Tag: Airbnb

Top 10 U.S. Destinations Surging In Popularity This Summer According To Airbnb
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It’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation.

The good news is that you don’t need to leave the U.S. to visit a trending hotspot and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Airbnb has revealed its summer travel trends, including a comprehensive list of the U.S. destinations that are currently surging in popularity.

Some of these trending hot spots were to be expected, while others have come as a big surprise!

Here are the top 10:
1. Santa Rose Beach, Florida
2. Rosemary Beach, Florida
3. Saint Paul, Minnesota
4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
5. Eugene, Oregon
5. Ouray, Colorado

Ouray has been named as the Outdoor recreation capitol of Colorado and the rugged mountain peaks that surround the town often mean that it is called ‘Little Switzerland’.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a European-style vacation without leaving the U.S.

If you love spending time in the great outdoors then there are few better places to be.

Hiking is popular here as is kayaking and exploring the creeks that flow down through valleys and canyons into the city.

If you’d prefer a more relaxing vacation, then Ouray is also famed for its hot springs.

These geothermal heated mineral pools range in temperate from 75 – 104 degrees F (23 – 40 C) meaning that they can be comfortably enjoyed year-round, and are an experience that attracts visitors from across the U.S.

4. Glendale, Arizona

Glendale is renowned for its incredible array of hiking trails, its historic attractions, and its state-of-the-art sporting facilities.

It’s considered an affordable destination to visit while still being cram-packed with entertainment.

See a concert at the Desert Diamond Arena, enjoy the natural preserves of Thunderbird Conservation Park, or head to the Westgate Entertainment District, the biggest entertainment area in Arizona.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this destination is trending right now.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada

Viva, Las Vegas! Already one of the premier vacation destinations in the U.S. Las Vegas is trending for this summer.

This should come as no surprise as summer is consistently the most popular time to visit Vegas thanks to its dry, hot, heat and abundant activities. And we’re not just talking about the casinos.

There are more families in town at this time of year, which explains the larger visitor numbers, but despite this, accommodation tends to be cheaper in Vegas in the summer months. You’re sure to find somewhere to stay that suits your budget.

According to Airbnb, traveling for huge sporting events is a key trend this summer. One reason Las Vegas is trending is that travelers are looking for properties near America’s Soccer Tournament.

This is another factor in the popularity of Glendale, Arizona, too.

2. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, and the 2nd largest city in the state. There’s so much to see and do here.

One of America’s best zoos, the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is located in Columbia, not to mention a huge number of museums and monuments.

The downtown area of the city has recently been revitalized, but there is still an abundance of historic sites for history buffs. These include the Robert Mills House and Gardens, the Mann-Simons site, and the Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens.

Columbia is also one of the more affordable state capitals for U.S. travelers, which explains why the destination is trending so highly right now.

1. Quincy, Washington

The fastest-trending destination in the U.S. right now is Quincy, Washington.

Chosen as one of the best small towns in Washington State, Quincy is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers.

During the summer months boating, water skiing, hunting, and fishing are all popular pastimes here.

Quincy is also home to the Gorge Ampitheater which is considered one of the most scenic concert locations in the world, making it a huge attraction for tourists, particularly during the summer months.

Many will plan their vacation time around the concert they want to see at the Gorge Amphitheater, with upcoming concerts including the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Blink 182, and Dave Matthews. The Gorge Amphitheater attracts big names.

This tracks with Airbnb’s findings that travelers are seeking experiential stays right now. They want to incorporate once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as concerts in incredible venues, into their trip.

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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April 13, 2024
Why Hotels Are Cheaper Than Airbnb In Most Destinations, According To New Report

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Airbnb has been getting a bad rap recently. In 2021, Barcelona became the first European city to effectively ban Airbnb. A cascade of cities and even counties followed.

Then, earlier this month, New York followed suit by banning booking service platforms like Airbnb from offering short-term unregistered rentals in the city.

And to add insult to injury, now a new report from Which? has found that Airbnb’s aren’t actually any cheaper than hotels in most destinations anyway.

The study found that a one-bedroom short-term let from a platform such as Airbnb is more expensive than a hotel room in 38 of the 50 destinations surveyed.

This might come as a surprise to many because when they first launched, private rental sites such as Airbnb and Vrbo offered a cheaper alternative to booking a hotel in many in-demand cities.

These are the destinations where the differences were the biggest:

Big Savings In Capital Cities

Hotels were cheaper than Airbnb in every capital city included in the investigation.

