How to get the perfect AirBNB
As I mentioned in a previous travel tip, the “shared economy” has created a variety of new business models to compete with the establishment; uber and lyft are rivaling taxi companies, Rover and Dog Vacay provide pet owners an alternative to more expensive “pet hotels,” and AirBNB now offers travelers more options when looking for sleeping accommodations.
Since each AirBNB is different, finding the one that’s best for you can be difficult, but with a few simple tips, finding the perfect one can be easy.
1. Know what you want to see
This may seem obvious, but when going to a new city, knowing where everything is is important. Find all the things you want to do and all the landmarks you want to see and find them on google maps. This will help you choose what part of town you want to stay to ensure you’re as close as possible to everything you want to see.
2. Know how much you're willing to spend
One of the main reasons to use AirBNB is to find lodging that’s cheaper than hotels. Using the pricing slider will help you eliminate rooms that are out of your budget.
3. Know what you’re comfortable with
AirBNB offers three different accommodation options.
If you’re REALLY people friendly and have experience sleeping in the same room as strangers like in a hostel, you may be comfortable staying in a shared room. Although they lack in privacy, shared rooms are usually the cheapest option available
If you enjoy privacy a little bit more, you can stay in a private room. This is usually a guest room in someone’s residence so you may still have to interact with your host every now and then.
If you want much more of a hotel-like experience and want total privacy you can choose to rent an entire home or apartment. Privacy is definitely a luxury as these listings tend to be much more expensive than private or shared rooms.
4. Use the map tool
Once you’ve decided what you want to do in the city you’re visiting, you can use the AirBNB map to check what is available in the area you want to stay in.
5. Check the amenities
Making sure you have all the amenities you need to be comfortable is crucial to ensuring you get the perfect AirBNB. Amenities include things like wi-fi, cable TV, plates and dining utensils, and much more.
Do not take the amenities section lightly!
Do not take the amenities section lightly! Don’t make the same mistake Audrey and I made when we got an AirBNB in the middle of summer without air conditioning!
6. Read the house rules
The house rules are important to read in order to know when you can check in, when you’re expected to check out, what the cancellation policy is, and what is expected of you as a guest.
7. Look at the photos and read the reviews
Reviews are an imporReviews are an important way to make sure you get the best listing possible.
The pictures posted by the host may look nice but they could also be misleadingly flattering. The reviews from past guests will offer the best insight as to the condition of your potential rental.tant way to make sure you get the best listing possible. The pictures posted by the host may look nice but they could also be misleadingly flattering. The reviews from past guests will offer the best insight as to the condition of your potential rental.
