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What to Know Before You Book an Airbnb

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Table of Contents

How does Airbnb work?

How to book an airbnb, check in processes vary from airbnb to airbnb, you may have to clean up before checking out of your airbnb, is airbnb safe, how to save money on airbnb bookings.

Lodging during your vacations or business trips doesn’t necessarily have to be a standard hotel, bed and breakfast or campground. These days, more and more travelers are staying at someone’s house, coordinated through home rental sites like Airbnb.

Renting a vacation home via Airbnb can sometimes be the cheapest option. What’s more, on Airbnb you’ll typically have better luck finding more beds in the same unit than you’d find in a hotel room. Airbnbs often tend to include couches or futons so you can sleep more people. They typically have washing machines and kitchens to better accommodate extended stays, giving travelers the option to save a little money by cooking at home.

Airbnbs are also often located in places that might not have many hotels to choose from, providing you with more lodging options (and sometimes the only lodging option). And many properties are delightfully unexpected. There are treehouses, lighthouses and geodesic domes for rent, and there’s even a replica of The Hundred Acre Wood near London.

But Airbnbs also have challenges. Check-in processes are inconsistent, as some hosts make you meet up with them in-person to exchange keys while other units unlock remotely so you never meet the owner. Policies, for instance about parties and cancellations, vary by property. There are tons of fees (which again, vary by property). Couple that with Airbnb’s lack of a loyalty program, and the platform sometimes doesn’t net out to be any cheaper than hotels.

But if the vacation home life is the life for you, here’s what you need to know about renting an Airbnb.

An Airbnb listing in Ashdown Forest near London is inspired by A.A. Milne’s original tales of Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

Airbnb launched in 2007 as an online, peer-to-peer home rental service, when its founders were seeking a way to help pay their rent — in this case renting out a portion of their home to someone else. CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky inflated three air mattresses to make what was the first-ever Airbnb listing, and today there are millions of listings worldwide (and you can actually still book a room in Chesky's own house , though it's rarely actually available to book).

A listing photo for Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky's own home, which is offered for rent on the site.

The premise of Airbnb is simple: A person lists their home for rent, sets available dates and the price, and you can opt to rent it. Some listings give you the entire home to yourself, while others provide private areas within a home (such as an in-law unit). Sometimes, you might even share a room with someone else.

Listings vary across pretty much every aspect of your stay, including amenities offered, cancellation policies and the number of guests allowed to stay. But Airbnb’s platform has about 4 million hosts across 220 countries and regions, so there’s a good chance you’ll find an Airbnb that matches your needs.

How to make an account on Airbnb

To get started on Airbnb, you’ll need to create an online account, which usually entails more than just a name and email address if you want to book a stay. You’ll typically have to upload your government ID, which Airbnb requires for security (after all, you’re staying in someone else’s house, and sometimes even with them or other guests present).

Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, identity card or visa. Airbnb says it does not share your ID with anyone else who uses Airbnb, including hosts.

Finding your rental

Use Airbnb’s filters to find your perfect rental, or try the new categories feature.

Booking an Airbnb is fairly straightforward. The website offers robust filters, so you can narrow down rentals based on available dates and number of guests, and other features like whether the rental offers amenities like cribs, accessible showers or free parking.

In May 2022, the company launched its Airbnb Categories feature which gives you the option to browse properties by some more nebulous criteria. Rather than searching for a specific city or region, you can see properties all around the world that fall into categories like "OMG!" (for weird and whimsical homes) or "Grand Pianos" for, well, homes with grand pianos. Other categories include homes with chef's kitchens, homes located near national parks and, simply, yurts. The Categories feature has caught on, and at the end of 2022, Airbnb launched six new categories for you to browse through: Trending, Adapted, Play, Hanoks (which are traditional Korean homes), New and Top of the World (indicating homes at least about 10,000 feet above sea level or higher).

The Adapted Category displays homes that are adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.

Most listings include multiple photos, detailed descriptions and reviews to give you a solid idea of what you’re in for. If there aren’t many high-quality photos, or there are no reviews, be cautious. It could simply be a brand-new listing and just fine, but it might also be a warning sign.

Read the descriptions carefully, as they typically detail important information such as pet rules, noise rules and limits on guests. Some owners also require you to sign separate contracts or rental agreements outside of the standard Airbnb contracts, which will typically be spelled out in the description as well. Airbnb has features that let you message the host before booking if you’re unsure about something.

If you're planning a longer trip, you might want to take advantage of Airbnb's Split Stay feature. Split Stays give guests the opportunity to split a longer trip between two properties. Individually, those properties might not allow for a long enough stay to match your trip needs, but Split Stays (which will appear in location-specific search results as well as certain categories) provides travelers with automated suggestions for coordinating lodging on a longer trip.

When you’ve found your rental of choice, the actual booking process varies. Some homes let you book instantly, while other homes require you to send the owner a request for approval.

Booking and paying for your Airbnb

Once accepted, you’ll be charged for the reservation. If your rental requires a request for approval and the owner either declines or doesn’t respond, you won’t be charged.

All payments are handled via Airbnb. Acceptable payment methods in most countries include major credit cards (like Visa, Mastercard and American Express), most debit cards that can be processed as credit cards and other payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you find yourself in a situation where the host is asking to be paid separately (such as through a Venmo payment or bank transfer), it could be a scam.

The actual time of when you need to pay varies depending on location and length of stay. Most properties let you pay via a payment plan, where you pay a portion upon confirmation, and the rest is automatically charged upon checkout.