The following 7 capital cities are a clear example of this:

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Amsterdam is $224. The average price of a hotel room is $143.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Singapore is $174. The average price of a hotel room is $100.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Greater London is $200. The average price of a hotel room is $126.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Dubai is $157. The average price of a hotel room is $87.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Barcelona is $172. The average price of a hotel room is $116.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in Hong Kong is $121. The average price of a hotel room is $65.

The average price of a one-bedroom Airbnb in San Fransisco is $201. The average price of a hotel room is $157.

New York, New York

Because the effective banning of Airbnb in New York has been such a big media focus in the past couple of months, the study also looked at the costs of hotels versus Airbnb in New York City.

It found that not only were Airbnb’s in the city more expensive than equivalent hotel rooms but also that many New York options still listed on the site are actually illegal.

You are no longer allowed to rent out a whole home for less than 30 days in New York. This means that the only legal Airbnb options in the city are those where the owner resides in the property and where the property is officially registered for short-term rental.

This change is expected to drive up nightly rates in the city further.

The trend of banning Airbnb and other short-term rental sites is only set to continue. From October 1 Scotland will also introduce a restrictive licensing scheme for short-term lets, for example.

Are Hotel Rooms Really Better?

When asked to respond to the study, Airbnb said “This data is wrong and based on flawed methodology” because private lets generally have more space than hotel rooms.

And it is worth mentioning that when you book an Airbnb, you will typically have more space than a hotel room. But this isn’t always the case.

You will also often have a kitchen or cooking facilities, which means you could save money in the long run if you compare the costs of eating out with the costs of cooking for yourself.

It is ideal if you enjoy cooking for yourself on vacation but not important if you feel eating out is part of the fun of the trip.

Finally, the Which? study concludes that a bigger Airbnb may still be better value for a group as the cost of a larger let is often cheaper than the combined cost of several hotel rooms. Many families also prefer the space and flexibility offered by Airbnb.

But in terms of cost alone, in most cases, a hotel room will be cheaper than an Airbnb rental.

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September 19, 2023
These Are The Top 5 Reasons To Avoid Airbnb On Your Next Trip
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More than a billion travelers have used Airbnb to find unique travel experiences since its founding in 2008. With over half a million guests per year visiting more than 220 countries at all different price points, Airbnb has effectively become the only real option for travel rentals.

Unfortunately, in the absence of legitimate global competition for hotel alternatives, Airbnb has become more problematic as it continues to grow.

Both guests and hosts are getting fed up while the challenges only grow in step with the platform’s rise to ubiquity.

While Airbnb has taken some steps to address common pain points, such as giving guests the option to see all fees upfront while searching, other more systemic hurdles will be nearly impossible to surmount. These are features – not bugs – of the Airbnb system.

Here are the top five reasons you might want to avoid Airbnb on your next trip:

Missing or Mismatched Amenities

Vacation time is a more precious commodity than dollars, euros, or pesos for most travelers. With the majority of Americans taking less than two weeks of vacation per year, it’s safe to say that every traveler wants to squeeze every last drop out of their travel days.

Unfortunately, the inconsistency of amenities across Airbnb properties means less time to enjoy your destination.

Sometimes absolute basics like toilet paper or soap may be missing from your accommodation, turning a chunk of your precious holiday relaxation time into a stressful weekend-rush-hour supermarket run, possibly in a foreign language or far from your accommodation.

More importantly, you never really know what you’re getting until you read pages of descriptions and house manuals, which are all inconveniently located in different sections of the web listing (and sometimes nonsensically auto-translated, just for giggles).

There’s simply too much variety to avoid mismatched expectations or miscommunications.

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Hosts Can’t Compete With A Front Desk

There are many genuinely outstanding hosts on Airbnb who deserve serious commendation for their hospitality and love of their hometown. However, like amenities, Airbnb hosts’ hospitality and responsiveness are pretty luck-of-the-draw.

Even when staying with a superhost, there’s often (understandably) a significant delay in getting problems resolved or getting critical information. From days-long power outages in sweltering heat to flooded bathrooms, there are just some things that make a traveler long for a hotel’s front desk.

These types of issues can quickly deteriorate from inconveniences into genuine health and safety issues. When hosts are not available or able to resolve the problems, Airbnb support should be able to fill in the gaps, right?

…Wrong.

Poor Customer Support Means No Peace Of Mind

A recent report analyzing over 125,000 Airbnb complaints on Twitter found that 72% of travelers’ issues with Airbnb were related to poor customer service.

Top issues included:
- Limited support in emergencies
- Unreachable or very rude, hang-ups
- Denies refunds or full refunds unfairly
- Promises but never delivers
- Provides wrong answer
Some guests accuse Airbnb Support of prioritizing net profits and maintaining its image rather than helping or protecting guests.

