Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’ve finally gotten some time off from work, and you want to go visit the place you’ve always dreamed of seeing, it’s very likely that staying at an Airbnb might have crossed your mind. Some alternatives can be quite affordable, especially if you were to compare the costs to what you’d have to pay at a hotel.
We made a list of several tips and tricks for people who have never stayed at an Airbnb before. Check them out below.
What should you do before your trip?
Always start by doing your research because it can save you a lot of money and headaches. The first thing you need to do is read as many reviews as you can, and that’s pretty obvious since it’s the only way to find out whether the place you’re going to stay at will be in compliance with your regular expectations.
Get in touch with the host to find out several extra details you might need to feel comfortable. Usually, for extended stays, people might be interested in cooking their own food. If you follow a certain diet, you might need specific appliances. Maybe you also want to wash your clothes, so a laundry room might be helpful.
What to do once you get there
You definitely don’t want to stay at a place that has an inaccurate Airbnb listing, whether it’s because of the living conditions or the area it’s located in. That is why we would recommend touching base with the host. As you know, people can be more or less honest depending on their purposes, but let’s just say for the sake of argument that he or she won’t lie to you.
Make sure you keep communication up with the host all throughout your stay. If you have questions regarding the neighborhood, areas that you might have to avoid, or any other issues, don’t hesitate to give him or her a call.
It wouldn’t hurt if you had spare travel locks in your bag. Even if you aren’t particularly distrustful, you need to make sure that your valuables are there when you come back home.
What to do before and after you leave
Although it might not be necessary to leave the place sparkly clean, you might want to make an effort and clean the devices and appliances you’ve used. If you’re going to utilize the unit located in the host’s kitchen, find out how to clean a food steamer before cooking with it. Collect your leftovers, snack bags, or any beer or soda cans you might have left and throw them out.
Finally, part of the reason Airbnb works in the first place is that people leave reviews. Describe what you felt while you were staying at the place and you can even tell other people whether it’s precisely as described or as per the photos of the listing. If you’ve run into any kind of problem with the host, especially if it’s a serious one, you need to tell other travelers about it.