The price of a vacation rental depends heavily on the dates. The same rental can cost significantly more during a long weekend than on a Tuesday outside of school breaks. The good news: with a little flexibility, you can often find a better—and sometimes larger—place for the same budget. Here are our tips.
1. Extend your dates by a few days
Shifting your arrival date by one or two days is sometimes enough to find a property that’s available or cheaper. On gb5s, select your dates, then choose the ± 1, 2, 3, 7, or 14 days option below the search bar: the results will include properties available around your dates.
2. Just say “I’m flexible”
Do you know you want to go away for a week this winter, but not exactly when? Use Flexible mode: choose a weekend, a week, or a month, then select the months you’re interested in. You’ll see all the accommodations with available dates that match your selection.
3. Consider a monthly stay
Remote work, a long stay, visiting family… Many hosts offer weekly or monthly discounts. With Monthly mode, enter your arrival date and the number of months: the estimated monthly price is displayed on the relevant listings.
4. Avoid long weekends and school breaks
Periods of high demand drive up prices. If you don’t have school-age children, traveling just before or just after school breaks often lets you enjoy the same destinations in a calmer atmosphere and at a lower cost.
5. Arrive on a weekday
Some hosts charge higher rates on weekends. Arriving on Sunday or Monday can lower the total cost, especially for short stays.
6. Compare the total price, not just the nightly rate
Cleaning fees, additional guests, service charges: always check the total amount before booking. A place that’s slightly more expensive per night but doesn’t have high cleaning fees may end up being cheaper for a short stay.
7. Share a large house with others
For groups of families or friends, a large villa often costs less per person than several smaller accommodations. Specify the exact number of guests (adults, children, infants) and check the sleeping arrangements room by room to ensure everyone has a place to stay.
In summary
- Use flexible dates (± days) or the “Flexible” option.
- Opt for weekday stays and off-peak periods.
- For long stays, search for “Monthly” and take advantage of discounts.
- Always compare the total price.
Start a flexible search right now from the gb5s homepage, or explore our most beautiful beaches in Senegal to find inspiration.