Introduction

Airbnb was started in 2008 by three roommates looking for a way to make a few extra dollars. More than 160 million guests have used Airbnb in over 1 million cities, and the company is growing faster than ever. I've used Airbnb since around 2014, and I've used it more than 20 times. Before we start, sign up for my free resource library to access exclusive printables about saving money and building wealth, meal planning, etc. Finance has its hands in several different things besides its main exchange platform. For example, last year, it said that the company was planning to open the first cryptocurrency bank in Malta. The platform also reached a deal with the Maldives Stock Exchange.

Cons Explained

The Party Host

This trick can work both ways. Some travelers love people if they love meeting people from the area. Some people don't. When you remain in an Airbnb, you might meet the host, who might be fun. You might get pulled into a long talk. They may make you something to eat. But it's a con that you're always at the mercy of your host, no matter how nice they are. They can cancel if they decide the day before your stay that they can no longer rent out their room or home to you.

A Longer Process for Booking

Yes, the first con is that it takes longer to make a reservation. It's so easy to find a room. You have to go to a website, enter your credit card information, and book. You are done and done. To book an Airbnb, you have to make an account on the website and then, in most cases, talk to the host to book your stay, which could take days. There are, of course, options on Airbnb to book right away. But even then, the host decides what to do with you.

Not Economical Always

Many people say that staying in an Airbnb is cheaper than staying in a hotel. There are times when this is true. An Airbnb private room in your host's home might be cheaper than a hotel room, but it's also not as intimate as a hotel room. For example, you won't have your bathroom. An Airbnb that gives you a whole house to yourself may be cheaper than a hotel room, but it might also be in a less desirable part of town, away from the city's best spots.

Pros Explained

Full House Available

Airbnbs will give you a full house experience, which you can't get in a hotel. You can choose an Airbnb with a fully equipped kitchen, more than one bedroom, a bathroom, an office, a fenced yard, a pool, and other features. If you stay somewhere with a full kitchen, you can save money by cooking at home.

A Real-Time and Place

You can choose to stay in an apartment or a house in a town where there aren't many tourists. Hotels are usually close to each other, which brings a lot of tourists to the area and makes stores and restaurants look more like hotels and less like the real thing. When you stay at an Airbnb, you're living like a local. You can also ask one Airbnb host anything about the area, like where they like to eat, shop, or do anything else.

More Places That are Good for Kids and Pets

The fact that Airbnbs are dog-friendly is also a big plus. Back yards of many homes will be completely fenced in (I just got back from a three-week trip to Portland with two dogs). On top of that, numerous houses have playgrounds, pools, and other fun places for kids and pets to play in the backyard. Airbnb is a must if you often travel with kids or pets.

Conclusion

You can always count on Airbnb to solve problems, make communication easier, and give you access to many of the best travel moments in life, whether you're a host or a future guest. You have to do some research about the pros and cons using Airbnb to find your perfect match, but once you do, experience your travel destinations from a local's point of view!