Are you thinking about using Airbnb the next time you travel? If so, you’ve made an excellent choice. Airbnb offers such a wide selection of accommodation types so whatever kind of place you’re looking for, you’ll find just the right place for you.
A private apartment? A historic home? A room with a family? A glamping experience? A private island? A country cabin? You’ll find all those at Airbnb … and more.
What sort of accommodation is right for you?
If you are going to a foreign country, you might prefer to live in a host’s home as he/she will be able to advise you and help you with an unfamiliar language. If you’re looking for a romantic break with your partner, a separate apartment would suit you better. 😉
Some places have the best of both worlds – a private apartment but with the host close at hand who can assist you or leave you alone – whichever you prefer. But the first step is certainly to choose the type of place you want.
What is your price range?
Airbnb places range from ridiculously low prices way up to the most expensive and luxurious accommodation you can imagine – with everything else in between. Decide upon your budget because most hosts aren’t willing or able to haggle over the price. (Although many offer weekly or monthly discounts.)
Evaluating potential places
When you’ve found a few listings that seem right for you, the next stage is to choose between them. Read the listing thoroughly. Be sure to read the reviews very carefully too to discover what previous guests have thought about the place. And if you have any questions at all, be sure to contact the host who will be happy to help.
Something that’s almost guaranteed to irritate busy hosts though is if you ask questions that are in the listing. How far away is the airport? Can you take you pup with you? Is wifi available? Chances are, the answers are in the listing. For the answers to general questions (‘is there a theatre in your town?’) then Google will be happy to oblige.
To IB or not to IB?
Well, that certainly is the question but what is IB? It stands for Instant Booking which some hosts use. Â This means that if you want to book without communicating with the host first, you can do so. But if you do, Airbnb etiquette suggests that you also introduce yourself with a short message explaining why you are in the area and who, if anyone, will be with you.
Your message can be as simple as ‘Hi, I am coming to your city to attend an arts conference and your place looks ideal. My husband will also be with me – we’re looking forward to staying with you!’ It gives the transaction a good friendly start and your host will appreciate knowing why you’re in town.
If you see a place that uses Instant Booking, but you still have questions before you book, that’s still fine – feel free to contact them with (sensible!) questions or concerns.
Will all hosts accept you?
Hosts who do not use IB have the facility to accept or decline your booking request. Please don’t feel bad if you’re not accepted at first – it’s not personal. Be sure to fill out your profile on the site so that potential hosts can learn more about you. Â Hosts can set their own rules and you might simply not be a good fit for the place.
For example, some hosts will only take people with at least one review. Some won’t host people who are under twenty five. Each host, just like every guest, has their own idiosyncrasies and preferences, and both the host and the guest want to feel comfortable about the stay.
Visit Airbnb now to find just the right place for you.Â
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.