Airbnb was a disruptor in the travel space, giving vacationers a whole new way to find lodging. However, even though its name recognition is high, not everyone loves the company.
Luckily, there are a variety of alternatives to Airbnb, giving savvy travelers additional options for finding short-term rentals. If you would prefer to use something other than Airbnb, here are a few places to try.
HomeAway
Boasting over 2 million listings across more than 190 countries, HomeAway is a strong alternative to Airbnb. You can find options for nearly any location, budget, or occasion, and creating a profile is free.
If you easily track your favorite and messages with owners through the site. Booking and paying is also a breeze.
VRBO
VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rental By Owner, is a subsidiary of HomeAway but offers a different experience. There are fewer listing, but options are limited to only true vacation homes. This means you get a completely unhosted experience no matter which one you select. Ultimately, it’s a great alternative to Airbnb, especially for vacationers who want to book a long, private stay.
TripAdvisor Rentals
TripAdvisor is a huge name in travel, and TripAdvisor Rentals quickly made its mark on the marketplace. There are over 830,000 properties in about 190 countries, so the selection is strong. And, since it’s part of the TripAdvisor community, you gain quick access to guidance and offers, making it easier to plan your entire trip.
FlipKey
Owned by TripAdvisor Rentals, FlipKey feels like a smaller startup but has the backing of a true travel giant. The interface isn’t completely smooth, and the selection only features 300,000 properties worldwide, but the site still has a lot to offer.
TurnKey
TurnKey stands out as an alternative to Airbnb by doing something unique: adding an intermediary. Instead of going directly through property owners, you work with the company. They can assist with a variety of needs, including bookings. It also helps standardize the guest experience, similar to a hotel chain.
One important note is that all guest need to be older than 25 unless you secure prior approval. This means parents can’t automatically bring their children, so keep that in mind.
Wimdu
If you’re planning a European vacation, consider Wimdu. The company is incredibly strong in that market, particularly for city and holiday apartments. However, Wimdu has a presence in over 150 countries, so it can be worth exploring even if you have another destination in mind.
Ultimately, there are a lot of alternatives to Airbnb that provide you with access to something other than hotel rooms. If you’re planning a big trip, check out the options above. You may be surprised at what the sites have to offer and how affordable travel accommodations can be when you look in the right places.
Have you tried an alternative to Airbnb? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Looking for more travel tips? Give these great Suburban Finance articles a try:
- Why is It Important to Have a Travel Credit Card?
- The Pros and Cons of Buying a Timeshare
- Nine Cheap Travel Tips
Tamila McDonald has worked as a Financial Advisor for the military for past 13 years. She has taught Personal Financial classes on every subject from credit, to life insurance, as well as all other aspects of financial management. Mrs. McDonald is an AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and has helped her clients to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.