Payments are handled within Airbnb, which typically gives you the option to pay in full or in installments. Some properties include additional taxes and fees, like cleaning fees, service fees and occupancy taxes.

Between acceptance and your trip date, you’ll be able to chat with your host within the Airbnb app or website. You might find that feature handy to coordinate check-in times, or simply to find out more details about amenities (for example, you might want to know whether the kitchen is stocked with certain cookware).

Checking in to an Airbnb can sometimes be the biggest adventure of your trip. Unlike a hotel where there’s typically someone working at the front desk 24/7 to issue your key, Airbnb check-in policies vary widely by property.

In-person key exchanges: The most conventional method is meeting up with your host face to face, where they’ll likely hand you the keys and show you around the property. Some property tours might last only a couple of minutes but be prepared: Properties with more complicated features, such as guard gates or even an oddly designed shower, can entail a longer tour. Budget enough time between check-in and your next vacation adventure just in case.

Be aware that check-in may require some thoughtful coordination if the host isn’t planning on waiting at the property for your arrival. If you’re trying to text a host to meet up in a foreign country, ensure you have adequate international cell phone coverage or access to Wi-Fi so you can actually chat, especially if your transportation is delayed and you’ll have to meet up later than expected.

Other possible check-in methods that might not require you to meet the host include:

A host leaves instructions to enter (e.g., the key is under this flower pot).

Keys are left in a numbered lockbox, and the host messages you with the code.

A neighbor, co-host or building doorperson meets you.

Typically, the host will message you with check-in details 48 hours prior to your trip via the Airbnb app or website.

Just as the check-in process varies by property, the checkout process varies, too. Some hosts have specific cleanup instructions, such as asking you to put used towels and sheets in the laundry room or to start the dishwasher. Other hosts let you leave the house as-is and handle cleanup themselves.

The majority of hosts also charge cleaning fees , which are a one-time charge pocketed by hosts to cover costs such as doing laundry or scrubbing toilets between guest stays. They’re separate from the base price and are in addition to service fees or charges for optional add-ons. While Airbnb maintains that the average cost of the fee is less than 10% of your total reservation, a NerdWallet analysis of Airbnb cleaning fees found that the median cleaning fee was $75 per stay.

It's not entirely clear at booking how much you'll be on the hook for cleaning. However, Airbnb said it eventually plans to require hosts to post the cleaning requirements on the listing before guests book. Guests will also be able to leave feedback on the checkout process (and have an avenue to complain if the cleaning process is too onerous).

The process for locking up will also vary. If you met your host in person for check-in, you might also meet them to check out. Other hosts might ask you to lock the door behind you and throw the key through a slot in the door, or to return it to the lockbox you initially got it from.

Your host will likely share the specific checkout details either before or upon arrival.

Airbnb certainly has safety measures in place, but the company isn’t immune from challenges that come from a service where you enter a stranger's home.

Safety measures between guests and hosts

Airbnb conducts background checks on guests and hosts. It uses machine learning to analyze data with the intent to spot suspicious activity such as fraudulent listings. And because Airbnb acts as the intermediary in handling the transaction, your account and payments are more secure than if you were to directly pay the host.

Yet, while there can certainly be shady hotel practices or rowdy guests at any other form of lodging, Airbnb has gotten a hefty amount of bad press when it comes to behavior-related safety issues. Airbnb has experienced what experts have coined the “ party house problem ,” where large properties morph into sites for raucous parties that sometimes get out of hand. A deadly shooting in 2019 at a Northern California Airbnb made national headlines.

Meanwhile, guests have complained about questionable and sometimes downright dangerous hosts. A 2021 research project at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs in Colorado Springs, conducted in partnership with data scientist and travel safety expert Asher Fergusson, looked at more than 100,000 public Airbnb guest complaints via Twitter published between January 2015 and September 2020. That study found more than 28,000 complaints around scams, and more than 7,700 complaints about unsafe conditions purely submitted on Twitter.

Safety measures pertaining to property condition

Airbnb has taken some steps to ensure properties are physically safe. It provides smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to hosts at no cost, and you can filter by homes that have one when searching for listings.

However, Airbnb doesn’t necessarily inspect properties for other important safety features that you might expect, such as having at least two exits out of every room, or whether appliances and heating systems are up to code.

And unlike most hotels, most Airbnbs lack features that can keep you safe, including a safe (which you might want to use to stash valuables like jewelry or passports). It also doesn’t offer 24/7 lobby staffing, which could be helpful if you need support from a fellow human in an emergency. Airbnb does, however, offer a 24-hour safety line you can access through the app through its AirCover program, which launched in 2021. AirCover also offers a Get-What-You-Booked Guarantee through which guests can get refunded or switched to a similar property if there's anything materially wrong with the property they originally booked.

Safety measures to protect hosts

Speaking of AirCover, it's there to protect hosts too. AirCover includes guest identity verification and $3 million in damage protection to better protect hosts from issues that guests may cause.

Safety issues can happen at any form of lodging, and Airbnb is generally considered safe. Just be aware that problems can arise, so be aware of scams, unethical practices and physical issues with properties.

Since Airbnb prices are set by the hosts, the conventional tricks for saving money on hotels don’t always apply. But there are a few ways to save money on Airbnb rentals, including earning and redeeming credit card points and airline miles on Airbnb stays .

