Travelers today have so many available resources, such as Airbnb properties, that have opened many doors and opportunities like never before. While there are many decisions to make when planning any trip, the main priority that usually tops every list is accommodations. No matter where you are traveling to, while there are going to be plenty of other logistics to be decided, accommodations usually account for more than half of the planning aspect. The price point, location, amenities, and sleeping arrangements will have most travelers searching for days on end to find the perfect property that is going to be able to accommodate everything they need while they are there, or to be able to accommodate the large group that they are traveling with comfortably without any additional hassle.
While you can pretty much find any type of hotel in the area you are traveling to be able to handle the amenities you are looking for, you are also going to pay for that quite significantly. If you are traveling solo or just as a couple you have quite a bit more options, however if you have a group, as you most likely know, staying in a one, two or three bedroom hotel room or suite can have a pretty hefty price tag. This is where Airbnb properties flourish and allow you to have the best of both worlds. You will be quite amazed at the properties you can rent with Airbnb that will provide every aspect, at least close to every aspect, that you are looking for and then some, all while being at a much lower price point than trying to get the same layout at a hotel property.
Why Choose Airbnb
So why would you choose Airbnb. It does come down to personal choice but there are many benefits that travelers like about staying at private rental properties like these. First and foremost is the privacy. There is nothing like waking up at your own private villa, starting the coffee, opening the French doors and heading out onto the patio, or taking an afternoon swim in your backyard pool. It’s aspects like these, as well as backyard hot tubs, decks, grills, living rooms, full kitchens, and multiple bedrooms that makes Airbnb properties so ideal for so many travelers and especially groups of friends or families.
The multiple bedrooms are reason enough why so many choose this option when traveling. Traveling together in a group with friends and family can be quite a bit of fun, but it does come with a certain amount of headache and most of that headache is how in the world you can all stay together. Yes at a hotel you can get multiple hotel rooms that all have adjoining doors, but you are still separated and not really provided a communal area for everyone to gather that you can get at a private house, apartment, villa, etc. It is nice to be able to all watch a movie, have dinner or play games all in the same room.
Another great aspect is being able to have more of local’s experience. Staying at a hotel or resort property, while can be quite phenomenal, they do not really allow you to be immersed in the local cultural vibe of the area. Many people when they are traveling like to stay how the locals live, close to parks, favorite eateries, nightlife, boutique shops and let’s be honest, being able to have a simple free parking spot out in front of the house doesn’t hurt either. You may find that you like to travel like this as well once you try it out a few times and get a couple trips under your belt.
How Does Airbnb Work
It’s a pretty simple process actually. The Airbnb rental process has become very streamline and a very easy online system to navigate. Once you enter the destination you are traveling to, a great deal of properties will present themselves to you. The most efficient way to search is to use the available filters as to narrow your search down quite significantly. Depending on the size of the city or area you are traveling to, there could be hundreds and hundreds of properties to sort through, so why not get a head start and enter the amenities, features, beds and bedrooms that you desire from the beginning.
Once you find the property that you like, all you need to do is book the property with the owner and reserve the dates by paying what has been determined by the owner. Some properties require you to pay the entire cost of your stay when you are booking, however, most properties and owners usually require half when you make the reservation and then the remainder is due shortly before your arrival time. This guarantees you and the owner are serious about your stay and takes the property off the availability market for others that are looking for options in the area.
Always treat the property you are renting just like you would respect any hotel or resort. Respecting and following the rules of the owner is extremely important and keeps the rental process smooth and easy. These are fantastic properties that owners are opening up for you to stay in, so being a respectful and courteous renter goes a long way. The rules of each Airbnb property that you may be interested in will be laid out for you by the owner when reserving, so make sure to read the guidelines thoroughly as to make sure things like No Smoking Policies, and No Pets will not be an issue later when you are arriving.
Travel How You Like To
There are endless beautiful hotels and stunning resorts to stay at all over the world and of course those options should be utilized whenever you desire. However, now you have the option to expand your search to include private homes, condos, apartments, villas and more when you utilize Airbnb properties as well. No trip is ever the same nor is the group of family and friends that you may be traveling with. Every adventure will require different accommodations and every location will have different options available to you. Obviously the larger the location is the larger amount of options will be available.
One thing to keep in mind is also the type experience that you want. Think of where you are traveling to and the type of trip you are planning. If you want fresh linens, your room to be made up every day for you, as well as have a bar and lounge, dining options, spa services, gym facilities etc. all available, then a hotel or resort might be the best option. If you are planning a relaxing peaceful getaway and many amenities will not be needed, then a private rental with HomeStay, Airbnb or HomeAway properties might be the best option. Think of your itinerary and reason for your trip and go from there.
One of the best pieces of advice is to become familiar with all the different travel platforms so you are able to utilize the best option that is going to work for you and your group for each specific adventure. Planning a trip to Los Angeles with 6 friends is going to be quite a different experience then you and your other half spending a weekend in Seattle. Both are going to require completely different accommodations as well as itineraries. There is never going to be a right or wrong choice, there is simply the right choice for you and your group for each specific destination.