In especially terrifying cases, Airbnb’s shadowy ‘safety team’ in particular seems to focus less on preventative changes to keep travelers safe and more on paying millions in hush money when the lack of host accountability and standardized safety practices results in break-ins and violent assaults, which predominantly affect female guests.

A Not-So-Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

What used to be an off path taste of local life seems to have morphed into more of a corporate machine. Foreign house flippers and sterile management companies have replaced the down home hospitality and quirky immersive experiences of early Airbnb.

Airbnb properties’ neighbors know this harsh reality better than anyone – and they’re pushing back.

One study in Hawaii revealed some of the ways short-term vacation rentals like Airbnb erode the character and culture of a neighborhood. “This thing is changing the sense of place of the neighborhood. It’s changing the feel of it, with almost a revolving door of strangers,” one resident said.

Studies from Boston also show that short-term rentals disrupting the organic organization of a neighborhood can also have detrimental effects on social ties and raise crime rates.

A concentration of Airbnbs within a neighborhood can bring issues such as:
- Cultural dilution
- Noise pollution
- Parties
- Congested parking
- Property damage
- Rising rents
- Displaced residents
Because short-term rentals like Airbnb can make 2-8 times more money than a long term lease, many long-term residents are being kicked out of multigenerational family homes all over the world to make room for tourists’ next vacation pads.

This displacement can be seen most severely when wealthier Western tourists flock to cheaper countries with lower local wages for their cheap cost of living; for example, Mexico City.

The average wages in the Mexican capital are $3,800 per year. After last year’s agreement, where the Mexico City government welcomed Airbnb with open arms, a typical 2-bedroom apartment goes for more in monthly rent ($1,500 – 4,000) than many local annual salaries.

A tourist calls their Airbnb price an amazing deal. A digital nomad calls it geoarbitrage. Locals and experts call it global gentrification.

Is Your Holiday Rental Illegal?

Unbeknownst to most travelers, many of the Airbnb listings shown in their search results are in fact illegal.

Some are operating in cities or countries where Airbnb is illegal or heavily restricted. Others haven’t followed proper protocols for their area, such as being a registered real estate or tourism business or renting for the legal minimum or maximum periods of time.

Some hosts even put guests in the uncomfortable position of lying for them in order to skirt these regulations.

Airbnb is banned or severely restricted in these top destinations:
- New York City, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Paris, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Japan
Airbnb began as a brilliant way to travel more like a local. Now, it’s become a necessary evil that travelers just can’t seem to shake.

No need to be discouraged by the lack of well-known alternatives to Airbnb. While the pickings are a bit slim, here are a few trip-worthy ideas for those willing to venture off path:
- Alberghi Diffusi – In Italy and around the world, you can stay in villages that have transformed into “scattered hotels” focused on reviving local historical and cultural gems.
- Ryokan and Minshuku – These traditional guest houses in Japan are usually family-run and passed down through generations. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in Japanese culture, from tatami rooms to hot spring baths.
- Fairbnb – This European co-op gives 50% of the tourists’ payment to funding local community projects while allowing hosts to list their homes for free.
- Home Exchange – Just like the name implies, you can swap homes with someone from another country. Talk about fair trade!
- Locally Owned B&Bs, Guesthouses, and Boutique Hotels – Check out 10 great options from The Guardian here, or search on your own using filters on Booking, Google, or elsewhere.
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May 30, 2023
6 Ways Airbnb Rentals Mislead Travelers Into Booking

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Despite a variety of complaints about short-term rentals, it appears they are here to stay for the long haul.

Some are concerned about the safety of such rentals, and others complain they are ruining the heart and soul of certain neighborhoods.

Many travelers still prefer hotels over vacation rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO, and even some listings on Booking.com.

But it’s Airbnb who takes the cake in being the #1 vacation rental platform, and with that comes the potential for being misled into thinking your rental is better than it is.

It’s important to have a keen eye for detail when choosing a place to stay on such sites as Airbnb.

These are 6 ways Airbnb rentals are misleading travelers into booking:

Too Picture Perfect

We’ve all had that one friend who seems to take a selfie of every single aspect of their life. Using filters, duck faces, and calculated angles to make themselves appear more Instagram-able — maybe even photoshopping.

It’s no different with Airbnb listings where deceptive tactics are commonly used.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, low-quality pictures can hide negative aspects of the rental.

So if the listing seems too good to be true, or you catch yourself squinting at blurred photos, it might be best to book elsewhere.

Oops…Did I Forget To Mention That?

It’s probably not always easy being an Airbnb host and being able to fully encapsulate what travelers should expect.

Hosts provide a summary of their property, but some travelers have been disappointed to find key elements left out of the description.

