Airbnb: Advantages and Disadvantages

Because of the integration of cultures in a globalized world, people prefer to travel more and explore new countries. Nevertheless, one of the questions that come up before you travel is where to stay in the destination country. Hotels are always the first option that comes to mind. However, there are alternatives. Airbnb is one of them.

What is Airbnb?

Let's find out what is Airbnb and how useful it is. The program has been operating since 2008. The Airbnb website, created by two young students, started to offer air mattresses and breakfast at their home for tenants. The annual turnover of the Airbnb company, the CEO and co-founder of which is Brian Chesky was 2.6 billion dollars in 2017. How does Airbnb work? Through the program, you are offered alternatives for renting a room in the country you are travelling to. In fact, Airbnb company provides two types of services to its users. First, you can rent a room, as I mentioned above. Secondly, you can offer a room for incoming guests. In both cases, you need to register in the program. You can either register on www.airbnb.com or download the application. If you prefer the Airbnb website, you should evaluate the host's suggestions by pointing out the date and location you want to stay in. The suggestion list, along with map information, will appear on the screen. You choose the best option and send the information to the host. If you want to be a host, you can start your small business by clicking on the HOST on the upper right side of the page. Airbnb will ask you for several contacts at this point. Naturally, some questions arise: What are the pros and cons of Airbnb? How much can you trust the program?

Airbnb login

First of all, let's say that the founders of the software have taken several steps to protect the users' security. Thus, while registering, the program wants you to include a picture of a legal document to confirm the information you submit. This document can often be your passport. Additionally, once the homes have been booked, the host's contact information will be sent to you, and you can complain about the host at any negative moment. You can also read the reviews about the host and find out how "hospitable" he/she is. Airbnb website also enhances user security by removing the hosts who got a lot of negative comments. That is why Airbnb hosts are interested in providing high-quality services to please tenants. Unfortunately, there are some unpleasant moments. Such cases may mostly occur at the last stage. The house may not meet the criteria you want; you may have problems with cleaning, and so on. Briefly, you can experience a completely different scene than the Airbnb hosts has shared.

What should you consider when choosing a home?

If you set some criteria before booking an Airbnb house, your search will be more successful, and you will find a place you like. Do not forget that homeowners can only rent one room or even the entire hall. You should consider this while choosing the Airbnb house. You can make your choice even easier if you enter the desired price you wish to pay.

If you ask about how Airbnb payment works, you make the payment online if you send the offer to the host (or vice versa) and get a confirmation message.

Is it expensive or can it be cheaper? In fact, prices are not very high. More precisely, prices can go up and down according to your wishes. If you are looking for a more comfortable place to stay, put your hands in your pocket. If you think the small room will be good for you, then there are some Airbnb suggestions for you. Another point affecting prices may be the area where homes are located. Airbnb prices for homes in urban centres are more expensive. I would also like to point out that very often, hosts can also charge extra for cleaning the rooms.

Hotels or Airbnb houses?

When hotels offer better service to their customers, they usually cost more. At Airbnb, you will find more affordable homes than hotel prices. If you are staying in the city for more than a few days, you can end up travelling for more affordable Airbnb prices. And, a house with a lower price, with its own kitchen, lounge, and balcony, sounds more attractive.

No pets, no parties!

As tenants expect a high level of service from their Airbnb hosts, they must fill some responsibilities as well. When it comes to responsibilities, I mean the Airbnb rules and prohibitions that hosts set in advance. Among the most popular prohibitions: No pets! No parties! This type of Airbnb rules should be followed. One of the problems that hosts face is that sometimes tenants expect additional services from their hosts. Mostly, the Airbnb hosts who gave the room of a house they also stay in complain about it.

Is it possible to cancel the reservation?

Yes, cancelling Airbnb is possible. More precisely, if the host has stated this in advance in the information section, you can cancel the reservation and get your money back. In this case, you can get a full refund. Do not forget one point. So, when you rent an Airbnb house, you have to pay a certain fee. If the booking is cancelled for the first time, the amount is fully refunded. However, when cancelling Airbnb happens several times, the software does not pay for the service fee.

Meeting with the host

The meeting is at a predetermined location. In many cases, you can enter the home without even seeing the host. To do this, the hosts use the lockbox method. You can take the key from the box by entering the code given by the host. For security reasons, it is better to use this method. Airbnb hosts note check in-check out hours. It is important to remember that sometimes hosts can ask for extra money if you come home later than the check-in hours.

Airbnb coupons

Airbnb provides discount Airbnb coupon for new members. When booking a home, you can use your Airbnb coupon on the payment page. To do this, after selecting the payment method, click on the "Redeem a coupon" section, enter the coupon code, and click "Apply". If you have booked a home before, you cannot use the coupon code. You can also get an Airbnb coupon (and credits) by inviting others to the software. More invitations mean more Airbnb coupons. In this case, both parties earn a coupon. Please note that coupons are valid for 1 year and are not valid in India. See the Coupon & Credit section for more detailed information.

Airbnb experiences

If you want to get a memorable and, most importantly, enjoyable Airbnb experiences, it is important that you read previous users' comments while choosing a home. Even if you find yourself in a negative situation, you should definitely write it in the comments section so that at least the following users do not experience the same. Usually, users write nice words about the software. However, you can also find users who share their negative experiences in a few pages. The main thing is that these cases are not very numerous. Generally, Airbnb intervenes promptly to prevent such situations.

How much can you earn through Airbnb?

Anyone with an empty room or home that they can offer can benefit from Airbnb. For this purpose, it is necessary to create a pleasant space for users at affordable prices. Any host with real photos and positive reviews of the rooms will have real chances to have the tenants.

What other things does Airbnb offer?

When you enter your destination, Airbnb will provide you with a list of Airbnb suggestions for upcoming tours and trips in the city during your stay. Of course, these are steps considered to make your journey better and more memorable.