#2GTTT: AirBnB and Why We Love It

So as we all know, the most expensive costs to traveling are lodging and transportation. I have a brilliant tip to cut lodging costs. Are you ready? Airbnb! Have you heard of it? It's like having relatives all over the world. Since I have discovered Airbnb I haven't stayed in a hotel! You can check out their website or download the app.

Our first experience with Airbnb was awesome. It was the best thing I could have done. I booked a private room in someone's house for $500 for the entire week! Breakfast was included. My host was extremely nice and showed me around the island (St. Croix). The property was just as beautiful in person as depicted online. (photos shown above)

How does it work?

Airbnb is a site that offers an alternative to hotels. People open up their homes to accommodate you. A lot of times the host is only there to give you the keys. You can choose from a Shared Room, Private Room, or Entire Home. I will further explain the differences below so you can decide which would be best for you. It's really easy to use. Just type in your desired destination, determine your price point, choose the amount of guests, and decide what kind of room you would like.

Look for any additional fees. Some people require a security deposit that will be returned after you check out. Others charge cleaning fees. In some states they have to charge you a hospitality fee. Just keep an eye out so there aren't any surprises at checkout. Read the house rules. Make sure the check-in and check-out times fit your arrival and departure times. Make sure they offer the amenities that you need.

Airbnb requires payment upon booking, but your card will not be charged until you check in.

If you decide to go this route, click here it will give you $25 towards your first stay.

Before Booking

Before you book, read the reviews!! As with anything else make sure you take a look at what other people had to say about their visit. Don't base your decision off of the pictures. Decide what is more important to you, whether it be cost or location. The host has the right to ask you to upload a copy of your photo ID to verify your identity. They may also "screen" you before agreeing to let you book with them. You can check them out also, there is a section under their listing that allows you to read up on the host. Ask them questions.

Shared Room

If you are traveling alone or if you don't mind the "hostel" feel, this is a good option for you. You may or may not actually share a room with someone but it is the most cost effective option, and you have the opportunity to meet new people. If you need just a place to crash for the night, this would probably be great for you too.

Private Room

This is your own private room inside of someone's house. There may also be other guests there. There are common areas such as the living room and kitchen, some places you may have to share the bathrooms

Entire Home

This option is my favorite simply because I like my privacy. This is also great if you are traveling in a group. For obvious reasons this is the most expensive of the 3 options, but it is still cheaper to rent an entire room vs. the cost of a hotel.

Checking Out

Check out is fairly easy, every host will live you instructions. If you had to give a security deposit, it will be returned to you after the host has inspected everything. Airbnb will prompt you to leave a review. This is one of the most important parts. Remember to be honest! Touch on the things that were most important to you, why you liked them. What do you think would improve your stay? Even if you are afraid it will hurt the host's feelings (don't be rude), it will improve the experience for the next guest. It's like paying it forward.

We've used this site a few times and we don't have any complaints thus far. Funny stories, (we'll tell you those later) but no bad experiences. Let us know what you think. If you didn't catch it earlier, click here for $25 toward your first stay.

I was not in any way paid for this post. These are my own opinions based off of my experience.

#airbnb #2gttt #traveltip #caribbean