Many tourists want to use the Airbnb platform but are very hesitant due to lack of experience. Airbnb offers a very different hotel experience, not better or worse, just different. The kind of human experience that everyone experiences in a different way, depending on their needs, budget, type of trip and also the chosen vacation period. If you are both a lover of nights under the stars and homestay, Airbnb is the solution. But for your family to have unforgettable moments in the country of your choice, you will have to make the right choice of your Airbnb accommodation. Here are some criteria that do not deceive.
1. The stars, ratings and comments
Although this is to the chagrin of the new hosts who have just registered on the Airbnb platform, who are obviously able to offer you decent accommodation, it is safer to orient your choice towards a proposal that has many excellent reviews. It is also advisable to read all the comments carefully to be sure not to miss anything of the essentials that you need to know about accommodation. The new announcements are especially suitable for a first solo experience, there you can follow your instincts. But when it comes to traveling with children, it's best to avoid taking risks.
2. Many beautiful photos
Obviously, there are many ways to beautify a photo on the Internet these days. But this is a criterion of preference to be considered, rather than relying on an ad where there are very few or no photos. To reassure you, you can also ask to have more private photos, interior photos for example, to avoid unpleasant surprises. These photos allow you to direct your choice towards a rather practical or just original accommodation.
3. The location
Choosing a particular city or neighborhood helps you narrow down your Airbnb search results. This also allows you to locate the location of the chosen accommodation in relation to the amenities of the city, and also the activities to do with the children. You can even ask your hosts to provide you with specific details on the details that intrigue you: attendance, distance to the beach, public transport, etc.
4. Family accommodation
That's the whole point of Airbnb. The platform allows you to stay in a house or apartment where children also live. So there will probably be toys, a garden, a play area, maybe even a big space where all the children can play together. There isn't really a precise way to sort Airbnb listings that host family. This is a small detail that you will find more easily by always browsing the comments. Otherwise, just check that there is everything you need to stay with children.
5. Complete and practical equipment
Every traveler has their own needs, but there are some basic amenities that every household should have in an accommodation. For example, a bathroom, a dishwasher, an oven, sheets, cutlery, crockery, a washing machine, WiFi, etc. It is especially when you choose to travel with others that this equipment becomes essential.
6. Making contact
The best way to find out more about an Airbnb listing is to contact the host directly. Before validating a reservation, always send a short message to introduce your family and especially to submit any questions to which you have not had answers on the announcement. This may concern the location, the equipment available, the photos, the means of transport, etc.
7. The price
Some Airbnb listings are priced per number of people, others don't. It is then advisable to ask for a clarification on the price of the accommodation, before making a reservation. It also happens that some accommodations fix in advance the number of people they can accommodate. In general, it is mainly a question of thinking about the savings you can make during your stay.
8. Reception
Because Airbnb is different from the hotel, the reception will not necessarily be available 7 days a week. It is therefore important to agree in advance on the day and time of your arrival, to avoid unpleasant surprises once there. As a precaution, always write down your host's phone number somewhere. If you come across nice and warm hosts who are more flexible, the surprises can often turn out to be very good. Some even travel to the airport to welcome you or bring you back late or too early in the morning.
9. The reservation
As with the hotel, Airbnb accommodation is also subject to a reservation principle. Certain times of the year, it is almost impossible to find a single free accommodation on Airbnb. It also depends on your destination, as some tourist towns always show “full” even during low seasons. The ideal is to book at least a week in advance.
10. The human side
Airbnb is a free platform where anyone can post ads as they wish. Some hosts make seasonal rentals a real business. They are very easy to spot with their large number of similar listings, often they buy an entire building and then accommodate you in different apartments, all for short-term rentals. The human aspect of the vacation rental then loses all its concept that it will certainly not be the ideal place to spend a family vacation. The advantage of choosing Airbnb accommodation is being able to live in a personal space and in the heart of a welcoming home that accommodates you with them for a weekend or a few days.
In short, mishaps with Airbnb are perfectly manageable if you apply these few tips. Moreover, for those who already know the site, there is no shortage of good addresses. And you can even get sponsored by some regulars to benefit from many benefits on Airbnb.