Book a longer stay

Many properties offer discounted rates for longer stays (typically a week or more). Some offer even deeper discounts for stays of a month or more.

Some properties offer weekly discounts for extended stays.

Rather than taking two separate four-day vacations this year, you might consider booking one, eight-day vacation in the same location. You’ll likely save money on not just your Airbnb, but other costs like airfare — and you’ll only have to pack once.

According to a NerdWallet analysis, the nightly rate for a 30-night stay was 46% cheaper per night than a one-night stay.

» Learn more: Why it's worth booking Airbnb for a week or longer

Split it with friends or family

Airbnbs are particularly cost-effective for large groups, especially when you compare it to the price of booking multiple hotel rooms.

NerdWallet compared the price per head at Airbnbs with a max capacity of two adults versus a hotel in the same city. It also compared the cost of an Airbnb with a max capacity of six people against the cost to book three hotel rooms (assuming two adults per room).

The average Airbnb for six was 33% cheaper than booking three hotel rooms . But the average hotel was 29% cheaper than booking an Airbnb for two.

Here’s how median costs broke down, per person:

Book about a month out

NerdWallet compared prices of Airbnbs booked 3 days out, 4 weeks out and 47 weeks out. The Airbnb prices included cleaning fees, long-term discounts and base costs when booking in advance versus short term. Here are our findings:

It turns out that booking an Airbnb four weeks in advance yields the lowest median price — $270.80. This is roughly $30 cheaper than booking it almost a year in advance, and about $50 cheaper than booking it last-minute.

Redeem travel statement credits for Airbnbs

Some credit cards offer travel statement credits, and those that do typically tend to cover Airbnb stays. In fact, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a statement credit that can be used to offset Airbnb purchases.

Purchase discounted gift cards

Airbnb sells gift cards on its own site, but major retailers that sell gift cards, such as Target, Sam’s Club and Best Buy, often can get you a better deal.

At the time of publication, Sam’s Club was selling $100 Airbnb gift cards for $96.96.

These stores frequently run promotions where they’ll sell you Airbnb gift cards at a lower cost than the gift card’s value. During certain times of year, you might find them sold at a 10% discount, though sometimes the discounts aren’t quite as deep.

Holding certain memberships or credit cards might qualify you for additional discounts. For example, if you purchase an Airbnb gift card from Target and pay with your Target Circle™ Credit Card , you’ll get an automatic 5% discount at checkout (so you’d only pay $95 for a $100 gift card).

Earn points by paying with a travel rewards credit card

This tip won’t necessarily save you money upfront, but it’ll earn you valuable travel currency on the other end. Most credit cards that offer you bonus points on travel classify purchases made through home-sharing platforms like Airbnb in the same way as hotels .

So if you’ve got a travel rewards credit card, use it. And if you don’t have one yet, consider applying for one. While premium travel credit cards can offer big rewards rates for your travel spending, there are plenty of travel credit cards with no annual fee .

Earn airline miles, too

Your Airbnb stays are an easy way to rack up Delta SkyMiles , which you can accumulate and redeem for free flights. Once enrolled in the program, you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on qualifying Airbnb reservations, excluding taxes and fees. Note that you'll need to enter your SkyMiles number every time you book.

NerdWallet values a Delta Skymile at 1.2 cents each , so this isn’t necessarily going to make you rich. But, it’s an easy way to accumulate some extra Delta miles with minimal effort.

» Learn more: How to earn or redeem points on Airbnb stays

Travel when no one wants to

Your Airbnb host is likely aware of the principles of supply and demand, and will set rates for specific nights accordingly. A property in New York City with a view of the Times Square Ball will likely be more expensive on Dec. 31 than any other cold winter day.

If you can be flexible, search for the same property across various weekends versus weekdays to spot lower rates. Meanwhile, consider whether you really need to travel during that long weekend when everyone else is off of work and school. Shoulder season also tends to be an excellent time to travel.

Consider Airbnb alternatives

Airbnb's reign over the vacation rental kingdom is undeniable. But between questionable cleaning fees, quirky cancellation policies, and the occasional horror story, even the most loyal Glampacker might start daydreaming of greener pastures.

Whether you just want to comparison shop to ensure you're getting the best deal from Airbnb, or you'd rather swear off Airbnb entirely, there's no shortage of Airbnb alternatives . One of its biggest competitors is Vrbo (consider it the Lyft to Airbnb's Uber ). It offers a better browsing experience plus the ability to earn rewards through the One Key Rewards program .

You might also consider Vacasa, which stands out as a full-service vacation rental management company. That means homeowners partnering with Vacasa to have their properties professionally managed (and generally means an overall more polished vacation rental experience while still getting the unique, hometown feel of renting a home from its actual owner).

Superhost is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

Airbnb offers a filter that allows you to narrow your search exclusively to properties from superhosts. Superhosts also have a badge on their profile that indicates their status.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s Contact Us page to report your issue online.

Airbnb also has a chat bot, which you can find on the inbox feature on your account. That can get you quick answers to simple issues, or can connect you to a human support staffer if necessary.

If you're unable to check-in for whatever reason, and the host is unable to address the issue, Airbnb's new Check-In Guarantee means the company will either refund you or will find you a similar home for the length of your booking.

If it’s truly an emergency that impacts your personal safety, skip trying to reach out to Airbnb and instead contact local police or emergency services immediately.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account to travel or host on Airbnb.

