6 Alternatives to Airbnb You Should Consider for Your Next Trip

Airbnb has changed the travel industry. Instead of staying in a hotel, you have the option to stay in a room or home. This can be easier, more comfortable, and potentially cheaper.

Did you know that there are alternatives to Airbnb? These other sites can offer a different experience and other benefits. Here are six other sites you should consider for your next trip.

Trusted House Sitters

Trusted House Sitters is a site that connects you with a homeowner. It is the largest site of its kid. In exchange for staying in their home, you care for their pets and/or property. The owner and sitter don’t exchange money. Instead, you pay a $199 annual membership fee to be a sitter or a homeowner. Over time, that can save you a lot of money.
You can narrow down your experience by location, dates, and types of animals. Then, you apply to a sitting role. You don’t need previous sitting experience. However, if you have cared for a pet, home, or garden, you can add that to your profile.

VRBO

VRBO is very similar to Airbnb. You rent an apartment, house, or room in someone’s home. VRBO focuses on vacation homes such as cabins and bungalows. Recently, they have expanded to include entire homes.

This site is more common in North America. You can find homes in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and other vacation destinations. VRBO is part of the HomeAway family.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is similar to Trusted House Sitters in that you do not exchange money with the homeowner. Hosts are not allowed to charge and guests cannot offer money.

Instead, guests stay with someone in their home as a form of hospitality. Usually, this is a short term arrangement. Hosts can also be a city guide and show travelers around their city without having someone stay with them. Couchsurfing also hosts meetup events in many cities worldwide.

Homestay

Homestay offers homestays, as their name suggests. You stay with someone in their home (usually a separate bedroom). Costs tend to be very low for accommodations. You can filter accommodations by amenities, hobbies, food options, and who the traveler welcomes.

Homestay is a great way to make connections with local people. It’s available for short or long term travel. And it’s ideal for student stays since the traveler stays with a family or individual.

TripAdvisor Rentals (Flipkey)

TripAdvisor is known for its large travel review and information community. They have begun to offer rentals through their FlipKey (TripAdvisor Rentals) program.

This site allows you to book accommodations at a variety of places. There are homes, cabins, cottages, and other types available.

Booking.com Apartments

Booking.com is a trusted source for booking hotels. They have also gotten into the rental business with Booking.com Apartments. Here, you can find apartments and guest houses. The site can also show you hostels and B&Bs to book.

Conclusion

These are six sites that are alternatives to Airbnb. Each of these sites offers a different experience for booking accommodations. The next time you travel, look around and see what interesting lodging you can find.

Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash