I’ve stayed in hundreds of Airbnbs around the world — here are the 9 amenities I seek out that have saved me thousands

I’ve called hundreds of Airbnbs home over the last decade while traveling to nearly 100 countries — from tiny hemp homes, charming cabins and tree-top cocoons across Europe to quaint cottages and bohemian studios around the Americas. Here are the Airbnb amenities for which I’ve specifically searched that have saved me thousands to this point.

9 Airbnb amenities that can save you money

When searching for an affordable Airbnb, don’t simply search by price point. I have spent a little extra on some stays if these amenities are included because they save me more in the end.

1. Full kitchen

Whether you actually intend to cook on vacation is irrelevant. Even stocking up on quick grab-and-go breakfasts or making just one or two dinners can dramatically reduce restaurant spending, which tends to be the bulk of travelers’ spending. On average, leisure travelers allocate up to 35% of their total trip budgets to food and beverages, which adds up to about $58 per person, per day — and can be much higher in foodie destinations.

Having a well-equipped kitchen with pantry basics (such as oil and seasoning) and a coffee maker (with coffee) can also go a long way. Surveys suggest that women spend about $2,327 per year on coffee, while men spend about $1,934 per year. That averages out to more than $40 for a week-long vacation, which, in many places, leads to another meal in town. For the same reason, filtered drinking water (sometimes attached to the kitchen sink) can help travelers significantly save on single-use bottled water.

2. In-unit laundry

If you plan to stay somewhere long enough to need laundry done, in-unit washers and dryers (or drying racks, as is the case in most of Europe, for example) can be a game-changer. You’ll save on loading up at laundromats or using card- or coin-operated shared machines in apartment complexes. Depending on where you’re traveling and how many clothes you have to wash, full-service pick-up/drop-off laundry can easily rack up by the tens. Even doing it yourself will cost you the machine, any transportation you need to get to the laundromat and coveted time you could have spent enjoying your vacation.

Plus, you may even avoid paying for checked bags by packing less. With the option to wash and reuse clothing, you can avoid stuffing several pairs of bulky jeans, heavy sweaters and space-consuming items that add unnecessary weight.

3. Free parking or shuttle service

If you’re renting a car on your trip, free parking is a huge draw. Car rentals can already add up, so tacking on the cost of overnight parking for several days or weeks on end can end up defeating the purpose of saving on rideshare apps and public transportation. It can also ensure that you snag a spot close to your accommodation, so you don’t end up circling blocks or parking far away.

Likewise, a free airport shuttle service — if you don’t plan on renting a car — can save you tens to hundreds of dollars each way. Most taxis and rideshares mark up prices for airport pickups and drop-offs. They tend to layer several surcharges on top of the base meter rate, including airport access fees and wait times.

4. Toiletries

It may seem like a small perk, but complimentary toiletries can save both money and valuable suitcase space. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and even a hair dryer mean you don’t have to buy travel-sized versions before your trip or check a bag just to fit full-sized bottles. Some hosts also go beyond the basics by providing sunscreen, insect repellent, feminine hygiene products and more — items that can be surprisingly expensive when purchased at convenience stores or tourist shops after you’ve arrived.

For travelers flying on budget airlines with strict baggage allowances, packing lighter can help avoid baggage fees or overweight luggage charges. While EU airlines have recently been banned from charging personal item fees (your underseat bag), most ultra-low-cost and standard airlines around the world still charge for overhead carry-on bags — and, barring a few airlines that offer free checked baggage for some fare classes, most charge for luggage, period.

5. Beach, outdoor and adventure gear

If you’re heading somewhere with a beach or outdoor activities, look for listings that include complimentary gear. Beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, snorkel equipment, bicycles, kayaks, surfboards or paddleboards can save a surprising amount over the course of a vacation. Renting just two beach chairs and an umbrella at a popular beach destination can easily cost $30 to $100 per day, while bike rentals often run between $25 to $80 per person — and more for electric bikes or bikes with baskets or equipment racks.

Even smaller items like reusable coolers and insulated water bottles can help travelers avoid paying premium prices for food and drinks at beaches, parks and tourist attractions.

6. Workspace with fast Wi-Fi

For remote workers, digital nomads or anyone planning to answer emails while away, reliable high-speed internet can be more valuable than a pool or pretty view. Working from cafés comes with the expectation of buying food or drinks throughout the day, while coworking spaces can charge daily passes that can end up costing a night’s stay, depending on the destination.

A dedicated workspace with strong Wi-Fi allows travelers to stay productive without additional costs and can even make it possible to extend a trip without taking unpaid time off.

7. Gym or fitness equipment

Vacation doesn’t have to mean putting your fitness routine on hold — or paying extra to maintain it. Access to an on-site gym, home fitness equipment or even basics like yoga mats and resistance bands can eliminate the need for expensive day passes at local gyms or boutique fitness studios.

For longer stays, maintaining your regular workout routine can add up to meaningful savings, especially in destinations where drop-in fitness classes can cost a pretty penny.

8. Self check-in

Self check-in is less about direct savings and more about avoiding unexpected costs that can arise when travel plans change. Flight delays, traffic or missed connections can make coordinating an in-person check-in stressful, and some accommodations charge late arrival fees if hosts have to meet guests outside of scheduled hours.

With a keypad or lockbox, you can arrive whenever you need to without worrying about paying extra or scrambling to find alternative accommodations at the last minute (usually for much more) if plans shift unexpectedly.

9. Free luggage storage

If you have a late flight after checkout, complimentary luggage storage can be one of the most overlooked money-saving amenities. Instead of paying to store bags at a train station, airport or third-party luggage service (with apps like Bounce or LuggageHero), you can leave them safely at your accommodation while squeezing in another day of sightseeing.

Storage fees typically range from around $5 to $20 per bag, meaning a family or group traveling together could easily spend $50 or more just to avoid dragging suitcases around for a few hours.

Other tips to save money on Airbnbs

The nightly rate on an Airbnb listing is only part of what you’ll pay, so it’s important to compare options based on the total cost rather than the advertised price.