5 Tips for Renting From AirBnB
With the rising costs of airfare and accommodations,
travelers have to use every resource they can to cut travel costs. An effective
way to avoid pricy hotels, thereby reducing the cost of accommodations, is to
rent through AirBnB.com. The website offers a platform for owners in 192
countries to list a range of properties - everything from a typical flat to a
treehouse - or a portion of their properties for rent.
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Here are 5 tips to help you navigate through AirBnB's
listings:
1) Location, location, location: Choose a location that
interests you and that provides a convenient base from which to explore your
destination. For select locations, AirBnB now gives you the option to explore
available rentals by neighborhood. Neighborhoods in Berlin, for example, are
categorized by factors such as trendiness, local appeal, and areas that boast
great dining options.
2) Pay attention to pictures and reviews: Unless you don't
mind staying in a dump, don't downplay the importance of pictures and reviews.
If a rental that you're interested in doesn't have sufficient, quality
pictures, then immediately count it out as a possibility. Also, if a listing
doesn't have reviews, if it has negative reviews, or if it has decent reviews
but not enough reviews, it's a no-brainer to cross it off of your list of
prospects.
3) Cancellation policy: Be sure to pay close attention to
the owner's cancellation policy which can range from being very lenient to
being very strict. Awhile back, my husband and I booked an apartment in
Copenhagen and ended up having to cancel the trip. Because we hadn't carefully
reviewed the cancellation policy prior to booking, we were only refunded 50% of
the total rental cost. We could've been given a full refund if we'd booked an
accommodation with a more lenient cancellation policy.
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4) Avoid the red tape: My husband and I recently considered
booking a rental for a trip we're planning to Italy. Although the apartment was
gorgeous and the reviews were all positive, many of the reviewers mentioned
that upon meeting the owner to pick up the keys, the owner handed them a rental
agreement to sign which was drafted in Italian. We changed our minds about that
particular listing because we didn't want to sign an agreement for such a short
time and because we don't read (or speak) Italian! Similarly, you should avoid
renting if you're uncomfortable with any of the rental terms and conditions or
if the owner tries to make you jump through any unforeseen hoops.
5) Parking: If you plan on renting a car, make sure that the
cost of your rental includes the use of a parking space, or ensure that there's
affordable parking nearby.
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