Most travelers primarily use hotels and hostels for accommodation. However, that is quickly changing. Especially with other options out there like Couchsurfing and Airbnb where you can stay somewhere cozier, homier and sometimes cheaper than a hotel or hostel. We are avid users of both Couchsurfing and Airbnb, but as of lately, more Airbnb.
Since we have been both Airbnb hosts and guests for over five years now, we can tell you at least 9 reasons why you too should use Airbnb while traveling.
1.) A Local Experience
When renting an Airbnb rental, you might have the opportunity to stay in a local neighborhood, get insider knowledge about your destination, see your destination through the eyes of a local, and get a small glimpse of how locals live. Dine where locals dine, feel more connected to where you are traveling too, go off the beaten path, talk and have fun with a local. There is no reason to settle for the cookie cutter hotel experience when you can trade it in for a more local and authentic experience.
2.) You Have a $35 Off Airbnb Coupon Code
Oh, you didn’t know you had a $35 off Airbnb coupon code? Well now you know. By reading this awesome article, you got yourself a $35 off Airbnb coupon you can use during your Airbnb stay, even if you are not a first time Airbnb user (read this article for tips on how to use the code if you are not a first time Airbnb user).
Click here to get your Airbnb coupon code.
3.) Privacy on a Backpackers’ Budget
Don’t get me wrong, hostels are great, especially for the social aspect. However, there are times when you need a little peace and quiet. When the time does come around and you don’t want to share a room with 10 strangers, and you want some me time without paying for the hotel price tag, turn to Airbnb. Which brings me to my next point.
4.) It’s Cheaper Than You Think
Airbnb rentals are not just ideal for luxury and business travelers, but also for budget travelers. All you have to do is take advantage of Airbnb’s price range filter and you can rent a room, couch, space for a tent, or an entire apartment on even a backpackers budget. Once we stayed in a beautiful bungalow with a private bath and kitchen in Pai, Thailand for just $13 USD a night! And that’s the price for two people. Even budget travelers like us can feel like luxury travelers with Airbnb.
5.) Airbnb Has Your Back
It’s completely understandable why some people would be uncomfortable renting an Airbnb rental from someone they don’t know. However, Airbnb does a great job limiting safety concerns and risk by having the following features.
- Verified IDs: Hosts are required to verify themselves by providing identification to Airbnb. Hosts can also prove their identity by verifying their email address, phone number, driver’s license and even social media accounts.
- Reviews: Reviews are a great way to get a feel for a listing and the host reputation especially since neither host nor guest see each other’s review until both reviews are posted. This allows the guest and host the opportunity to give honest reviews without feeling the pressure to please the other party.
- Messaging: Get to know the host a little more beyond their profile and reviews by messaging them. Airbnb allows you to message a host without booking the rental space. Good Airbnb hosts will answer all your questions.
- 24/7 Support Services: Airbnb has a 24/7 hotline which can serve as a safety net just in case something goes wrong during your stay.
- Secure Payment Platform: You don’t need to worry about random people having your personal information, as all payments go through the Airbnb system. Also, the host is not paid until 24 hours after your arrival.
- Verified Photos: Verified listing photos show that an Airbnb photographer has personally been to the listing and taken shots of the rental space. That way you know you will be staying in a place that looks just like the pictures.
You can learn more about Airbnb security features here.
6.) Rental Diversity
There is no Airbnb listing that looks or feels the same as no one home is ever the same. If you feel like living like royalty or splurging a bit, you can do that and stay in cool and unique places like treehouses, bungalows, castles, lighthouses, yachts, boathouses and even penthouses. The possibilities are endless.
7.) Home Away From Home
No matter how hard a hotel tries to make those gray painted walls and dull looking rooms cozy and homey, it will still have the hotel smell and synthetic vibe. With most Airbnb rentals you will get the cozy and homey feeling and sometimes feel right at home.
8.) Kitchen for Cooking
As a celiac, having a kitchen to cook my own meals is crucial. It saves me the headache of not having to worry about cross contamination in hostel kitchens where bread and pasta rule the counter tops.