To cancel your Airbnb reservation, go to the “Trips” tab, then select “Show more trip plans.” From there, navigate to “Show details,” where you’ll be able to change or cancel your reservation.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a full refund . Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

If a host cancels your booking within 30 days of check-in, Airbnb will find you a similar home or provide a refund, depending on availability, through its new Booking Protection Guarantee.

is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s

Contact Us page

to report your issue online.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a

full refund

. Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

$200 Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

on Wells Fargo's website

2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

$200 Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

1x-3x Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.

20,000 Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

Monthly rentals on Airbnb

Discover long-term rentals that feel like home for stays of a month or longer.

Popular Monthly Rentals

Odesa, Ukraine

Apartment near seaside , up to 6 guests.

May 22 – Jun 19

Batumi, Georgia

1317, long term ready, 50Mbit, seaview balcony

Nov 27 – Dec 25

Trouville-sur-Mer, France

Facing the Mer T Beau Studio with terrace

Feb 26 – Mar 26

Bangkok, Thailand

Poolside private 1 bedroom condo

Feb 6 – Mar 6

Amenities and perks for longer stays

Furnished rentals, flexibility you need, simple monthly prices, book with confidence, work-friendly spaces for digital nomads, looking for corporate housing, the comforts of home and great monthly rates.

Fully furnished rentals

Digital nomads & traveling professionals

Delight included

Pets welcome

Popular amenities for long stays, destinations to explore.

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Cooking Classes, City Tours, and Other Unique Airbnb Experiences You Can Do From Home

Meet people from around the world and learn something new with Airbnb Experiences.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you've ever wanted to make pasta in Italy with locals , trek through a national park with an experienced guide, or take a photography tour of Paris, Airbnb has you covered with its Experiences platform. According to the site, Airbnb Experiences are "one-of-a-kind activities hosted by inspiring local experts." These bookable experiences include cooking classes featuring local cuisine, guided tours of unique neighborhoods, animal interactions like horseback riding or goat yoga, and more. Plus, each one offers new insight into the place you're visiting, thanks to the expertise of a local host.

They can be a perfect addition to your next vacation, but you don't have to travel to participate in these unique activities. Hundreds of Airbnb Experiences are available as virtual events and classes streamed live from across the globe, so you can travel the world and experience new things without ever leaving home. Airbnb rounded up 11 standout virtual experiences from hosts around the world, so you can meet people and learn something new from the comfort of your couch.

1. World's Top Coffee Masterclass

Learn more about your daily cup of Joe during this hour-long coffee masterclass offered in English and Spanish. During the class, the hosts discuss the neuroscience of flavor and teach viewers how to make the best cup of coffee.

To book: airbnb.com

2. Guided Meditation With Sleepy Sheep

Instead of counting sheep, hang out with these adorable animals for some much-needed rest and relaxation. This 60-minute calming experience transports you to the U.K. for cute sheep and guided meditation at host Beccy's farm.

3. Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague

Tour Prague through the eyes of a plague doctor during this 60-minute Airbnb Experience hosted in English and Spanish. Follow your guide through the empty streets as you learn about the Black Death and 17th- and 18th-century plagues that affected the historic and beautiful city. (The video used during the experience was actually filmed during the recent quarantine.) During the tour, you'll see famous sites like the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and Jewish Quarter (the host also offers a plague-free night watchman tour for an alternate perspective).

4. Uncover Pompeii With an Archaeologist

Take a virtual trip to Pompeii during this 60-minute experience hosted by Roberto in English, Italian, and Chinese (Simplified). You'll learn all about the history of the city and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, so it's perfect for history buffs or people dreaming of their next trip to Italy.

5. Make Mexican Street Tacos With a Pro Chef

Learn how to cook authentic Mexican street tacos from scratch during this 90-minute class hosted in English or Spanish. You'll make a traditional red salsa, taco filling, and flour tortillas while learning more about Mexican food culture. It's an experience that will take your taco Tuesday to the next level.

6. Ginspiration History and Cocktails at Home

Virtually join host Samuel in Bath for this 90-minute interactive gin cocktail class. Sip along as you mix up three cocktails and learn about the history of gin — all while joining others from around the world for this fun experience.

7. Secrets of Magic

During this 90-minute magic show and class, host Martin will share stories from his career as a magician and demonstrate tricks before revealing some of his secrets. You'll just need a few everyday objects, including a deck of cards, roll of toilet paper, a coin, and pen or pencil to participate.

8. Pasta With the Grandmas

Make pasta with a real Italian nonna during this 90-minute virtual cooking class hosted in English and Japanese. They make a different pasta dish each day of the week, so check the schedule to find your favorite before signing up. The host will send you a list of everything you need ahead of time, so you can be ready to make delicious, authentic pasta during your class.

9. A Fabulous Day in Paris With a Parisian

If you can't visit Paris this year, this virtual experience is the next best thing. A local guide will use props, photos, and more to take you through a day in Paris during this 60-minute experience hosted in English, Spanish, and French. You'll learn all about the city while listening to their stories and fun facts, and you might even pick up a few tips for your next trip to France.

10. Tango Concert With Latin Grammy Nominee

Hosted by Kevin in Buenos Aires, this 60-minute experience is like a virtual trip to Argentina. Learn all about the history of tango music and enjoy a live performance from your living room along with other participants from around the world.

11. Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game

Join hosts from Austin, Texas-based event company Alley Kat Adventures for an hour of fun during this virtual home scavenger hunt. You can compete against friends and family or strangers from around the U.S. as you complete creative missions for points.

