Great British Dog Walks

If you love finding unique dog friendly places to stay but hate paying high booking fees, there’s a simple trick that could save you money on your next Airbnb booking: reverse image searching the property. This quick hack can help you book directly with the owner, often at a lower price—and it’s not just good for your wallet, but also for the businesses behind the rentals.

Why Airbnb Prices Are Higher Than Direct Bookings

When you book through platforms like Airbnb, you’re often paying service fees that can add a significant amount to your total cost. These fees usually include:

• Guest service fees (Airbnb charges you a percentage of the booking cost)
• Host service fees (Airbnb takes a cut from the host, who may increase the price to cover it)
• Cleaning fees (sometimes inflated)

Many property owners list their rentals on multiple platforms, including direct booking websites or smaller holiday rental sites. If you can find the property outside of Airbnb, you may be able to book it at a lower price—often with fewer fees and more flexibility.

How to Use Reverse Image Search to Find a Property

1. Screenshot or Save the Airbnb Listing Photos

Find a clear image of the property—preferably an exterior shot, a unique interior feature, or something that might help identify it (like a view or a sign).

2. Use Google Reverse Image Search

• Go to Google Images
• Click the camera icon to upload the saved image
• Google will search for similar images online

Alternatively, you can use TinEye or the Google Lens app on your phone.

3. Check the Search Results for Direct Listings

Google will show websites where the image appears. Look for:

• The property’s official website
• Listings on Vrbo, Booking.com, or independent rental sites
• The property’s social media (Facebook, Instagram)

If you find the direct listing, you can compare prices and contact the owner directly. The price difference when I did this was over £100!

Why Booking Directly Helps Small Businesses

It’s not just travelers who benefit from booking direct—property owners do too! Here’s why:

• Hosts avoid high commission fees, meaning they can keep more of what they earn
• Many pass these savings onto guests, offering better rates for direct bookings
• You often get better customer service, as you’re dealing directly with the owner rather than through a third-party platform
• Booking direct supports small businesses, especially independent hosts who rely on their rental income

Some owners even offer added perks like early check-in, free dog fees, or welcome gifts when you book direct.

---

Using reverse image search is an easy way to find better deals on accommodation while also helping small businesseskeep more of their earnings. Next time you’re browsing Airbnb, take a few extra minutes to check if the property is listed elsewhere—you might be surprised at how much you can save!

Have you ever found a hidden deal by booking direct? Let me know in the comments!