As a frequent tourist, I have tried many different accommodation options over the years. In my experience, Airbnb is the best way to travel. In this blog post, I will share 5 reasons why Airbnb is the best way to travel.
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Authentic Local Experiences
One of the best things about Airbnb is that it allows you to have authentic local experiences. You can stay in unique and interesting accommodations that are off the beaten path, and you can also get recommendations from your hosts on the best local restaurants and attractions. Often, your Airbnb host lives in the area, or may even live in the home you are renting and so they will have an intimate knowledge of what is good value in the area and can match experiences to your tastes and interests.
As a host myself on the north coast of Ireland, I know the area very well. Therefore if people are looking for golf I can recommend good courses for their skills (By the way, a wonderful course to play is Portstewart Old Course, and really cheap too!). Depending on what food they like to eat I can suggest different restaurants. (Again, as an example, really good option on the north coast of Ireland is The Smugglers Inn.)
If they have young kids, like I do, then I can tell them what’s worth a visit and what isn’t.
This local knowledge is based of lived-through experience and hard to find at a hotel, for example.
Often staff just won’t have the same first hand experience of restaurants, tours, or the experiences in the local area.
More Space and Privacy
When you book an Airbnb, you typically have more space and privacy than you would in a hotel room. It’s why Airbnb is the best way to travel for larger groups or families. By getting a whole place to yourself on Airbnb you can have multiple bedrooms and common areas to hang out in. Your kids and spread out their toys and get comfortable. You can home cook or just make up some nice sandwiches in a kitchen and you don’t have a maid coming in to clean around you.
With a whole place to yourself, you don’t have to worry about other people encroaching on your relaxing space or being nosey and what you are doing, like you would in a hotel lobby. Airbnb allows you to come and go as you please and to relax with the space and privacy that you are used to in your own home.
Better Value for Your Money
In many cases, Airbnb can be a better value for your money than a hotel.
From purely a dollar cost basis, a hotel will charge by room. Of course, different hotels will have different facilities in their rooms, but typically you will get a bed, bathroom and some tea/coffee making facilities.
You will likely get more space in a hotel room the more you are prepared to pay, but that isn’t necessarily true. City centre hotels can be expensive and you don’t always get much room, for example.
Hotels near any popular destination can really have a high tariff to pay for just a room, too.
Airbnb is the best way to travel because you can pick the size of the accommodation to suit you, and, with more flexibility in terms of choice, you don’t have settle for an expensive room.
Travelling in a group? You can rent a whole place and split the cost between your group, and with a kitchen at your disposal, you can also save money by cooking your own meals in the kitchen.
Even if you aren’t renting a whole place, many hosts on Airbnb will simply rent out a spare room and so can offer some really competitive rates when all you want is a place to sleep at night.
In the past we have hosted folks who had stalls at the famous Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle. All those folks wanted was somewhere to sleep and didn’t want to pay the crazy rates for hotels in the area at that time of year. It suits us, because there was little maintenance required and suits our guests because our home represented much better value. It’s a really good example why Airbnb is the best way to travel for people on the go.
Win, win.
Personalised Service
One of the key reasons that Airbnb is the best way to travel is the personalized service you can get from an Airbnb host. It can be like having your very own local expert and friend during your stay.
Every Airbnb host I have ever met is eager to make their guest’s holiday experience memorable in every way. They can provide you with insider tips, recommendations for the best local restaurants, hidden gems, and attractions that might not be in the tourist guides.
As I mentioned before, Airbnb hosts often have a genuine passion for their local area and beyond. They’re excited to share their knowledge and love for the area with their guests. They can give you the scoop on the coolest local hangouts, the must-visit spots, and even the best times to explore popular attractions to beat the crowds.
Airbnb is very interactive in terms of bookings and communication.
This means Airbnb hosts can take the time to get to know their guests both in the run up to a booking, or when they greet their guests on their arrival.
They can chat with you, understand your interests, and provide recommendations that suit your preferences.
Personally, I love meeting new people through Airbnb, finding out why they chose our accommodation and getting them set up with all the best things in the areas they are interested in.
A good Airbnb host will also help you with practical matters like arranging transportation, giving you tips on public transport, or help you navigate the local area.
This warmer, friendlier approach you should expect from an Airbnb host is a huge factor in why Airbnb is the best way to travel, no doubt!
More Comfortable and Homely
Finally, Airbnb is the best way to travel for that “home-from-home” feeling.
When you book an Airbnb, you’re not just reserving a standard hotel room; you’re immersing yourself in a unique living space that is often someone’s actual home. Hotels, particularly those in very busy areas, are often cookie-cutter specifications that are perfectly functional but lack any kind of personality.
Unlike hotels with their default layouts and decor, Airbnb experiences come in all shapes and sizes, reflecting the individual tastes and styles of their hosts.
You can find cozy apartments, beautiful cottages, or even stylish lofts, each with its own character and personal touches.
This diversity of accommodations allows you to choose a stay that resonates with your own preferences and helps you relax into your holiday.
Moreover, Airbnb properties often provide amenities that contribute to that homely feeling. For example, you might have access to a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook your favorite meals, a comfortable living area to relax and unwind, and sometimes even outdoor spaces like a garden or terrace to enjoy a cup of coffee or a quiet moment. These features make it feel less like a temporary hotel room and more like a genuine home where you can truly settle in and make yourself comfortable.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, the homely atmosphere of an Airbnb is why Airbnb is the best way to travel. It’s easy to create a cozy and intimate environment that allows you to relax, unwind, and truly enjoy your stay. Airbnb is a great option for if you are looking for a more personal and comfortable experience that evokes a sense of being in a home away from home.