booking in advance can give you more time to prepare your things and Instagrammable plans.

If you’re traveling with families looking for temporary accommodations or extended travel, booking in advance is wise.

Host Cancellation Policies

Understanding the cancellation policies of potential Airbnb listings is crucial when determining the ideal booking timeframe.

If you are new to this rental platform, Airbnb provides hosts with different cancellation policies. It will help you identify which one you will get a refund if you cancel.

Be aware that Airbnb has a flexible cancellation policy for reservations within 24 hours, a moderate cancellation policy for reservations within five days, a strict cancellation policy for reservations within at least 14 days, and a super strict cancellation policy for reservations within 30 days.

So, it’s essential to plan well your decision in booking in advance so you won’t end up canceling it and not getting a refund. If you are comfortable booking months on Airbnb, don’t hesitate to pick a listing.

Conclusion

Thinking about a beautiful itinerary can be frustrating, and you find out that the rental accommodation unexpectedly rises during busy seasons.

This is why many seasoned travelers book as much as possible in advance. It’s also essential to analyze your plans well to avoid reservation conflicts such as cancellations.

Don’t forget to consider significant factors such as demand and availability, last-minute deals, special events and holidays, host-allowed booking time frame, extended stays, and the host cancellation policy.

Depending on your goals, it’s always important to consider whether booking in advance can be an excellent choice for you, and don’t be afraid to ask the host a question.