How to: find the perfect lodging without breaking your budget
Amy Kimmel ’20, a sustainability studies major, has a unique talent. Her friends say she’s the “absolute best” at finding amazing deals through Airbnb, a hotel alternative in which homeowners rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. How does she do it?
- Tip #1: Create an Airbnb account so you can refer friends. When your friend creates an account, he/she automatically receives a $40 credit toward the initial booking. Once your friend’s trip is complete, you’ll receive a $25 credit. Win-win.
- Tip #2: Select your travel dates before you start searching. Don’t waste time scanning listings that aren’t available for your trip.
- Tip #3: Use filters to find an ideal match. Set the number of guests early in your search, which can sometimes affect the per-night price of your vacation.
- Tip #4: Keep in mind the initial price you see is a base, before a cleaning and service fee is added, so set the price cap a bit lower than your actual budget.
- Tip #5: Use the Airbnb search results map to narrow down the best locations for the lowest cost. Scan the host’s description to learn more about the location in relation to attractions and public transportation nearby.
- Tip #6: Always read host reviews before considering booking, and only book a place with positive reviews and a good rating.
- Tip #7: Check pictures. They should be appealing, have good lighting and should not look “sketchy.”
- Tip #8: Use the “list” and “favorite” tools. Organize good finds by saving them to lists that you create for upcoming trips. Refer back to your lists and compare selected Airbnbs by price, location and host rating before booking.
- Tip #9: Book it! Then go enjoy a more personal travel experience while spending a fraction of hotel costs.