Airbnb - my experience

Just a short while ago, it appeared that traveling was an expensive endeavor. Today, an increasing number of tools have emerged on the market to support and promote budget-friendly travel. One such tool is Airbnb, a service that facilitates online flat or room sharing. But what exactly does it entail and how does it work? Is it worthwhile to use Airbnb? Let's delve into these questions below.

What is Airbnb?

Room sharing, in essence, is the practice of making your apartment or room available to tourists. Airbnb has simplified this process by allowing each host to set individual rules and fees for their property. This service utilizes offers from private individuals, which often results in prices that are more affordable than those of guest houses or hotels.

For instance, I recently sought accommodation for a three-day stay in Alicante, related to a concert trip and some sightseeing. The cheapest hotels were approximately 50-60 pounds per night, whereas hostels (with average ratings, 3 out of 5 stars on Google) were listed at about 40 pounds per night. On Airbnb, I found numerous offers ranging from 20-40 pounds per night. That's a significant saving.

Is Airbnb Safe and Secure to Use?

The answer is a resounding yes; using Airbnb is both safe and simple. The entire accommodation booking and rental process is closely monitored. Additionally, the site features a comment system, similar to those on booking.com, BlaBlaCar, or Allegro. This system allows potential clients to read reviews from previous guests before making a booking.

In many cases, identity verification is required to use Airbnb as a traveler. This can be accomplished with a credit card or document such as an ID or passport. The verification process can take a few days, although mine was completed within hours.

This ensures that using Airbnb is entirely safe, as both the host and guest know exactly who they're dealing with.

The Key Advantages of Airbnb

Unquestionably, the most significant benefit of Airbnb is the opportunity to find appealing accommodation at very reasonable prices. Sometimes, thanks to Airbnb, you can secure lodging in an intriguing locale for half the price, or even less than what hotels and guesthouses charge. This is particularly noticeable in cities frequented by business professionals, politicians, or celebrities where prices are usually steep.

Another advantage of Airbnb is its vast array of offers and the ability to accurately filter results. A comprehensive list of criteria makes it easy to find accommodation that suits your needs.

Lastly, Airbnb offers a unique opportunity to meet interesting people - the hosts - and explore the homes of locals. Many tourists find this to be the most appealing aspect.

The Drawbacks of Airbnb

As the saying goes, every silver lining has a cloud, and this is true for Airbnb. One notable disadvantage is that the payment for your stay is required in advance. This necessitates the temporary hold of a certain sum. Additionally, the price displayed on the site does not include taxes and Airbnb's service fee. Regrettably, these costs must be added to the quoted price.

My Experience with Airbnb

Utilizing Airbnb enables you to travel the world at a minimal cost. Thanks to the platform, you can book accommodation at reasonable prices anywhere globally, allowing you to save money while connecting with local cultures.

I recently spent two nights in Manchester using Airbnb. I arrived in the morning and, after previously coordinating with my host, was able to drop off my backpack before the designated check-in time. This freed me up to start exploring the city immediately. The following morning, I chatted with my host over tea and asked for recommendations on places to visit in Manchester.

Interestingly, when I returned in the evening, I received a message on Airbnb with the home alarm code, as my host was out. Although I was initially surprised by this level of trust, it was ultimately a positive experience. The cost of this private room was half that of the cheapest hostels, which would have had me sharing a room with several others. The value provided by Airbnb is truly remarkable.