How to find and book an Airbnb for your next road trip

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many travelers to adjust their travel plans. Whether it's a canceled cruise , closed attractions or an airline completely suspending operations , the disruption to existing trips has been massive — and will likely continue for some time . Even when the industry begins the long road to recovery, travel will almost certainly be very different from it was before the outbreak.

This evolving situation has many travelers looking to alternative trip arrangements that may be closer to home, and short-term rental platforms may offer a good option. Airbnb is the largest and most well-known site for securing alternative lodgings for your next trip — and even won the 2019 TPG Award in this category — so today, I'll take you through everything you need to know to find the perfect house, condo or apartment for your next trip.

New to The Points Guy? Sign-up for our daily newsletter and check out our beginner's guide .

What is Airbnb?

If you're not familiar with Airbnb , it's a site that essentially services as a marketplace for individuals to rent out accommodations to travelers. (You can book experiences and adventure trips through the platform as well, but this guide focuses on booking lodging.) According to Airbnb's online newsroom, the company offers more than 7 million listings across 100,000+ cities spanning more than 220 countries and regions. In other words, if you're traveling somewhere, there will almost certainly be an Airbnb property you can book — including some one-of-a-kind spots .

Note that there are a variety of different lodging types available through the site. While we'll cover these in greater depth below, you may encounter some (or all) of the following in your search results:

• Shared rooms: Individual rooms with common areas used by you and other guests, like shared bathrooms
• Private rooms: Individual rooms with entirely private facilities
• Hotel rooms: Individual shared or private rooms at boutique hotels or hostels
• Entire apartments/condos/houses: Entirely private accommodations, most with full-service amenities like kitchens

As you can see, there are several different options, and prices will vary across them. Review each listing carefully so you know exactly what to expect.

Why should I use Airbnb?

The Airbnb platform provides an array of alternative accommodations that can be appealing for many different reasons. For starters, there may not be a traditional hotel or other lodging options in the area you want to stay — which I found to be the case during an incredible holiday trip to Colmar, France . In addition, you may want the more space or amenities that aren't typically offered in standard accommodations — like multiple bedrooms (instead of connecting hotel rooms) or a full kitchen (rather than a micro-fridge or kitchenette).

Related: When Airbnb is better than a hotel for families

Finally, you may find that properties on Airbnb are more economical choices, especially for larger groups. For example, I attended a friend's wedding in Maryland a couple of years ago, and the block rates at local lodging options started at roughly $150/night. Instead, my wife and I shared a three-bedroom house with two other couples for three nights — for a grand total of $732.77 (or $81.42 per couple per night).

How do I sign up for Airbnb?

If you're not currently a member of Airbnb and are looking to book a stay, you can sign up at this link . Once the homepage loads, click on "Sign up" at the top right.

From there, you can enter your phone number or choose to sign up with your email address, Facebook profile, Google account or Apple ID. The latter three require you to sync the given account with Airbnb, while joining with your email will require you to manually enter your name, date of birth, email address and password.

Note that you do not need to be a member to search for properties. However, you will need to join before confirming a reservation.

If, on the other hand, you're interested in joining as a host to begin welcoming guests to your property, use this link , then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the registration process.

How do I search with Airbnb?

To begin finding potential properties for your next trip, start on Airbnb.com . Make sure the "Places to stay" tab is selected at the top.

Then, start typing in your desired location, and the platform should offer suggested cities. Once your destination appears, select it.

Then enter your dates and number of guests. Note that it is possible to search with only the location entered — which could be good if you're flexible on when to travel. However, you'll get the most accurate view of availability and pricing by entering the dates of travel and how many travelers will be staying.

Once you've entered your criteria, click "Search."

When the results load, you'll see a page that looks like this (example search is for a weeklong, November stay in Asheville, North Carolina):

The platform displays both a list view as well as a map view. You can even set the map to update the available properties as you move the map, allowing you to zoom in on a particular town or area and see only those properties in that area. This gives you a variety of ways to find an Airbnb that suits your needs.

However, it's worth noting that — unless you're searching in a very sparsely populated area or zoom in on a narrow section of the map — you'll almost always need to use the filter options.

Using Airbnb search filters

Once you've loaded the results for your potential stay, Airbnb offers several ways for you to filter the results to zero in on the best property. There are currently multiple different filter options that you can select from the search results.

Cancellation flexibility

The first filter is a new addition to the platform in light of COVID-19. There are several different cancellation policies that Airbnb hosts can implement, but the most popular are these three:

• Flexible : Free cancellation until 14 days before check-in for a full refund. After that, cancel at least 24 hours before check-in to get a refund of the rate and cleaning fee but not the Airbnb service fee.
• Moderate : Free cancellation until 14 days before check-in for a full refund. After that, cancel at least five days before check-in to get a refund of the rate and cleaning fee but not the Airbnb service fee.
• Strict : Free cancellation for 48 hours after booking as long as this happens at least 14 days before check-in. After that time, cancel at least seven days before check-in to get a 50% refund of the rate and a refund of the cleaning fee but not the Airbnb service fee.

Note that these policies also impact early departures, so it's important to understand how these impact your ability to adjust your stay and get a full (or partial) refund. And depending on your situation, you might be eligible for some money back due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Related: How to cancel an Airbnb if your reservation is affected by coronavirus

To use the cancellation flexibility filter, simply click the Cancellation flexibility icon, toggle the switch on, then click "Save."