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Perhaps a couple is looking for a romantic getaway in a private cabin only to arrive and find out its actually a guesthouse in someone’s backyard.

Maybe someone is looking for some solitude only to arrive and realize they are located across the street from a loud mechanic shop.

It’s important to not only read through the property description but also past guest reviews, if applicable.

This will limit these disappointing experiences for travelers.

I’m Sorry, But This Wasn’t In Your Video

On the surface, videos seem like a much more reliable way to get a feel for a rental before seeing it in person.

Unfortunately, there are bad apples out there who will purposely record at certain angles, or even record something entirely unrelated to present a false scenario.

Maybe those epic views of the ocean are coming from another area of the building and not the specific unit you will be staying in.

Perhaps the dwelling itself is remodeled, but the building is janky and falling apart. Would the host include that in the video?

These tactics do not violate Airbnb terms or laws in any way. That’s why its important for users to be vigilant in turning over every stone before clicking “Reserve”.

A Little White Lie Never Hurt Anyone

Bending the truth can alter guests’ expectations. It would be very disappointing to show up to a dreamy place to stay only to find it doesn’t match expectations.

Maybe you plan on staying a while and taking full advantage of a nice, open kitchen with all the bells and whistles.

When you show up, maybe it’s more college-style with a mini fridge and microwave. Hosts could also be deceiving in describing other amenities, such as washing machines and dryers.

Maybe they word it in a way to imply it’s in the house, but really they live a block away from a laundromat.

Excuse Me, Where Is Your House Again?

Sometimes hosts might imply they are a little closer to certain attractions, when in reality, that’s simply not true.

Say you were to book a cozy apartment in San Diego and wanted to be within walking distance of a nice beach.

Airbnb does not disclose the exact location of rentals before officially booking. The listing only shows a blip on the map.

To become more appealing, hosts might exaggerate the location and say things like “walking distance” and “close to”, when in fact it might not be walkable at all.

What Are These Charges?

In rare cases more common in other countries, some properties may charge for the use of air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and not-so-clear cleaning fees.

It’s important to read the fine print of the listing to ensure there are no surprise charges upon checkout.

Although uncommon, it does happen and can result in an uncomfortable back-and-forth dispute between the host, yourself, and Airbnb.

To combat these frustrations, travelers should know Airbnb has implemented a new guarantee called AirCover to ensure the best experience possible.

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May 6, 2023
10 U.S. Cities With The Highest Airbnb Fees

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Which cities in the United States have the highest Airbnb fees? If you’re planning a trip this summer and thinking of staying in an Airbnb to save money, you’ll want to think twice about these destinations.

According to Forbes, these cities have the worst Airbnb fees, which can add as much as 48% to the total cost of your stay.

Airbnb has already come under fire for the unpopular practice of allowing hosts to charge guests an exorbitant cleaning fee on top of requiring guests to perform cleaning chores before checking out.

In addition to cleaning fees, Airbnb hosts can also charge a “service fee.”

When combined with taxes, these fees can add up and make the total cost of your stay much higher than the advertised price, which only includes the nightly rate.

These are the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest Airbnb fees:

1. Atlanta, Georgia

While Atlanta has one of the lowest average nightly rates on this list at $192 per night, your savings won’t go as far as you might expect due to sky-high fees.

The average fees, combining cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes, on an Airbnb rental in Atlanta comes to a whopping 48% additional cost.

2. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is a popular destination in the American Southwest known for its year-round sun and warmth, and desert beauty. But booking an Airbnb in Phoenix is not without high costs.

With an average nightly rate of $202, Phoenix Airbnbs also comes with a staggering 47% in additional fees.

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3. Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Fort Myers Beach has some of the best beaches in Florida.

But if you’re planning a vacation to this popular Florida beach destination, expect to pay an average nightly rate of $248 with 46% extra in fees.

4. Davenport, Florida

Davenport, Florida has the lowest average nightly rate on this list, at just $166 per night.

However, guests at Airbnbs in this town less than half an hour from Disney World should still expect to be hit with high fees, adding an additional 45% to the total cost of their stay.

5. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee falls squarely in the middle of this list of cities with the worst Airbnb fees.

Guests staying at Airbnbs in this Southern city will pay, on average, $215 per night, along with an additional 45% in fees.

6. Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah is one of the most popular winter destinations in the United States for skiing and snowboarding. But Airbnbs in this city come at a premium.

Guests will pay, on average, $293 per night (the highest cost on this list) with an additional 45% in fees.

7. Scottsdale, Arizona

Another Arizona city on this list is Scottsdale. Known as an upscale luxury destination with access to nature, Scottsdale Airbnbs have an average nightly price of $253.

But additional fees will tack on an additional 45% to the total cost.

8. Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and growing quickly.

