Airbnb is a popular online marketplace that allows individuals to rent out their own homes and properties to travelers around the world. With a variety of options from swanky city lofts to rustic, rural treehouses, the site's accomodations have become a popular alternative to hotels. And while there are plenty of listings to choose from, finding the perfect spot for your trip can be tricky. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you rent the vacation of your dreams.
Browse Every Page
If you'd like to learn how Airbnb decides the ranking of their listings, check out this post. You might be surprised by what criteria is used to determine rank. Instant book, pricing, and image orientation are just a few of the factors the booking site uses to decide which posts receive the top slots. This means some of the most popular listings may be several pages into a search. If you only browse through the first few listings, you'll most likely miss out on great options that are placed toward the end pages of your search.
Let the Airbnb Choose Your Location
This won't work if you have a strict itinerary. However, for those of you who are thinking about taking a vacation and aren’t tied down to a specific spot, let the rental decide that for you. We suggest you search several cities in the area you have in mind. Then choose the destination based on your favorite listing. Sometimes, especially with Airbnb, the accomodations are a major part of the experience!
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Do not wait until a week before your trip to book an Airbnb. Trust us, you are not the only person staying in the area at that time. More prepared renters will have swooped in and booked all the best spaces months prior, and you’ll be left with less options to choose from. We suggest you begin looking at least two months in advance.
Try Searching With and Without Filters
Filters are a great way to weed out listings that aren't going to work for you, but sometimes you'll miss out on an great listing by being too picky. We suggest first trying your search with the things you'd love to have. Next try searching without 'em. You may find a space so out-of-this-world amazing that you are willing to ditch the wifi or hair dryer amenities.
Bring Your Own Ambiance
Sometimes you need to look for the diamond in the rough when browsing through listings on Airbnb. As long as the location and bones of the rental are good, you can usually dress it up to your liking. For example, if you’re looking for a cozy cabin with a magical and dreamy vibe, all you need to do is find a listing for a log cabin. Bring your own string lights, adventure blankets, candles, camp mugs, and even letter boards to transform the space into your vision. Once you know what feel you are looking for, it’s easy to create that atmosphere with your own accessories.
Ready for your next vacation? Armed with these tips and tricks you are sure to find the perfect Airbnb for your trip. Happy travels!
Gina Valente lives in Ferndale, Michigan and runs the cabin blog, Moody Cabin Girl. She has a love for unique dwellings, adventures, and all things whimsical. When not running around renting cabins, she is trying new restaurants in the Detroit area and posting about them on her Instagram account, Girls Gone Hungry .
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