As I mentioned last week, we just got back from a trip to Grand Rapids, MI for a week. We had a lovely week and one of the things that made it lovelier was renting a house through AirBNB. This was our first time using AirBNB for a whole house, but I’ve stayed at another AirBNB before and we’ve rented 10 or so houses, including two in Ireland, through VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
I love my kids, but I love them more when I have separate rooms from them. Even a suite in a hotel gets old after a night or two. Not every house has been amazing, but thanks to the tips I’m sharing below, every house has been as expected and had only minor disappointments. And some of the houses? Nicer and better locations than my own house.
- Get the address and check it on google maps. Do street view and look at the house, other houses nearby, travel down the street a bit…
- Check Homeaway as well and maybe Craigslist and make sure everything matches. Discrepancies between listings does not necessarily throw up a red flag, but it definitely gives you questions to ask the owner.
- Read the description multiple times to catch any strange bits (and then ask about them if you are still interested). Make sure that everything you require is included. If you aren’t sure about something, ask.
- Ask the owner questions and ask for more pictures. This both provides you more information and gives you a feel for what the owner is like. (Yes, we have chosen between two very similar options based purely on the vibe I got from the owner.
- ONLY pay with a protected source of funds. I’ve only NOT used a credit card 1 time, but he had us give him cash after our stay, so I was ok with it. (With AirBNB, you pay them, not the homeowner, so you do have some protections that way.)
The most important piece of advice I can give you though is to trust your intuition. If you feel like something doesn’t seem right, don’t do it.
Today, I’m linking up for my usual Friday Five with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia. Stop by and see what everyone else is up to!
Thank you for writing this post! We (and I mean my husband) just rented a Lake house for us through VRBO. It was our first time doing so and I doubt he took any of those steps you mentioned above! Had I read this earlier, I would have…lol. I know this sounds picky but when I vacation I want to stay someplace that is as nice or nicer than my home cus if it’s not, what’s the point..lol. This place we rented looks lovely and it is pet friendly so I am hoping it works out. Great Post!
Great tips! We almost always rent a house or a condo when traveling with the family. It’s nice to have a kitchen too.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…5 Reasons to Love Running in the Heat
I’ve used AirBNB to rent an apt twice in NYC. Both were good experiences. I saved a ton of $$.
I have another one rented for Nov.
Darlene recently posted…Friday Five: NYC
Love this. I’m looking at a few trips where Air B&B or something similar would be a way better option than a hotel.
I never thought about finding the listing on multiple sites, or even Google Mapping it. I always read reviews…obviously, but there aren’t always ones, or ones that address your concerns.
Thanks!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass recently posted…Friday Five #31
I used to rent my place out where I was traveling through AirBNB. It was great extra money and fun to interact w/folks from all over the world. Your tips are great!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Five Great Day Trips
I love finding places to stay through Airbnb or VRBO when I travel. Particularly if I’m going to be running (races or just long training runs). There’s just something about having a kitchen and extra space to lay things out that makes me feel relaxed.
I rented a house recently through VRBO, I used google street view. It sure was more comfortable than staying in a hotel.
vicki recently posted…Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
I tried to use AirBNB once but the host canceled on me — luckily well in advance of my trip.
Coco recently posted…A Pragmatic Love Story — Vinegar Girl Book Review
I’ve rented from Air B&B and VRBO both. I’ve had fair to great experiences and I agree with your tips. One thing I would add about Air B&B is to take the type of listing & photos into consideration. My two “great” experiences were with renting a separate apartment that wasn’t lived in, but only used for rentals by an owner who lived on-site (so separate entrance, etc). The pictures were of very clean, uncluttered rooms. My “fair” experience was with an owner-occupied unit. I found it a little awkward to be using “their stuff” and having to clear space for groceries in the fridge. Looking back, I notice that the rooms looked messy in the pictures as well. I suggest thinking about what you feel comfortable with about using someone’s personal living space. And if they don’t make the effort to have the pictures on Air B&B look absolutely fabulous, how will it look when you arrive?
This is great. I’ve been wondering about AirBnB. Thanks for posting these tips!!
Rachel recently posted…Five Running Shoes I Really Want to Try
I’ve always wondered about AirBnB. I’ve never used it myself. So, do people leave all their personal items out? I imagine they’re covered by ABNB… hmm.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…5 Things I’m Loving Lately…
Thanks. I rent a lot of places but haven’t yet tried AirBNB….
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Five things about working in France
Oh goodness, these are probably things I maybe should’ve done beforehand, but…did not. (Things have turned out really well though! I chose places with tons of good reviews and did check up on location and ask about the area and such, so there’s that…) I’ve only ever used Airbnb and it’s saved me a whole ton of money! :]
Farrah recently posted…Sunshine Kiwi Oats