For travelers staying at an Airbnb in this Texas city, you can expect to pay $193 per night (on the lower end of this list) but with 45% in additional fees.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, also known as The Big Easy, is famous for letting the good times roll.

But when it comes to Airbnb fees, this city is notorious, charging an additional 45% in fees on top of an average nightly rate of $203.

10. Chicago, Illinois

Rounding out the list of cities with the worst Airbnb fees is Chicago.

Guests staying at an Airbnb rental in The Windy City should expect an additional 44% in fees on top of the average nightly rate of $257.

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April 7, 2023
These Are The Top 5 Cities With The Highest Airbnb Fees According To New Study

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Nothing is worse than putting in hours of research trying to book the perfect getaway, then reaching the final page and seeing exorbitant fees tacked on.

Random cleaning fees, pet fees, high deposits, service charges, and more have sent frustrated travelers into a frenzy!

Hotels have made a big comeback after the COVID-19 pandemic, while Airbnb continues to charge high fees and has had some unfortunate incidents in recent headlines.

Travelers have a dilemma on their hands when trying to choose between a more spacious stay at an Airbnb or a more traditional stay at a hotel.

What Is Included In New Study

It’s not surprising since Airbnb users are expected to encounter an average of 36% in various fees this summer.

For example, if guests were to pick a comfortable home to stay at for roughly $180 per night, the added fees would potentially make the new cost almost $250 per night.

These numbers are found in a recent study by Forbes to determine the highest fees for each market this summer.

The study was performed by searching over 30,000 listings in 100 of the most sought-after Airbnb destinations ranging from major cities, such as Houston and Chicago, to smaller markets, such as Montauk and Kissimmee.

The following are the top 5 cities for the highest AirBnB fees:

Number 5 – Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a fun city to explore and waste the night away on the famous Beale Street.

Known for Hall-of-Fame musical talents, such as B.B. King and Elvis Presley, who began their careers in this marvelous city, music lovers will have the time of their lives.

It’s also a haven for BBQ enthusiasts, with many mouthwatering restaurants across the city.

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While visitors will have a blast here, it may not be so fun to check the bill of your Airbnb.

The blues capitol of Tennessee comes in ranked at Number 5 due to its very high costs.

At a nightly rate averaging $215, the fees average 45% spread across various cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes.

Number 4 – Davenport, Florida

While many may not recognize this town, it is located in close proximity to the more popular city of Orlando.

About a 40-minute drive from the city, guests who would stay here would still be able to explore beaches and Walt Disney World in an easy day trip.

Those considering staying in this area might want to reconsider, as Davenport comes in ranked at Number 4.

At a nightly rate of $166, the fees are very expensive, also averaging 45% spread across various fees and taxes.

Number 3 – Fort Myers, Florida

Famous for beautiful beaches, fishing trips, and shopping options, Fort Myers is a popular destination for Airbnb-ers.

Unfortunately, this market is the highest in fees for the state of Florida. Beachgoers will need to keep a close eye on their bill when booking here.

Fort Myers ranks Number 3 due to its slightly higher costs than its other Florida counterpart, Davenport.

The average nightly rate is $248, with the average fees coming out to 46% when including a variety of fees and taxes.

Number 2 – Phoenix, Arizona

The capital of the beautiful desert state of Arizona is known for its warm weather, pristine golf courses, and trendy suburbs. This city is a very popular place for Airbnbs.

Although, those coming to Phoenix and the surrounding areas may experience shocking costs when looking beyond the average nightly rate of $202.

Phoenix ranks Number 2 on the list, with total fees averaging 47%. Cleaning fees alone come in at a very high 20% compared to other cities remaining in the teens.

Nearby Scottsdale, where many guests choose to stay when visiting the Valley of The Sun, also ranks Number 7 with very similar results to bigger Phoenix.

Number 1 – Atlanta, Georgia

The city of Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia, as well as being the Capital. A city with deep ties to its Southern roots, this area has a diverse music scene and an underrated food hub for foodie travelers.

The Atlanta airport is one of the busiest in the nation, which means many travelers opt to stay here even when passing through.

Those looking to stay at an Airbnb may find fees larger than a Georgia peach!

Atlanta ranks Number 1 in the country. Airbnbs in Atlanta have an average nightly rate of $192.

The fees are the highest in the country, with the average total of fees at 47%

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March 28, 2023
Is Airbnb Still A Great Choice For Travelers In 2023?

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The hospitality industry has been changing a lot since the pandemic. Not only the business model but also travelers’ experiences. For years, Airbnb has been a disruptive company that offers great and cheaper solutions for travelers, but this has changed, and guests no longer feel as safe and welcome as they used to.