If you turn this filter on, this will only show those properties that fall under Flexible and Moderate, ensuring that you'd be able to cancel your stay and get a refund close to your arrival.

Type of place

As noted above, Airbnb shows a variety of accommodations, and depending on where you're searching, you can filter to show specific types. To use, simply click on the "Type of place" icon, check the boxes for which type(s) you want, then click "Save."

This will update the list of properties to only show those types you select.

When you open the price filter, you'll see the average nightly rate for your search parameters. From there, you can set a range of nightly prices, using either the sliders or by typing in your minimum and maximum amounts.

When you click "Save," the platform will only show properties that fall within the range you've set.

However, it's worth noting that these prices are the base rates — much like many hotel booking platforms, they don't include taxes and fees. You'll always see an additional Airbnb service charge, and just about all properties impose a cleaning fee plus additional occupancy taxes and fees. To see the full price, you'll need to select the individual listing and review the price breakdown.

More filters

The final option is labeled "More filters" — and it's probably the one you'll use most frequently. When you click the icon, it'll show you an array of additional filters that can narrow down your list of potential properties in a variety of ways. This includes:

• Number of beds, bedrooms and bathrooms
• Amenities — like air conditioning, a washer/dryer and crib
• Facilities — like a pool or hot tub
• House rules — including whether pets are allowed

By selecting one or more of these filters, you can remove those properties that don't have what you need to focus on the ones that do.

How do I book with Airbnb?

Once you've set up the filters that match your preferences and find a suitable property, you can start the booking process.

1. Click on the property from the search results . This should open the property in a new tab or window (depending on your browser settings).

2. Review the details on the property , including the amenities and reviews from prior guests.

3. Review the price breakdown and make sure your dates/number of guests are correct , then click "Reserve."

4. Log in to your account (if you haven't already done so).

5. Review the house rules , then click "Agree" and continue.

6. Enter a note to your host , then click "Continue."

7. Enter your payment method . Note that you may see some additional options with this last step. Some reservations are eligible for Airbnb's Pay Less Upfront booking option, allowing you to pay for your stay in two installments. In addition, the button to confirm your reservation will either say "Request to book" or "Confirm and pay."

It's critical to note that, in either case, you are committing to paying for the reservation. For a property with the request-to-book option, that simply means the host must approve your reservation before taking payment.

After your reservation has been confirmed, you can add additional guests (if necessary), which will give them access to the details of the property. However, you're still the primary contact for the reservation, allowing you to message the host and see a receipt for your stay.

Finally, it's worth noting that Airbnb is working toward the implementation of new cleaning protocols for its properties — including a recommended 24-hour waiting period between guests and enhanced sanitation procedures.

Important tips for using Airbnb

With several million properties to book around the world, it can be very challenging to narrow down the possibilities to one that will fit your needs. However, we have a full guide to picking the perfect Airbnb that can help. Here are some of the top suggestions from that article along with some of my tips from the 20+ Airbnbs I've booked over the years:

• Pricing : Rates can vary significantly based on several factors — how far in advance you book, the number of guests and the fees charged by individual properties. Make sure all of your details are accurate during the search process, and carefully review the entire price breakdown so you know exactly how much your stay will cost.
• Reviews : Previous guest experiences can be a great indicator of whether a property is worth booking. Look beyond the star rating, as a single bad review complaining about a problem the host has since fixed could drop the average. And after your stay, be sure to submit a full review of the property yourself. Including details that aren't publicly available — like the comfort level of the bed or the items stocked in the kitchen — will help future guests decide whether the house or apartment is right for them.
• Communication : Airbnb allows you to quickly and easily communicate with the host directly through the platform. You can inquire about a specific amenity or service before booking, and in some cases, you'll need to provide details on guests or sign a separate rental agreement after booking.
• Rewards : When you rent a property on Airbnb, it does code as travel on many popular cards, especially the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (earning you 3x and 2x Ultimate Rewards points , respectively). This would also unlock the many travel protections these cards offer. In addition, you can earn 3x British Airways Avios or 1x Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent on your Airbnb reservations — an additional 4.5% or 1.2% return (respectively) based on TPG's most recent valuations .

Finally, be sure to consider what items you'd want to bring to your Airbnb . Many properties on the site provide everything you need, but that's not always the case. When in doubt, ask the host before the start of your trip, and if a necessity is not included, be sure to pack it yourself.

Bottom line

Airbnb can offer a fantastic alternative to standard hotel rooms when traveling, whether you want a better location, larger space or unique accommodations. My very first Airbnb experience was during an unforgettable trip to Colmar, France — where big-name hotels were essentially nonexistent — and I've been a happy user of the site ever since.

Hopefully, this guide has shown you just how to book an Airbnb as you look ahead to travel plans this summer and fall.

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2024 summer travel trends revealed

Key Takeaways

• Host cities like Paris, Lille, and Munich are trending as excitement builds ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 and the European Football Championships.
• Guests are seeking experiential stays that are destinations in their own right, with searches for the Play Category more than doubling for this summer.
• With a 30% increase in searches for outdoor amenities, families are searching for space to spread out.

Whether it’s rooting on a team at a nearby sporting event, drifting down a lazy river with loved ones at a Play category listing, or enjoying the pool with friends at a beachfront villa, there are plenty of playful adventures awaiting this summer. 1  

Global sporting events fuel travel excitement 

As the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 draw closer, guests from around the world are looking to secure a front row seat at the event. While Paris 2 , is the most searched city worldwide on Airbnb this summer, cities like Lille, Versailles, and Lyon are trending thanks to the strategic decision to host Paris 2024 throughout France 3 .  Listing page views during the Games period have been on average 11 times higher in the French host cities and their surroundings compared to the previous year 4 .

