How to Use Airbnb: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

The basics

So, what exactly is Airbnb? If you’re new to the game and aren’t sure how it works, let’s start with the basics. Essentially, Airbnb allows both hosts and travelers to register with the site in order to match them up and facilitate bookings for stays. This can range from a single room in a host’s home all the way up to an entire apartment (or even house) that they’ve made available as a rental property.

In many cases, hosts earn extra income by renting out their homes via Airbnb—and in some cases, it’s even their full-time job! Whether you want an authentic “home away from home” experience or just want to avoid staying in a typical hotel, there are plenty of perks of using Airbnb:

• Your money goes straight into the hands of your host instead of lining the pockets of corporate hotel owners
• You usually have access to amenities like a kitchen or laundry facilities
• Many Airbnbs have unique architectural features and design details that give them local character
• You may be able to stay somewhere that hotels would consider “off-the-beaten path”

Apartment types, tips and filters

After you’ve decided whether you want to stay in a house, apartment or condo (or if you want to leave that decision up to the person hosting your trip), there are still some other considerations you may want to make before moving forward. For example, maybe you know for certain that you need at least two bedrooms for four people—make sure to select “Entire home/apt” and then click the filter for “2+ bedrooms.” Or, perhaps you don’t need an entire home or apartment and just want one bedroom in someone’s house; change the selection from “Entire home/apt” to “Private room.”

Alternatively, maybe it doesn’t matter what kind of dwelling it is so long as they have a dishwasher and free wifi; simply go straight down the list of filters until you find those options! Being clear about what exactly your needs are will help find listings that match them.

Booking tips for the first-time user

• Tip: Ask to see the full apartment before you book. There are no guarantees, but if the host declines, it’s probably a sign that something sketchy is going on.
• Tip: If you’ll be traveling with a group, ask if there’s enough space for your whole crew. This will also help avoid any awkward conversation after you’ve already booked and paid for the place.
• Request the wifi password ahead of time so you can get connected as soon as you walk in the door.
• Request recommendations for restaurants and bars that are within walking distance or easily accessible via public transportation. This will save you time and money when looking up places to explore while on your trip.

If you are traveling on a budget but don’t want to stay in a crappy hotel, Airbnb is the way to go.

That’s why Airbnb is an excellent option. You can access a wide variety of properties, from single rooms to entire houses or villas. You can often find an Airbnb that costs less than what the average hotel costs in the same area, but still gives you more amenities and privacy than a hotel room would.

Airbnb has filters that let you search for properties within your budget, as well as ones with specific amenities (like a pool or gym) and locations (on the beach or next to public transportation). It also shows property types like house, apartment, villa, bungalow, condo and castle so you know exactly what kind of place you’re booking.