Traveling is my passion and I do it as much as possible, but finding affordable places to stay can be challenging. Luckily, I've discovered a simple yet effective travel hack that saved me $500 on a recent trip to the Baja Peninsula. Here's how I used Google Image reverse search to find the best rates on a private hacienda-style Mexican villa for a six-night stay.
The Challenge of Finding Affordable Short-Term Rentals
With the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and many others, travelers now have a so many options for accommodations. Short term rentals are sometimes even listed on Expedia now. However, prices can vary significantly between sites for the same exact property. The key to finding the best deal is knowing where to look, and this is where Google Image reverse search comes in handy!
The Hack: Google Image Reverse Search
Identify Your Dream Rental: I began by finding a beautiful Mexican villa that I had to stay in. The hacienda style, private pool and gorgeous landscaping got me.
Screenshot the Property Photo: I took a screenshot of the villa's main image. This picture would help me find all other rental sites that listed the same property.
Use Google Image Reverse Search: I uploaded the screenshot to Google Images and did a reverse image search. This tool scours the web to find all instances of the same image online. Be sure to select ‘Exact Match’ when searching to narrow down results to only listings of the property, not just similar photos of other properties.
Compare Listings: Google Image reverse search showed that the villa was listed on multiple platforms. I compared the listings across different reputable sites, examining factors like price, amenities, and cancellation policies.
Choose the Best Offer: After comparing the options, I found which rental site was cheapest and booked there! This time it was Airbnb who offered a discount that reduced the price by over $80 per night.
The Results: $500 in Savings
By using this simple hack, I saved $500 on my six-night stay. The money you save can go toward a fun excursion or a fancy dinner you wouldn’t have otherwise indulged in!
Additional Tips
Be Flexible with Dates: Sometimes adjusting your travel dates by even a day can lead to additional savings.
Look for Discounts and Promo Codes: Many sites offer special discounts or promotional codes that can further reduce your costs.
Book Directly with the Host: If you find a contact for the host or property manager, consider reaching out directly to negotiate the price. Be sure there is a legitimate rental contract if you go this route. The host will save money by booking directly- avoiding fees charged by the rental site, so they may be more likely to offer a better deal.
Travel doesn't have to break the bank, and with a little tech-savvy strategy, you can enjoy gorgeous homes like this for less than you think. Next time you're planning a getaway, try this Google Image reverse search hack and compare rental prices to make sure you're getting the best deal possible. Happy travels!