Most Popular Ways to Airbnb

8 indispensable tips for finding an absolutely perfect rental

When you’re planning a vacation, choosing the right place to stay is one of the keys to having an awesome time. So, Airbnb or hotel? If you’re traveling with a large group, want to save money on dining out, or just want to feel like you’re “at home,” then it’s Airbnb all the way.

What can you do to make sure you find the best Airbnb for your next getaway? Check out our no-fail tips, and you’ll book the perfect place every time!

• Know what you want

  Whatever city you choose to stay in is sure to have dozens of Airbnb listings. Narrow down your search by deciding your non-negotiables. Do you plan on eating meals in and want a large kitchen? How many bedrooms will you need? What about doing laundry?

  Figuring out your dealbreakers will help you find the best Airbnb for you and your crew. are in.

• Use search filters

  Once you’ve decided on what you need from your Airbnb, use the search filter narrow down your options. There are plenty of filters for you to use, but some of the most important ones are the dates, price range, neighborhood, and the number of people you’re traveling with.

  Pro Tip #1: If you’re a digital nomad and planning to work during your Airbnb stay, make sure you have WiFi. You can even request a dedicated workspace.

• Study the map

  Research into the best neighborhoods to stay in. If you’re not renting a car, make sure you pick places near the main attractions, beach, downtown, or wherever it is you plan on spending most of your time. Then use Airbnb’s map search to find listings in that area.

  You can also use Google Maps “street view” to take a virtual walk through the neighborhood. You’ll get an idea of how clean it is, whether it’s more residential or business-oriented, and more.

• Flip through photos

  Photos might not tell the whole story, but they will give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect. Buuuut keep in mind that not every listing will have the same quality photos.

  Don’t discard a listing just because the photos aren’t high-quality. In fact, sometimes those photos are more accurate… a professional photographer can make listings look roomier or brighter than they actually are. Which brings us to our next tip:

• Read the description carefully

  This is where your host will share practical yet valuable information about the property. They might also point out some of the property’s unique features or strengths that aren’t readily apparent in photographs.

• Pore over reviews

  Want the inside scoop? Pay extra attention to more recent reviews, since hosts can and often do make changes to their rentals. And read carefully for things you can’t see in photos. Reviews might mention the noisy bar downstairs, for example—a dealbreaker if you’re traveling with kids.

• Make a favorites list

  One of Airbnb’s top features is the favorites list. If you click on the heart (found next to any of the listings), you’ll save that listing to your wishlist. When you’re ready to book, you’ll have all the listings you like in one place, making it easy to compare them and find the best Airbnb.

• Compare prices and extra fees

  The price per night is a great starting off point, but extra fees can make a huge difference. We’ve seen cleaning fees well over $100, which can jack up the price by $50 per night if you’re only going away for the weekend! For the best price comparison, look at the final reservation cost and not just the nightly rate.

  Pro Tip #2: Owners can also charge extra for additional guests, so keep that in mind if you’re vacationing with a large group.

Staying at an Airbnb is a great way to vacation, no doubt. And our tips will help you navigate the seemingly endless number of listings and pick the best one for your needs.

Once you’ve found and booked your perfect Airbnb, there’s just one more thing you have to do to make your vacay hassle-free and simply ah-mazing. Ship your stuff with LugLess. We’ll get your luggage to your rental for less than the average price of a checked bag. And you won’t have to worry about lugging bags through the airport.