Before you even step into an Airbnb vacation rental, you'll want to know exactly what to expect from the experience. To make sure you get off on the right foot, here are some basics you should know.
A vacation rental provided through Airbnb is a place for you to go and relax. A home away from home, decorated and furnished to create the ambience of a home, Airbnb rentals are generally a lot more comfortable than hotels. Their warm and comfy atmosphere adds to the sense of being at home, and greatly encourages guests to create their own meals instead of going out to eat in restaurants. Extended stay inns may also have living quarters attached to their buildings.
Bars and restaurants are great places to pick up a few of the local amenities. You'll want a comfortable place to take a rest without having to worry about the possibility of stopping at a restaurant after staying in a room and wanting to go to lunch. If you want to pay a little more for that homey atmosphere at a vacation rental, you'll want to be sure it's worth the price.
Now that you know what to look for in a vacation rental, you'll want to make sure you're booking your accommodations early, while there are still rooms available. Not only do these Airbnb rentals fill up early, but they also have seasonal sales, giving the renters the best chance of getting the rooms they want.
If it's time to take a vacation, you'll want to look for the best vacation rentals in your choice of location. Not only will you get a familiar, homey atmosphere, but you'll also be supporting a local business. You'll also avoid the surprises of coupon bookings or waiting until the last minute to book. Successful Airbnb vacation rentals are those that can give you a warm, comfortable feeling from the moment you arrive.
Because of all the wonderful amenities available in vacation rentals, guests tend to stay more than one night, leaving them with a lot of options. If you don't have a lot of time to spend and want to be sure you get the most for your money, book early. Try to get a room a day or two before your first vacation. You'll have a chance to practise with the staff and go on tours. If you have a lot of time, you may want to stay for a week or more, as those extra nights will allow you to fully experience the area you are staying.
Both expensive and popular areas of the country have local vacation rentals that you can choose from. Your desire for quality time will lead you to a place that is both comfortable and quaint. If you are travelling on business, you may also want to stay at a bed and breakfast so that you can decompress for a week and come home to a much slimmer, simpler lifestyle.
From historic bed and breakfasts to Victorian homes to more modern establishments, you are sure to find the right type of place for your stay. Many are immersed in personal style, some are historic, and some may be new. Before you make any plans, set up an appointment to speak with someone experienced in the Airbnb vacation rentals business. Ask for recommendations and read publications for reviews. If you still are not sure, contact a travel agent and ask for their recommendations.
Don't forget to keep careful track of your money. Don't take a lot of cash, and certainly don't leave a lot of cash in a room or on a table. Credit cards are a much safer option, but you still must watch out for con artists. Not only will you likely be scammed, but your entire vacation could be ruined by a grander con artist using your name to empty out a room. Not only that, but if you allow someone to damage your property, you may be stuck with repairs that are far beyond your budget.
It pays to record everything. Keep a diary of your hotel minutes, excursions, menu choices, and anything else that gives you a sense of ownership. If something goes missing, ask the front desk for a note. We have one of those note takers, and we always keep an extra one in our purse just in case.
Be sure to network with locals. Ask around restaurants, shops, and rental shops. Ask for recommendations for places to eat, places to visit outside of the hotel. This is important to do not only for the sake of your safety, but to gain insight into new places in the area that aren't frequented by many tourists. People here are interested in preserving the area and will share information with you that will keep you safe.
The culture you find in your local area will be similar to that in your hotel.