See the world and not spend a fortune? Yes please!
As travelling becomes more and more accessible, so does the demand for affordable accommodation. 5-star hotels are great if you have that kind of budget, but if you would rather spend that money on site-seeing activities or another plane ticket, then Airbnb is the answer you’ve been looking for. So what is Airbnb and how does it work? I’ve put together a beginner’s guide on how to use Airbnb to book travel accommodation, let’s get into it!
Your new favourite place to book travel accommodation
What is Airbnb?
The short answer: it’s an app that connects a traveller looking for accommodation with a host renting out their home.
The long answer: surely it has to be slightly more complex than that? You’re right!
Airbnb is an app that allows any traveller to find accommodation that suits their taste and their budget. By filling in some basic information, Airbnb quickly curates a list of available accommodation based on your specific needs. Whether it’s a townhouse close to iconic landmarks or a beachside villa with a private jacuzzi, if you want it, there’s a good chance Airbnb will have it.
When did Airbnb start?
Back in 2007 roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky couldn’t afford the rent for their San Francisco apartment. As a means to an end, they created a website where they promoted the extra space in their apartment, and it didn’t take them long to find 3 people to call house guests.
A year later, in 2008, “Air, bed and breakfast” was born and later in 2009 the name was officially changed to Airbnb.
Not too long after that, in 2014, Airbnb was valued at a staggering $10 billion!
How to use Airbnb
Set up an Airbnb account
Joining the Airbnb family is free! You can choose to login using your email address, Google + or Facebook account.
As a gift from me to you, if you create an Airbnb account today you’ll get a R600 voucher!
How to find travel accommodation on Airbnb
Now that you’re all set up with a R600 voucher ready to be used, head over to Airbnb’s homepage. Click the search bar, fill in the location you would like to stay in, check-in and check-dates and lastly the number of guests that will occupy the space. Now search!
Based on the information you have entered, Airbnb will provide you with a list of available homes/apartments/cottages/castles and anything else you could possibly imagine.
Get exactly what you want with the filter options! This is one of my personal favourites when it comes to Airbnb. Perhaps you really want your accommodation to have WIFI, a pool or perhaps a fireplace is an absolute must for you, click the ‘filter’ tab and select everything that you want to be included. Now have a look at your new list and there’s a good chance that you’ll find the perfect place!
How to book travel accommodation on Airbnb
You might have your eye on multiple listings, now what?
- Check the reviews: every listing on Airbnb can be rated by people who have stayed there. These are unfiltered and honest reviews. So if you want the inside scoop on what the place is really like, the review section is a great place to start.
- Contact the host: perhaps you have a question that is a deal breaker on whether or not you’ll book a specific place, contact the host to get a better feel for everything and then you can decide.
- Add it to your wishlist: whether there are too many great options or you just need to sleep on it, wish lists are a great way to keep track of all your favourites!
- Change your budget: sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see it. If you’re not rushed for time, increase the price filter to increase your options. Strapped for cash? I put together a list of the best ways to save money for your next vacation.
- Request to book: when you find the right place you’ll just know. This is the moment you can request to book. The host will receive your request and if everything checks out, your accommodation will be confirmed within 24hours or less! That’s it! You’re using Airbnb!
Now that you know how easy it is to use Airbnb to book travel accommodation, do you think you’ll give it a try?
