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Trim Your Travel Costs by Booking Lodging on Airbnb

By The Savings Experiment Posted 10:00AM 03/11/13 Savings Experiment, Did You Know |
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Hotels can put a serious dent in your travel budget, but these days there are ways you can find great lodging for cheap. All you have to do is look online.

Thanks to websites like Airbnb, you can stay in some of the best places in the world for a fraction of the price of a hotel. The site offers an easy-to-use interface -- you just need to choose a destination and enter your travel dates to see what's available.

The listings range from a shared room to an entire house, so there's something for every person and every budget. Read the fine print, though. Airbnb charges a flat fee on top of your rental, and renters may add hidden charges like damage deposits and cleaning fees to your bill. Some spaces may not offer linens either, so you might have to bring your own sheets and towels.

To truly find the best deal for you, read reviews and contact owners directly with any questions that aren't answered in the listing. You want to make sure you're aware of any deal-breaking inconveniences, and be confident that you're getting exactly what you want.

So, when it comes time to book your next trip, consider using a social lodging website to find a place to stay. Not only is it easy to book, but it can significantly cut the cost of a cozy room.
Tagged: airbnb, airbnb reviews, did you know, hotel alternatives, how airbnb works, savings experiment, SavingsExperiment, travel and autos

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13 Comments

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mmomflower

If only my family could afford to travel, lol.

May 07 2013 at 2:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Christopher Langan

I can't afford any travel experience / venture.

May 01 2013 at 2:10 AM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Matthew Rodriguez

just not intrested in ythis

April 25 2013 at 9:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bhlaide

Can someone tell me the music used in this video? Please respond. Thanks :)

April 21 2013 at 9:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jensen Karen

tHIS DOES NOT INTEREST ME AT ALL. SORRY. I'LL TAKE A HOTEL ROOM ANYDAY OVER THIS.

April 13 2013 at 11:22 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
aueproductions

Some of the commentary is unfounded here as there is a bigger picture for online services that serve as a conduit for people to provide a service. I make use of several site like airbnb as well as airbnb. I provide a place to many different people. In my own home and helping a friend out with theirs. We have had Travel nurses work relocation's vacationers Grandparents visiting their kids etc. I have had people from Russia, Israel, Michigan, Ohio, Northern Cali and Australia I keep the flat that is a 1 bdroom totally like a hotel It is clean spacious and up to date in decor It saves 50% or more compared to extend stays or a hotel room and provides an entire apt or home, where the guests can cook to further reduce expense. In all my guests I have had only one bad one Does Airbnb have some things to work out? Yep. They are just a middle man to a large degree. They are not the best as a screener. You must take steps to do that yourself from both sides. But you can make use of reviews and references for you spot or as a guest over all it has been a great idea to put folks together for trade. Its not alway a "hotel" or Corporate America where you can find great hospitality for a good value. In other countries people have guests traveling stay in there home eat with them etc. Its a great cultural experience when you open your mind.

March 14 2013 at 3:59 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
meemeepit

SO glad I read all of these comments....was thinking it might be a GOOD THING ...

Thanks to all of you !!!

March 14 2013 at 12:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pastorasta

Are you kidding? Are you really trying to promote AirBnB? Don't you know that AirBnB is causing a lot of trouble to the renters, the apartment owners who are not really owners most of the times, and the local laws. Please do your homework before you book with a company who engages in illegal activities.
Check the following articles and watch out!!

http://www.businessinsider.com/renting-your-home-through-airbnb-could-be-illegal-2012-6

http://betabeat.com/2011/05/airbnb-takes-manhattan-with-2k-bookings-a-night-but-many-listings-may-be-illegal/

http://www.brickunderground.com/blog/2011/09/reminder_its_still_illegal_to_rent_out_your_apartment_for_less_than_a_month

http://www.businessinsider.com/airbnb-illegal-san-francisco-2012-6

March 13 2013 at 2:37 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
loveeurope2

Once you bring your own towels and linens you most certainly have to check your luggage. Add $45.00 to your so-called cheap room. It might make sense if you travel with your family to rent a house, but for single travellers this was a ridiculous suggestion.

March 13 2013 at 2:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to loveeurope2's comment
jejozi

Not all of them require you to bring your own towels and sheets. I rented a three bedroom house on Lake Cumberland KY for a five day Valentine's Day retreat for $480 total, including cleaning charge. Yes, there's a damage deposit, but you get that back. It was a < 10 year old house, totally up to date with a nice hot tub, large screen TV and pool table and the kitchen had all the pots, pans and utensils. This was my first time using VRBO.com, but it definitely won't be my last..

March 14 2013 at 12:21 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
browneyz82046

like this give me a break i am going on vacation which means no work why would i want to go to all this trouble or share a room with a stranger pay fees for this and that bring my own linnen omg!!!! i will just go to a hotel that i can book on line and get some great deals without all the trouble.

March 13 2013 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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