I've traveled alone to over 100 Airbnbs around the world. Here are 6 things I always do before I book.
After staying in 100 Airbnbs as a solo traveler, I've learned to book outside peak season and check internet connection prior to booking.
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- I've stayed in 100 Airbnbs across 50 countries, and I've frequently done so solo.
- To get the best value, I book just outside of peak season.
- I always check to see if reviews seem authentic and if hosts have reviews on other listings.
I've stayed in 100 Airbnbs across 50 countries and four continents.
From a converted bus to luxury homes, each unique experience has taught me new ways to enjoy my stay.
As a solo traveler, there are certain steps I take to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable Airbnb experience. Here are six tips I use when booking my stays.
Book just outside of peak season
Dan Ginn
Booking just outside of peak season can get you huge discounts on Airbnb rentals.
In early September, I booked a trip to Herceg Novi, a beautiful beach town in Montenegro. The cost for 28 nights was only $540. Had I traveled one week earlier, during peak season, the stay would've been double that amount.
I still enjoyed a peak season-esque experience, but didn't have to pay a fortune for it.
Do some digging before ruling out a place with no reviews
Reviews are the backbone of the Airbnb community and can make or break a listing. But sometimes, a beautiful Airbnb may have no reviews because it's new to the platform.
Before dismissing it, it's a good idea to take a look at the host's profile. Hosts often manage several properties that may be full of positive reviews.
If that's the case, you may have more peace of mind going into a new listing since your host has provided high-quality experiences in the past.
Remain vigilant when reading reviews
Some new hosts ask friends and family to leave positive reviews on their listings, which can give potential guests an inauthentic idea of what to expect.
To avoid falling prey to biased reviews, I look out for a few things. First, if the guests leaving reviews haven't stayed at other Airbnbs, it can be a sign they're connected to the host somehow.
Additionally, if a new host has several listings with reviews from the same people, it's fair to question the authenticity of the review.
Ask the host to test the home's internet speed before booking
Dan Ginn
As a digital nomad, I need to have a strong internet connection when staying in an Airbnb. Regardless of where I am in the world, most hosts offer Wi-Fi, but few list exactly how fast it is.
If things like gaming or video calls are important to you, it's worth asking the host for more information about the internet connection.
I like to ask the host to test the internet speed and send a screenshot of the result. This way, I know if I'll be able to make video calls and complete other work-related tasks that require a strong connection.
Check who else will be on the property
Although a host may manage the listing, they may not actually live at the Airbnb. Sometimes, it's unclear who lives on the premises and how many rooms are available.
It's always a good idea to ask if the host lives at the property and if they rent out other rooms to Airbnb guests. This way, you know what to expect during your stay.
Look for homes that offer self-check-in
It's not always possible for hosts to accommodate check-ins early in the morning or late at night.
When I have a more unconventional schedule, I filter my search to only view properties that offer self-check-in.
This gives some flexibility because it allows guests to access the Airbnb using an entry code instead of meeting up with the host.