Renting a vacation stay on Airbnb was a great alternative to hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid large crowds and for workcation experiences. But prices have significantly increased—a 37% increase in 2022 compared to the same quarter in 2019— and travelers are seriously considering hotels as better and even cheaper alternatives.

In a recent viral tweet, writer Jeremy Gordon said that he stayed at a Holiday Inn instead of an Airbnb, and he considered it a glamorous experience. The amusing tweet had hundreds of comments—and complaints— from users. The discontent is not new. Many travelers have been disapproving of Airbnb’s services for a long time now.

Decided to stay in a Holiday Inn instead of an Airbnb for an overnight trip and strongly feel, one hour after check-in, that there has never been a more luxurious experience in all of human history

— Jeremy Gordon (@jeremypgordon) January 7, 2023

Why are travelers showing a preference for hotels? Here are a few of the main reasons why travelers are no longer considering Airbnb as the best accommodation option in 2023:

Hosts’ Cleaning requests

Just a few months ago, users raged all over the internet to complain about demanding hosts forcing guests to clean before departure while still paying costly cleaning fees. One guest, Necole Kane, said that during her vacation in Arizona, the host had her complete a long chore list after she had already paid a $375 cleaning fee. By the time she finished all the tasks, Necole was late for a tour she had booked. After all that headache, is it really a vacation anymore?

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Last year, the average cleaning fee on Airbnb in the United States was $143, and many hosts are requesting travelers not only wash the dishes but also clean, sweep, and take care of the linens. Guests are not happy and are getting tired of working during their vacations.

Missing Items And Unexpected Situations

Will you find enough toilet paper or towels? This is never a question when staying at a hotel, but a frequent one when staying at an Airbnb. Each host has their own rules regarding hospitality, so travelers usually have to be prepared to run to the grocery store upon arrival when reality does not meet their basic demands.

Check-in and check-out are also usually a mystery and can be stressful. Will your host be there by the time you arrive? Will you have to meet them and make small talk after a long flight? Will you have to wait for them to open the door? Will you find the hidden key? A Tiktok user recently went viral after describing the check-in experience as being in a show called “home invaders.”

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Privacy And Hidden Cameras Concerns

Security has been a major concern for Airbnb users. A few months ago, a survey revealed that 58% of guests were concerned about hidden cameras in their Airbnbs, and many travelers have found them in their temporary homes.

Airbnb’s policy states that security cameras are allowed as long as they are disclosed on the listing and cannot be placed in private areas like the bedroom or the bathroom. But how can travelers know if they are being recorded? How much privacy do they really have? What about remote workers who need to protect their company’s information? There are many gray areas, and the topic has aroused debate.

Hotels And Airbnbs

Airbnb has made changes to optimize its services, like updating its platform to show cleaning and other fees in the final price, as many travelers were complaining that the final price was higher than the one featured on the feed. However, prices sometimes are still high and comparable to hotel prices.

Hotels do not make guests clean up before departure, and some travelers are reconnecting to hotel services and describing them as “luxurious” and more relaxing than Airbnb. Now large hotel chains like Marriott are launching new products and services to compete against Airbnb and offer guests the best of both worlds.

There are still great Airbnb listings and many options on the platform, and the company is making major efforts to become digital nomads’ preferred option, but travelers must consider all pros and cons before booking their stay in 2023.

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

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January 14, 2023
Top 10 Destinations In The U.S. This Fall, According To Airbnb

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Fall is upon us, and travelers are ready to hit the road and enjoy the change in seasons. Airbnb has reported the top ten destinations in the U.S. for fall travelers, pointing out that last-minute beach destinations and college towns lead the pack. With football season beginning, fans are eager to reserve their accommodations for upcoming games. Also, with summer ending, many travelers hope to squeeze in one last trip to the beach before the cold sets in. Below are the top U.S. destinations this fall based on the number of nights booked on Airbnb.

10) Wheat Ridge, CO

Wheat Ridge is part of the Denver metropolitan area, located immediately west of Denver’s city center. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to downtown Denver without being right in the middle of a big city. Fall is a great time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.

9) Lexington, KY

Lexington sits about an hour south of Cincinnati and is home to the famous horse racing track, Keeneland. Fall racing begins in October and lasts nearly the entire month. University of Kentucky fans also pour into the city throughout the fall to catch the Wildcat’s football games.

8) Lubbock, TX

Home to Texas Tech University, Lubbock is set to welcome many visitors this fall as fans pour in from all over the state and country. Football is a big deal in Texas, and fans are highly loyal, leading to increased bookings for the area through Airbnb.

