Money questions answered

Q "I'd love to rent a vacation house this summer to fit my whole family, but I'm worried about the expense and fees. How can I save?

- -BY GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Renting a vacation home for a large group can be a smart money move. After all, you often get more space than you would if you booked multiple hotel rooms. Still, prices on Airbnb and Vrbo have climbed—and hidden fees can push the total even higher. The good news? There are easy ways to save a bundle. Read on for expert tips from budget travel pro Jen Ruiz, author of 12 Trips in 12 Months (JenOnAJetPlane.com).

Uncover unexpected fees

To avoid surprise charges, take a few minutes to read the property’s full listing before booking, advises Ruiz. Even when a rental site claims to include all fees in the price, hosts may still tack on extra charges after payment. “Some hosts, for example, include mandatory tasks like stripping the beds, taking out the trash or doing laundry before you check out. If you skip such chores, they might withhold part of the deposit or request a fee after your stay.”

These policies are usually listed under “House Rules”—but keep looking. Additional requirements are often scattered in other sections like “About This Property” and “Important Information.” Scanning the entire listing gives you more confidence in the total cost.

Ask for a discount