When we’re vacationing, we don’t always want to stay in motels and hotels; sometimes, we want something different. When Airbnb first became popular, it made it incredibly easy to find accommodations when traveling, and there are some benefits to staying in a home rather than a hotel room.
However, as the years passed, Airbnb was seen in a different light. Airbnb properties don’t tend to have a full-time staff to address any issues, and in general, the company has poor customer service.
Still, the premise of Airbnb is a fantastic one. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, there are alternatives to Airbnb.
Alternatives to Airbnb
If you search vacation rentals, many different sites and companies pop up. Listed below are the best alternatives to Airbnb.
Vrbo
Vrbo is the acronym for Vacation Rentals by Owner, and it has many vacation homes available. It is very similar to Airbnb, except for one key difference; the properties listed for it tend to be bigger and have backyards, which is the perfect option for individuals vacationing in big groups or with family.
Just look at the reviews. It has its own built-in review system, and you can rest assured that the reviews are truthful because owners cannot delete or remove unflattering reviews. If there is an issue with a property or an owner, the reviews will reveal everything.
Plum Guide
This option is great if you’re looking for a quality vacation home. The company puts all of the vacation rental properties through a strict betting process, with many of the applicants being rejected. This means there’s no need to worry about unwanted surprises or fake reviews, and you can enjoy your vacation in one of their rentals in Europe or the United States. They have a concierge team that is available seven days a week, so they’re always available to assist you.
Outdoorsy
Maybe you’re not looking for a rental property; maybe you’re different, and you’re looking for something more unique. If you are the type of person who would rather explore the Great Outdoors in an RV, then Outdoorsy is the choice for you. The company rents out RVs and camper vans, and there are more than 14 million rentals to choose from, from luxury Winnebagos to Vintage airstreams.
Similarly to other booking sites, Outdoorsy has a built-in review system so you can look through reviews from previous drivers.
Booking.com
You might recognize Booking.com as the popular site to reserve hotels and flights online, but now their interface allows you to book apartments and vacation rentals. The site handles most of the process, which means you won’t have much communication or interaction with the host of the rental, and because Booking.com is so competitive, you can be sure you’ll get a good price.
Homestay
Homestay is truly one of the more unique vacation rental companies out there. With other rental companies, you rent the space and have some form of interaction or communication with the host, but beyond that, there isn’t much contact. Homestay put their own spin on this; they offer vacation rentals, but when booking with the company, you will always stay with the host.
Obviously, this might not be for everyone. Homestay is meant to connect Travelers to local life, and by living with the host, you essentially have someone to guide you throughout your stay. They can help you avoid tourist traps, tell you the best destinations, and advise you on the top restaurants.
Hipcamp
Hipcamp is similar to Outdoorsy in that it is different from traditional vacation booking, but the site is a little more expansive. It largely caters to campers, and the listings range from tents, RV parks, cabins, and even tree houses! It’s like an Airbnb for campers.
There are over 10,047 parks, 25,978 campgrounds, and 425,938 campsites listed on the site, and it’s the ideal choice for getting closer to nature. By using the site’s filters, you can choose the listing type and location.
Third Home
If you want to vacation at a rental with a reasonable price and a beautiful property, Third Home may be the option for you. The company specializes in high-end vacation rentals: penthouses, mansions, and luxury villas. The company is also very specific about what properties are listed; the home must be worth more than $500,000, be located in a location that is desirable, have nice furnishings, and it must not be your primary home.
Each of these sites is special in its own way, and they suit different interests. Maybe try something new; life is too short not to enjoy.