7) Ann Arbor, MI

Another big college football town, Ann Arbor, is home to the University of Michigan. Located to the west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is home to many breweries offering unique Autumn brews. There are also several orchards nearby for pumpkin collecting and hot cider.

6) Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge is a wonderful place to visit in the fall. The weather is still warm but mild compared to summer, and there are plenty of festivals to attend, including the Fifolet Halloween Festival. Football is also a big attraction for the fall, with both LSU and Southern University in the city.

5) La Mesa, CA

La Mesa is just east of San Diego, so it goes without saying that the fall weather is perfect there! If you are in around Halloween time, be sure to check out the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations for an authentic celebration of this Mexican tradition.

4) Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana is in Orange County near Huntington Beach and southeast of Los Angeles. Temperatures don’t typically dip below 70 during the day in November, and evening brings cool weather in the mid-50s. Visit the Old World Village in nearby Huntington Beach for Oktoberfest from September 18^th to November 6^th.

3) Oxford, MS

The Ole Miss Rebels have a massive college football fan following, and it’s no surprise that people are flocking to Airbnbs near the University of Mississippi this fall. Oxford is in northern Mississippi, about an hour south of Memphis, Tennessee. Rowan Oak, the historic home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner is a popular attraction in the area.

2) Bella Vista, AR

Bella Vista is a great fall getaway for travelers who want to take in the foliage. The city lies on the southern border of Mississippi. With almost 100 miles of hiking and biking trails, it’s an excellent location for connecting with nature. Seven lakes and golf courses are in the area, allowing visitors the opportunity to golf, fish, kayak, and paddleboard.

1) Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City is the top destination for Airbnb stays this fall, and it’s easy to see why. Towards the beginning of October, several blocks of Asbury Avenue are closed off for the annual Fall Block Party. Live performances, countless merchants, and artists line the streets, and there is a fireworks display in the evening. If you are in town for Halloween, you can enjoy the yearly Halloween Parade, which has been taking place for over 70 years.

Depending on when you arrive, it may be too cold for a swim. However, the beaches are still open and are great for a beautiful walk without the crowds. Afterward, travelers can head downtown to walk along Asbury Avenue, which is excellent for shopping and is home to many charming cafes.

Where Else Are Travelers Headed?

While the above destinations are the top spots for U.S. travelers using Airbnb this fall, there are several other locations travelers are interested in. We’ve also covered the top European destinations Americans are headed to this fall and the top U.S. destinations they are headed to this fall, according to Tripadvisor. Notable domestic destinations include Las Vegas and New York, while notable international locations include Edinburgh and Munich.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 3, 2022
Airbnb Cracks Down On Host Cancellations, What It Means For Travelers
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Beginning this August, Airbnb will be changing its host cancelation fee structure in to crack down on hosts who cancel reservations at the last minute. Airbnb has grown to be a wildly popular platform over the last decade, and it continues to offer affordable, unique, and diverse accommodations not found anywhere else. When it works, it works, but sometimes the unexpected can happen.

Bookings made months in advance that were considered a done deal have been canceled by the host, leaving travelers scrambling to find accommodation for their trips. Sometimes the reasoning is understandable enough, such as downed powerlines or unexpected damage to the property. However, sometimes the reason is outright unfair. Some hosts list the same property twice at different rates and cancel the booking for the person who reserved the lower rate.

Why Airbnb Is Making The Change

Until recently, the only penalty hosts faced when canceling a booking was a $50 to $100 fee, dependent on how close to the reservation the host canceled. This fee is excruciatingly low compared to how much hosts can make if they list a property more than once or find other ways to “resell” the reservation at a higher rate.

Consider the following:

A host has a single property they list on Airbnb for $100 per night. This is low enough they can nearly guarantee a booking. Now they list the same property again, either on Airbnb or another platform, for $250 per night. Why? Sometimes you catch a big fish where you least expect it. The property may not be worth $250 per night, but the host hopes to get lucky. Now, imagine you reserved the Airbnb months ahead of an upcoming trip. However, three days before you’re ready to leave, the higher-priced listing gets booked. What do you think the host will do? They will recoup the minuscule fee incurred in a single night, so of course they will cancel your reservation!

The New Standard

The problem was getting out of hand, with 41.1% of scams affecting Airbnb users falling into the “Multiple Listings Scam” category in 2021. Understandably, Airbnb has decided this needs to stop. When hosts cancel at the last minute, the travelers affected lose all confidence in the platform. They will very likely advise everyone they know to avoid using Airbnb. For this reason, Airbnb will be updating its host cancellation policy beginning on August 22^nd, 2022.

