Airbnb reveals the best time to book and travel in 2024

As people continue to search for affordable accommodation options, Airbnb reveals valuable insights for travellers planning their next getaway, revealing the best times to book and stay this year. 

For the best deals, guests should consider making a booking in March when prices for 2024 stays may be lower¹. For those who want to wait until later in the year to book,  September and early October may give a wide range of options at affordable prices².

And, for people on a budget, this year the cheapest time for a stay in the UK may be from mid-January to early-February³.

Data from Airbnb shows how more Brits are turning to the platform for affordable stays as in the first half of last year alone, there was an 18 per cent rise in Brits booking stays on Airbnb for less than £100 a night⁴.

To help travellers plan their dream trip on a budget, Airbnb has curated a list of top tips to find the best deals, from exploring hidden gems to booking unique stays in iconic destinations.

1. Trying out the “new” category 

A great way to find affordable listings on the platform and save money this year is to try out the  “New” category that showcases homes added to Airbnb within the past 10 weeks. When joining Airbnb, Hosts often set an attractive price to highlight their newly listed homes so you can find some real bargains.

2. Paying attention to special offers 

Hosts can proactively offer discounts to guests based on when you choose to book. Some Hosts may offer lower prices to guests who book at the last minute or further in advance. Almost 6% of UK Hosts have an evergreen last minute discount on stays, with nearly 4% offering a discount for people booking well in advance of the stay. With Hosts offering discounted rates, it’s never too late to plan a budget-friendly getaway and never too early to plan ahead for a trip later this year!

3. Opting for a private room

A private room is a great way to find affordable and authentic stays. With nights stayed in a private room on Airbnb in the UK increasing by nearly 70 percent in 2022⁵, choosing this type of listing means guests can benefit from the advice of Hosts, who will be happy to share their recommendations for places to see, eat and experience, so you can get to know the destination like a local.

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The rising cost of living is leading more people to choose cost-effective accommodation with VisitEngland research⁶ revealing that people are seeking cheaper accommodation options, cutting down on dining expenses, and looking for free things to do.

Airbnb offers a range of unique accommodations for every budget, making it the perfect choice for those seeking cost-effective stays. Almost half of guests report that choosing Airbnb saved them money, with one in four specifically selecting Airbnb over other accommodation types to save money⁷.

Airbnb can offer value and great guest experiences, with nearly 90 per cent of global guests who submitted a review reporting at least one five-star stay in the past year. 

“As we welcome in 2024, it’s great to see Hosts continuing to offer affordable stays on Airbnb. Whether you’re planning a trip within the UK or an international journey, a stay on Airbnb offers exceptional value and a unique experience for your next getaway.”

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for the UK and Northern Europe at Airbnb

Here is a selection of the most wishlisted stays in the UK that are priced under £120 a night: 

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For guests who are yet to finalise 2024 travel plans and need help finding the cream of the crop, Airbnb has launched Guest Favourites, a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on ratings, reviews, and reliability. Head to Airbnb to explore the Guest Favourites filter further when planning your next trip.