9.) Great for Group Travelers
Traveling with a family, friends or as a couple? Rent an entire apartment on Airbnb. That way, everyone can be together and get the privacy you need for a cheaper price than staying in multiple hotel rooms. Not to mention you can divide the cost, helping you save money during your trip.
Using Airbnb while traveling can definitely help to maximize your experience, as Airbnb rentals have benefits hotels and hostels don’t. We hope these 9 reasons have convinced you to think of using Airbnb when looking for a place to stay while planning your trip. We can’t say enough about Airbnb and how great it can be for your travels. Don’t believe us? Give it a try! You won’t regret it:)
Still in the planning stage for your trip? Don’t forget to check out our ultimate packing list for suggestions on what to pack for your next adventure.
Inspired? Pin this for later…
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Airbnb is a joke and isn’t as cheap as you think it is and isn’t very clean. If you stay anywhere make sure to stay in places above 4.8 stars and make sure to check the cleaning and service fees that are added at the end after the daily rate. The reviews you leave as a guest can be taken down so only good reviews are left on the site for the hosts.
Airbnb is a great concept and I’ve used them multiple times. However, the last time I used them, in May 2019, I was screwed by their arbitration process. I followed the host’s instructions, as I was required to do according to Airbnb Terms of Service, and placed a key in the mailbox of the host as I exited. The key was never found. The host took it to arbitration and I was forced to pay 2/3 of the cost of a locksmith to change the lock ($178 for my share). The host had five options for how he could have taken possession of the key. I had one option for how I could provide it to him. Somehow, Airbnb ruled in his favor. They never explained what I should have done instead. The provided no justification for the 2/3 – 1/3 split, and never indicated whether the host took any steps I recommended, such as speaking with the postman or seeing if there were cameras in the lobby that might have recorded things. Totally illogical and designed to keep the host happy at the expense of the guest. Look elsewhere. There are other services that will hopefully treat you better.
Great post. We have used airbnb a few times and really like it. Heading to Europe next year and looking forward to staying in a few in several different countries. It will be interesting to see the differences from here in the US. Thank you for the coupon. I will check it out and see about using it on our next stay – New Orleans over New Years! Thanks again for sharing.
I love Airbnb they facilitate the accommodation process with great & economical options, I feel secure booking through them bc they have a streamlined process with customer service in mind. Without Airbnb I wouldn’t be able to afford the same style of travel.
Hey Jeanny, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Airbnb with us! We couldn’t agree more, Airbnb makes traveling a lot easier, more affordable and comfortable for us! That is way we use it and recommend it to everyone!
Good valid reasons for choosing Airbnb. I prefer to stay in hotels for shorter than a week stays because hotels tend to be in locations closer to public transportation and when phones don’t work so well because of the data – it makes for finding an uber or taxi much easier when the front desk can help make those calls. I do like staying in Airbnb for longer stays and I make sure that I get a temporary sim card for my phone.
Nice balance between the two! I completely understand why a hotel might be a better choice for shorter stays and why Airbnb rentals are ideal for longer vacations! Thanks for sharing Alaine!
Jazzy, Ben,
thank you for a lovely present on our porch. We have a looooot to read now! Luckily, we have all the time in the world.
Take care and happy travels!
Renata & João
Haha no problem, we remembered you were in search of some avocados :)!
Safe and happy travels to you too, and if you have any questions on anything don’t be afraid to reach out to us!
I’ve always wanted to try out an Air BnB, and it’s not because I’m nervous to or anything (I promise) but I tend to just go gravitate to hostels. Though I am definitely looking forward to using one on my next trip, I feel like there is more of any experience like no other in staying in someone else’s home.
When it comes to accommodation everyone has preferences, and nothing is wrong with that. But you should give it a try, maybe you’ll like it! Word of advise, it’s a whole different experience from staying in a hostel.
Let us know how it goes if you try it out :)!