Beginning this August, the minimum cancelation fee will be $50, and the maximum fee will be $1000. The fee imposed will be dependent upon how close to the reservation the host cancels. Here is the breakdown:

If Cancelled:
- 30 days ahead of check-in: 10% of Reservation Cost
- Less than 30 days but more than 48 hours before check-in: 25% of Reservation Cost
- Less than 48 hours before check-in: 50% of Reservation Cost
What It Means For Travelers

Travelers will likely reap the benefits of this necessary change. Firstly, host cancellations are more likely to decrease overall. In the case of the multiple listing example above, a fee of $1000 would greatly diminish any additional profit the host would gain by double listing the property. Knowing this, the host is less likely to double-list the property in the first place.

Additionally, travelers are likely to receive more support from Airbnb when things still don’t pan out as intended. Before the change, Airbnb would try to help travelers find similar accommodations. The company would their original deposit to a new booking. However, no similar properties were often available at the same price point. This forced travelers to either stay in sub-par accommodations, stay further out from their originally intended area, or cancel their trip and receive a refund.

Time will tell whether the change effectively lowers the incidence of host cancellations, but the future looks promising. Airbnb is a unique alternative to traditional bookings such as hotels, and this new change is sure to inspire more confidence in the platform moving forward.

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July 30, 2022
Most Popular U.S. Cities For Digital Nomads, According To Airbnb
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As remote work becomes more prevalent, many people are beginning to blend work with travel. The number of digital nomads is steadily increasing, and companies like Airbnb have benefited. The company says that many travelers have been living in an Airbnb for entire seasons at a time, with about 20% of guests in 2021 reporting that they were working remotely during their stay. Airbnb says the trend has continued into the first quarter of 2022 and has announced the five most popular U.S. cities for digital nomads this year.

1) Los Angeles, California

As the second most populated city in the U.S., Los Angeles is known for being a city of dreamers and is called home by people from all over the world. It’s an excellent city to settle into for a while and offers great options for digital nomads.

Some benefits of Los Angeles as a digital nomad include:
- Fast internet all over the city. For those using Airbnb, the internet is also likely included.
- There are plenty of cafes with internet and coworking spaces to work out of.
- You’ll never run out of new things to do and try.
2) New York, New York

New York City is the second most popular city for digital nomads and is the most populated city in the United States. For those just getting started as a digital nomad, the big apple can be a tall order as it has one of the highest costs of living in the world. However, for those who can afford it, New York City can be a great place to call home for a time as a digital nomad.

Some benefits of New York as a digital nomad include:
- Endless coffee shops with fast internet and loads of coworking spaces to choose from.
- There is so much to do in this city you’ll have trouble crossing everything off your list.
- You won’t need a car. New York City is very well connected, and public transportation is everywhere.
3) San Francisco, California

San Francisco is the third most popular choice for digital nomads, according to Airbnb. Following the theme of the first two cities on the list, San Francisco is also an expensive city. The average rent in the city is nearly $3,400, so digital nomads should prepare for higher costs. Still, there are benefits to the area.

Some benefits of San Francisco as a digital nomad include:
- Networking. As the home of global technology, San Franciso is a great place to meet other like-minded people using the internet to leverage their careers.
- The weather is incredible all year long. Winter is mild, and summer hovers in the mid-70s.
- It’s easy to explore. Public transport is thriving in the city, and those with a bicycle can quickly get around due to the city’s extensive bike lanes.
4) Houston, Texas

Houston is the fourth most popular choice for digital nomads this year and the fourth most populous city in the United States. The city covers a lot of ground and is fairly car-dependent regarding transportation. Digital nomads may find it challenging to get around without one. However, digital nomads are still flocking to the city.

Some benefits of Houston as a digital nomad include:
- It’s a big city but it is more affordable than many others. It had the second lowest cost of living compared to other populous U.S. metro areas in quarter one of 2022.
- There is always something going on. Concerts, sporting events, museums, and shows are constantly being put on. Entertainment will never be in short supply.
5) Seattle, Washington

Seattle is the fifth most popular choice for digital nomads for 2022. As the home of the world’s first Starbucks, it goes without saying there are endless options for coffee shops to work out of. There are plenty of transportation options in the city, and there really isn’t much need to have a car.

Some benefits of Seattle as a digital nomad include:
- Close to nature. Seattle is an excellent city choice for those who like to get away from the city to refresh for a day, with Olympic National Park in close proximity.
- There is no shortage of coworking spaces in the city for those who need more structure.
As digital nomads continue to change the fabric of work culture, it’s likely that Airbnb and other accommodations companies will work to attract them. Airbnb recently announced their own “live and work anywhere initiative,” allowing their employees to work remotely from anywhere without any change in pay. Hopefully, other companies will introduce similar programs for those interested in the digital nomad lifestyle.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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July 28, 2022