As Vacation Rental Booking Platforms Evolve, Holiday Travelers Are Rethinking How They Book

Savvy survey finds 81% of travelers encountered surprise fees when booking vacation rentals and 67% are very likely to switch from traditional to direct booking platforms to save hundreds.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday travelers are not giving up their plans as costs rise; they are finding ways to stretch their budget further. New survey data from Savvy, a direct booking marketplace for short-term vacation rentals, finds that more than 70% of travelers plan to take a leisure trip between October and February, but rising accommodation costs and booking fees are prompting consumers to look for greater value and transparency.

Among the survey's most notable findings, more than 67% of travelers say they would be very likely to use a direct booking platform if they could save about 15%, potentially hundreds of dollars per trip, compared with booking through a traditional online travel agency (OTA) such as Airbnb or Vrbo. At the same time, 81% say they've been surprised by fees when booking accommodations on major travel sites.

The findings are based on a survey of 1,002 Savvy database respondents, conducted in September 2026. The survey captures how travelers are approaching holiday travel costs, booking fees, and accommodation decisions as they plan trips for the upcoming season.

"Travelers are not giving up their holiday trips because prices are higher. They are getting savvier about where they spend their money," said Eric Goldreyer, founder and CEO of Savvy. "If a booking platform adds fees and the price keeps climbing, people are going to look elsewhere. Booking direct gives them another option, one where they can see the real price upfront and connect directly with a professional property manager. Direct booking is all about less stress, less surprises, and more value."

Travelers Are Watching Their Accommodation Budgets

For most travelers, accommodations represent a significant portion of the holiday travel budget. Per the survey results, nearly 64% plan to spend about $2,500 on accommodations per trip.

With that budget in mind, travelers are looking for ways to cut costs. Booking directly with a hotel, vacation rental company, or host is the most popular cost-saving strategy, cited by 43.7% of respondents. Other top strategies include traveling during off-peak periods (40%), avoiding platforms with high service fees (38.6%), and using discount or deal sites (37.9%).

Price and Transparency Could Change Where Travelers Book

The survey data suggests consumers are not just looking for a lower price, they want to know what that price actually includes. Lowest total price and transparent pricing without additional fees ranked as the top two factors influencing where travelers book a vacation rental, cited by 49.48% and 36.33% of respondents, respectively.

And when the potential savings are clear, travelers say they are willing to change their habits. When told they could save about 15%, potentially hundreds of dollars per trip, by using a direct booking platform instead of a traditional OTA like Airbnb or Vrbo, more than 67% said they'd be very likely to use the alternative.

"Travelers are telling us what matters most is price, transparency, and a better booking experience," added Goldreyer. "If consumers are willing to change how they book to save hundreds of dollars, that's a very clear signal. They want a solution, and direct booking stands out."

As consumers finalize their holiday plans, where they book has become just as important as where they travel. With accommodation costs and platform fees putting pressure on travel budgets, travelers are looking for ways to spend less, avoid surprises, and get more value from their stays.

For more information about the direct booking marketplace, Savvy, and to finalize your next trip, visit Savvy.com.

About Savvy  

Savvy is the direct booking marketplace where professional hospitality meets savvy travelers. With transparent pricing and zero service fees, Savvy helps travelers save up to 20% per booking while enjoying exceptional stays at more than 150,000 professionally managed properties. The platform connects travelers seeking a better booking experience with professional property managers who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences.

For professional property managers, Savvy offers complete control over guest relationships, pricing, policies, and service, rewarding exceptional hospitality and supporting sustainable business growth. For more information, visit Savvy.com.

Contact: Emily Eastin
Interdependence
[email protected]
217-840-7455

SOURCE Savvy