Whether you're an experienced traveler or this is your first time around the block, there always seems to be an ongoing debate of sorts in regards to whether booking a hotel or an Airbnb is the best way forward.

In truth, it's all down to personal preference, but we do believe it's easier - and much cheaper - to go with an Airbnb. It may be viewed as a bit of a risk, especially by those who have never done it before, but there are too many positives to put it all down to not wanting to do it because it's a little different.

There are especially benefits if the location you want to jet off to is Europe. The continent is incredibly popular for travelers all around the globe, and as such, the Airbnb vs hotels debate is quite an important one from country to country.

People who have been here, there and everywhere for most of their lives will be well aware of the pros and cons on both sides, but they may have loyalties to certain hotels after making certain trips time and time again, and there's nothing wrong with that.

We may not have all the answers, but we're certainly going to try and point you in a direction that'll lead to a safe, fun and stress-free trip for all.

Tips From Owners

You aren't going to sit down and have a face to face interaction with the owner of the hotel you're staying at, and that much is obvious. However, in the magical world of Airbnb, that's possible - and the European owners always tend to be ready to help in any way, shape or form.

Regardless of whether or not it's a restaurant or a monument, they always have wonderful tips that'll enhance your stay. Some will just send a few texts with some simple ideas, but that's more than good enough and feels more authentic than popping onto TripAdvisor.

From getting out of your room to asking which direction to go in at the front desk to searching on Google maps to try and find the nearest transport links, hotels are where they are - and most of the time, that means you have to travel quite some distance in order to get on any form of public transport.

With Airbnbs, more often than not, the options have been kindly listed for you by the owner of the property when you open up the listing. If you have your heart set on staying somewhere close to a tram, train or bus, then there are specifications available for that.

Better Interface

Have you ever tried to open up Booking.com or Hotels.com and use their site to book a hotel, only for the interface to lie to you with out-of-date offers and refresh automatically three times within a five-minute span? Those are only two examples, but it certainly seems to be happening more and more.

Airbnb is sleek, it's to the point, and it organizes the available options in a concise manner. If you're in the mood to book something simple then we can't recommend Airbnb enough, whether you're on your phone or laptop.

Freebies

The great thing about most European cities is how laid back and friendly many of the locals are, whether they're offering you a free meal or sharing a nice bottle of wine with anyone that comes past their table.

Everyone loves a good freebie and while hotels may charge extra for just about any and all commodities, Airbnbs don't do that - especially if you get to know the owner throughout your stay there. It gets to a point where it feels like you're just staying in a friend's house, and that's a great position to be in.

Rural Options

If you want a rural Airbnb with a bit of countryside to go alongside close links to city life in North America, there isn't really much out there. If you want the same thing from a hotel, but in Europe, you still aren't going to have much luck as a direct result of most hotels being central for convenience.

Airbnb gets rid of all that nonsense, though, and cuts right to the source with locals from all around the country or province in question having lots of great options - all of which offer up a brand new adventure or experience.

For example, if you happen to be testing out the idea of going backpacking, this is the sort of idea that you'll come back to quite a bit.

There's something to be said for affordable seclusion away from the madness, and over in Europe, Airbnb nails it.