AirBnB Survival Guide

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2 years ago, a startling first experience with AirBnB almost put me off using this website for booking affordable apartments around the world. I’m glad I continued and gave myself another chance. Now AirBnB is one of my absolute first go-to place to book travel accomodation.

But it really is a mixture of trial and error before you start finding your right balance of price and comfort. And I will show you how to avoid those first unpleasant encounters when visiting someone else’s home abroad.

So. The Top 5 Things You Should Know About AirBnB and live to tell the tale.

1) AirBnB has a team of professional photographers. It’s their job to make the house/apartment look as amazing as possible. Make sure to read the reviews below on each profile carefully.

2) Beware of Hidden Fees. In some countries, the host has the right to charge you on a variety of additional items and bills. Make sure to read the small prints carefully.

3) Get yourself protected. Take some photos when you arrive and when you leave (including timestamps). This gives you evidence that you have absolutely kept the place in a good condition.

4) Don’t try to pay in cash. Your credit card is already hooked up to the site. So make sure that you have enough credits to settle the bill.

5) Cancellation policies will change depending which host you will be staying with. Reading the fine prints is your friend.

Since the first experience I had in Malta which could have gone better, I learned from my mistakes and I have used AirBnB numerous times in France, Prague, and planning on using this for Barcelona next time around.

As location is everything, the key tip is to do neighbourhood checks by researching beforehand and then choose the best value (rather than price) in your favourite neighbourhood.

Now you can go forth and enjoy having an amazing apartment from every corner of the world!

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