Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Trust - How trustworthy are Airbnb homes?

Trust plays a big part when booking an Airbnb home. I know, it's crazy to have trust for a complete stranger. I can imagine a bunch of "what ifs" are going through your head. Look at it from the host's point of view though. They are putting their very own home out there for anyone to use. If anyone should be scared, it should be the host. People can be very rude with how they treat where they stay. Think about hotel rooms getting destroyed, but you don't have to worry about it because you're not the one having to clean it up. Imagine having that at the back of your mind when putting your own home out for people to use. These hosts provide people with amazing hospitality at such a good price. Airbnb homes are 100% unlike any hotel because you feel like you're home, except you're in someone else's home in a different city. It's such an awesome idea.
I know there are some horrible people out there, but you cannot live in fear. If everyone were to live in fear, we would get no where in life. You have to push yourself to try new things and put yourself in uncomfortable situations. I know we're talking about travel and Airbnb here, but if you have a passion for traveling as much as I do, you cannot let your fears hold you back. Especially if it's a passion. So save your money and go on a trip you've always wanted to do. Book an amazing Airbnb, make some new friends, and have an once in a lifetime experience.

Adventure - Take a chance

Whenever I think of Airbnb, I of course think of traveling, who doesn't? When I think of traveling, I think of adventure. I believe Airbnb and adventure go so well hand in hand. Airbnb can be a scary thought to some people, especially in places you've never been to. Hearing horror stories of people staying at horrible Airbnb's can definitely deter someone from ever checking out the Airbnb website. Living in fear will get you no where. Take a chance because the best experience of your life could be right around the corner.

My first Airbnb Adventure

My first Airbnb I've ever stayed in was in Cedar City, Utah. It was planned kind of sporadically and last minute. We didn't know for sure if we were going to have enough money, but we just went for it. My boyfriend and I were going together, and we were going for 9 days. Having just heard about Airbnb, I was very curious but also skeptical about it. Neither my boyfriend, nor I knew anyone that has stayed at an Airbnb. I had heard a story about some people staying at an Airbnb in Florida, and when they arrived it was super sketchy and nothing like how it was shown in the pictures. So we were kind of taking our chances. I really liked how the website was designed and the colors that were used. That definitely made my search more pleasant and welcoming. I figured out how to use the settings provided to get exactly what I want, which is super easy to use. From what I remember, I think I had to do a little digging and maybe a little bit of stumbling upon the Superhost option. Which I;m VERY happy I discovered. Superhosts have the best of the best ratings, so I knew I definitely wanted that. I also had the option of choosing if I wanted the entire house to myself or a private room in the house. I didn't think my boyfriend and I needed an entire house to ourselves, so I chose to go with the private room. I ended up finding this cute little house at the top of a giant hill looking over Cedar City. We were both completely ecstatic, and a little nervous about our trip. This trip ended up being the best vacation I've ever been on. We decided to drive to Utah, which took about two days, and it was so incredible. Not giving yourself a time limit on a roadtrip is such an amazing and freeing feeling unlike any other.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Superhosts or Plus?

Superhost

Superhosts are Airbnb's top-rated and most experienced hosts. Superhosts have to have an overall rating of at least 4.8/5 based on reviews from at least 50% of their guests within the past year. They also have to have 0 cancellations within the past year. On top of all that, they have to respond to new messages within 24 hours. They take their hosting pretty seriously.
Before I knew about Airbnb, I would always stay in hotels whenever I would go on a trip. I was very picky and skeptical about where I stayed. I would ALWAYS check reviews to make sure I wouldn't be staying in a nasty place.
When I became aware of Airbnb, I immediately searched for the best reviewed places and soon found out about Superhosts. Every time I have used Airbnb, I've always chosen a Superhost. I have NEVER, ever had a bad experience.
The three Superhosts that I've stayed with were all incredibly nice. I have always gone with my boyfriend, and our hosts provided us with welcoming letters, snacks/breakfast treats, coffee/tea, and their own restaurant recommendations. Of course they provided basic amenities, such as towels, pillows, blankets, etc. Some places may offer more or less than others. What they offer will be listed in their home description when booking.
Since I have had amazing experiences with each stay, it's kind of hard to think it's possible to have a bad experience with your Superhost. I'm sure it is possible though. Make sure to do your research. Read reviews, even if it is a Superhost. Of course always be kind and generous to your hosts and the home. Treat it like how you would want your home to be treated. If you ever do have a bad experience, make sure to leave a detailed review to save anyone else in the future.

Airbnb Plus

As for Airbnb Plus homes, they are even better than just choosing to have a Superhost. To be considered an Airbnb Plus home, it has to be visited by an Airbnb worker for an 100+ point quality inspection. These homes are hosted by Superhosts, so you are not only getting the best of the best host, you are also getting the best of the best home. Every Airbnb Plus home is one-of-a-kind and thoughtfully designed. To make sure it's the best of the best, every detail in the home is looked over to make sure there is a maximum level of comfortability. Now, I have never experienced an Airbnb Plus home myself, but they seem pretty darn fabulous. I have looked through Plus homes on the Airbnb website, and the pictures of the homes look absolutely incredible. They are a bit more pricy than just getting a Superhost, but hey if you want 100% satisfaction guaranteed with every aspect of the house, then Airbnb Plus homes will be right up your alley.