Airbnb is a great way to experience all that an area has to offer and with some of the most affordable prices around, it's hard to argue that. With so many budget-friendly rentals, it's easy enough to find something that suits every traveler's needs, whether it be a rental large enough for a group or cozy enough for two days.
With reward does come some risk, though, and every traveler has heard horror stories about vacation rentals. It might seem impossible to know whether or not a traveler is getting the most bang for their buck but there are some hacks to take advantage of before booking. Most of these are simple, quick, and might mean the difference between ending up in a horror story, or avoiding one.
For Those Who Are New, Search For Discount Links Upon Sign-Up
Some Airbnb members have discount codes that are set to expire within a certain amount of days upon use, and these can be a great way to take advantage of a rental. Customers of Airbnb will definitely get what they pay for and with some discount codes totaling up to $55, that's enough to take care of the fees and then some, allowing guests to boost their budget search a little bit higher. All it takes is a simple google search to find codes that are readily available for use and while you're there, it doesn't hurt to google current Airbnb guidelines, either.
The Word "Verified" Is Important When Booking A Rental
When searching for a rental, make sure to look for homes or apartments with the "Plus Verified" wording in their profile. Airbnb Plus is basically an ongoing list of homes that have higher ratings than others, which means customers know they're getting a well-known rental with a good reputation right off the bat. Pricing varies, but simply because a home has been verified doesn't mean the cost is driven up.
Airbnb Now Offers Experiences, Which Can Be Budget-Friendly
Led by people who actually live in the area of the Airbnb guests are renting, experiences are now a new way to see a location. Many of them include itineraries along with price breakdowns and can span from a few hours to a week or more. These extra add-ons can help travelers save money and introduce them to new activities and people, making the trip just a little more special and engaging.
It Never Hurts To Inquire About A Long-Term Rental Discount
For those seeking a long-term rental, something like two weeks or more, it never hurts to have an open conversation with the host. Guests will have the option to message a host prior to booking their rental, so they'll know beforehand whether or not a discount will be available before spending the money. This is a great tool to use when booking a long-term rental because even though a host might not specific discounts on their profile, they could be open to offering one prior to a long-term booking.
Read The Worst Review Before The Best
It sounds strange, but it's always good to know the worst thing someone has said about a rental before the best thing. Sometimes, photos can be misleading and travelers might leave an average or vague rating, just to see what hosts have said about them (the rating system works for both parties). Reading the worst review might seem counteractive, but it could also help travelers plan ahead for what to experience, should they choose to book with that specific host.