With the European Football Championships set to kick off in ten locations across Germany this June, three of the host cities Dortmund, Munich and Stuttgart have emerged as trending destinations this summer. In the US, several host cities of America’s Soccer Tournament such as Glendale, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV, are trending 5 with the tournament scheduled to kick off this June.

Trending destinations globally

• Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
• Dortmund, Germany
• Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain
• Munich, Germany
• Stuttgart, Germany
• Barretos, Brazil
• Tokyo, Japan
• Lille, France
• Nazaré, Portugal
• Heroica Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico

Trending destinations in the US

• Quincy, Washington
• Columbia, South Carolina
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Glendale, Arizona
• Ouray, Colorado
• Eugene, Oregon
• Broken Bow, Oklahoma
• Saint Paul, Minnesota
• Rosemary Beach, Florida
• Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Guests seek play-based stays and experiences

With searches for the Play category more than doubling this summer 7 , guests are searching for stays that are experiences in their own right. The Play Category features listings with fun–filled offerings that go beyond the typical amenities, including basketball courts, game rooms, trampolines, water slides, and more.

Whether it’s a studio with its own climbing wall or a rainforest chalet with waterslides and waterfalls, some of the most wishlisted listings in the Play category are ideal for an action-oriented stay:

• Historic Home with Bowling Alley , Hastings, UK
• Fun Studio with Climbing Wall , Rače, Slovenia
• Trullo with Indoor Pool , Locorotondo, Italy
• Seaside Summerhouse with Trampoline , Orø, Denmark
• Chalet with Slides and Waterfalls , Ilhabela, Brazil
• Beach Cabin with Cubbyhouse and Play Area , Torquay, Australia
• Arcade House with Games Room , Bloomington, Illinois
• Three Story Cabin with Playground , Broken Bow, Oklahoma
• Luxury Entertainment Oasis , Tracy, California

64% of guests say 7 that traveling on Airbnb provides a closer connection to the local culture than staying in a hotel or resort. Airbnbs are not only found in more authentic neighborhoods, but many of the stays on the platform are incredibly characterful, offering a glimpse into local tastes and passions. 

Families seek outdoor space and beachside stays 

Having more space to be outside is a priority for families this summer, with searches for outdoor amenities like pools and BBQs increasing by 30% for family travel 8 . With amenities like chef’s kitchens and private outdoor areas, Airbnb is the preferred choice of many families. Almost three in five guests say being able to fit all their family in one place is a major deciding factor when booking, according to a recent survey 9 . And 71% say that amenities such as kitchens, workspaces, and backyards are important when booking 10 . 

This summer, families are looking to Airbnb to hike, swim and soak up incredible views. Some of the top categories booked for families this summer have a waterfront theme, including Beach, Amazing Pools, and Lake categories. Here are some of the top trending destinations near the water for families this summer:

• Çeşme, Turkey 
• Krk, Croatia 
• Jeju, South Korea
• Cebu City, Philippines 
• Melbourne, Australia
• Puerto Escondido, Mexico 
• Nassau, Bahamas 
• Durrës, Albania 
• Miramar Beach, FL, United States
• Marquette, MI, United States

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Airbnb reveals the top wish-listed properties for summer 2024

Play-based stays are having a moment

The summer travel season is nearly here, and smart travelers are planning in advance. So where is everyone going? Airbnb has some insight into where people are heading and what kinds of experiences they’re looking for. Their 2024 Summer Travel Trends report reveals the places and properties that are trending across the platform for summer travel.

Sporting events this summer are going to be huge: the Olympics in Paris and European Football Championships in Germany are a big draw in Europe, but Airbnb data shows that travelers are increasingly looking for properties near America’s Soccer Tournament as well, in cities like Glendale, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Airbnb also reveals that users are searching the platform’s Play category in numbers more than double those of last year. Travelers are seeking stays this summer that are experiences in their own right, wish-listing places like an entire house with a massive games room in Illinois, a cabin with a whole playground in Oklahoma and a luxury compound in California with everything from pickleball and basketball to a pool and putting green. Families are also searching for fun, showing an increase in searches for amenities like barbecues, pools and private outdoor areas.

The top trending destinations this summer, according to Airbnb, are Quincy, Washington; Columbia, South Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; Glendale, Arizona; Ouray, Colorado; Eugene, Oregon; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Rosemary Beach, Florida and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

For insight and inspiration, check out the full 2024 Summer Travel Trends report .

• Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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Top 10 U.S. Destinations Surging In Popularity This Summer According To Airbnb

Post may contain affiliate links; we may receive compensation if you click links to those products. This has no impact on how offers are presented. Our site does not include all offers available. Content on page accurate as of posting date.

It's never too early to start planning your summer vacation.

The good news is that you don't need to leave the U.S. to visit a trending hotspot and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.  

Airbnb has revealed its summer travel trends, including a comprehensive list of the U.S. destinations that are currently surging in popularity. 

Some of these trending hot spots were to be expected, while others have come as a big surprise! 

Here are the top 10:  

• Santa Rose Beach, Florida  
• Rosemary Beach, Florida  
• Saint Paul, Minnesota 
• Broken Bow, Oklahoma 
• Eugene, Oregon 

5. Ouray, Colorado  

Ouray has been named as the Outdoor recreation capitol of Colorado and the rugged mountain peaks that surround the town often mean that it is called ‘Little Switzerland'.  

This is the perfect place to enjoy a European-style vacation without leaving the U.S.  

If you love spending time in the great outdoors then there are few better places to be.

Hiking is popular here as is kayaking and exploring the creeks that flow down through valleys and canyons into the city. 

If you'd prefer a more relaxing vacation, then Ouray is also famed for its hot springs.

These geothermal heated mineral pools range in temperate from 75 – 104 degrees F (23 – 40 C) meaning that they can be comfortably enjoyed year-round, and are an experience that attracts visitors from across the U.S. 

4. Glendale, Arizona  

Glendale is renowned for its incredible array of hiking trails, its historic attractions, and its state-of-the-art sporting facilities.  

It's considered an affordable destination to visit while still being cram-packed with entertainment.  

See a concert at the Desert Diamond Arena, enjoy the natural preserves of Thunderbird Conservation Park, or head to the Westgate Entertainment District, the biggest entertainment area in Arizona.  

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that this destination is trending right now.  

3. Las Vegas, Nevada  

Viva, Las Vegas! Already one of the premier vacation destinations in the U.S. Las Vegas is trending for this summer.  

This should come as no surprise as summer is consistently the most popular time to visit Vegas thanks to its dry, hot, heat and abundant activities. And we're not just talking about the casinos.  

There are more families in town at this time of year, which explains the larger visitor numbers, but despite this, accommodation tends to be cheaper in Vegas in the summer months. You're sure to find somewhere to stay that suits your budget.  

According to Airbnb, traveling for huge sporting events is a key trend this summer. One reason Las Vegas is trending is that travelers are looking for properties near America's Soccer Tournament.

This is another factor in the popularity of Glendale, Arizona, too.  

2. Columbia, South Carolina  

Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, and the 2nd largest city in the state. There's so much to see and do here.  

One of America's best zoos, the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is located in Columbia, not to mention a huge number of museums and monuments.  

The downtown area of the city has recently been revitalized, but there is still an abundance of historic sites for history buffs. These include the Robert Mills House and Gardens, the Mann-Simons site, and the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens.  

Columbia is also one of the more affordable state capitals for U.S. travelers, which explains why the destination is trending so highly right now.  

1. Quincy, Washington  

The fastest-trending destination in the U.S. right now is Quincy, Washington.

Chosen as one of the best small towns in Washington State, Quincy is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers.  

During the summer months boating, water skiing, hunting, and fishing are all popular pastimes here. 

Quincy is also home to the Gorge Ampitheater which is considered one of the most scenic concert locations in the world, making it a huge attraction for tourists, particularly during the summer months.  

Many will plan their vacation time around the concert they want to see at the Gorge Amphitheater, with upcoming concerts including the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Blink 182, and Dave Matthews. The Gorge Amphitheater attracts big names.  

This tracks with Airbnb's findings that travelers are seeking experiential stays right now. They want to incorporate once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as concerts in incredible venues, into their trip.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post Top 10 U.S. Destinations Surging In Popularity This Summer According To Airbnb  appeared first on Travel Off Path .

Airbnb now wants you to rent out your rental

• Airbnb plans to help renters list their homes to earn additional income.
• The company says it could help mitigate the impact of skyrocketing rental rates.
• Airbnb's new effort comes as some cities pass 'renter-friendly' policies.

Airbnb is on a mission to help renters earn a little extra income — and probably keep a little for itself, too.

The company announced plans on Friday to help renters list their rental homes on its platform. Airbnb plans to work with city and state governments to "advocate for short-term rental rules that allow renters to share their home."

Despite the stories of Airbnb hosts who turn millions in profit by renting out their properties, Airbnb said that more than 40% of homeowners in the United States who rent properties on the platform have used the extra money just to stay in their homes. About 10% said the money helped them avoid eviction or foreclosure.

Related stories

So, as rental rates skyrocket across the country , Airbnb said its new initiative could also help renters "stay in their homes."

In 2022, a record 22.4 million renter households were cost-burdened, meaning they spent more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities, according to a report from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, which Airbnb cited. The report also noted an "all-time high" of 12.1 million renter households were severely cost-burdened, meaning they spent more than half their income on housing costs. As a result, those with the lowest incomes spent 39% less on food and 42% less on healthcare than their "unburdened counterparts."

One of the roadblocks to Airbnb's renter initiative is that "a lot of the early laws that were made limited short-term rental to homeownership," Theo Yedinsky, the vice president of public policy at Airbnb, told CNN .

More recently, towns and cities across North America have begun cracking down on short-term rentals, requiring licenses and, in some cases, asking short-term rental owners to live in the property as their primary residence.

One promising sign — for Airbnb, at least — is that Virginia signed a law earlier this week that requires localities that issue short-term rental permits to property owners to issue the same permit to tenants — provided they have permission from the property owner. Cities like Raleigh, San Diego, and Tulsa have also passed "renter-friendly" policies, Airbnb said.

"Homeownership should not be a barrier to entry when it comes to sharing your home," Mike Signer, Airbnb's North America policy director, said in the company's announcement. "The vast majority of Hosts in the US share their space to help cover the rising cost of living, and we want to partner with cities to develop sensible short-term rental policies that grant renters the opportunity to do the same." Airbnb did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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