Whenever I’m at home too long, I start to get the travel itch. The need to wander is strong with me and so when it comes to finding travel accommodations, I like to keep my mind open. I’m just as happy in our RV, as I am in a vacation home, or in a five-star hotel. What I do look for above all though is my three C’s—clean, comfortable and convenient, which is why I’m currently crushing hard on Airbnb.
Since falling in love with skiing last year, we’ve been spending every possible weekend we can in Mont Tremblant. This world class ski resort is only two hours away from us, so it’s our preferred destination. The problem, up until now, has been finding accommodations that are affordable and meet my three C’s requirement.
Airbnb has been making a bit of a splash on the travel landscape and after trying it out in Mont Tremblant, I can understand why. You can find Airbnb accomodations in over 190 countries, with thousands of unique places to rest your weary head. For families though, this may be the best way you’ve ever travelled together, especially for families larger than four. While hotels are lovely, it’s simply not in the budget when you’re returning to a place time and time again. Now of course, that we’ve done an Airbnb experience we’re eager to try other destinations.
Five Reasons to Rent from Airbnb on Your Next Vacation
Location
When you rent an Airbnb place you are getting actual homes in the very best locations because the owners are like you. They want the best location too! Our rental in Mont Tremblant was steps from the hill, which meant we didn’t have to lug our gear forever. It also meant we could stop back in for lunch or even just to warm up without losing a major portion of our day commuting. There are amazing locations like this all over the world. The only frustrating part might be narrowing it down to one place.
Price
Hotels are not exactly budget friendly. Breakfast alone can cost you a week’s worth of groceries. Plus if you have more than four in your family, that means you’re usually in for a whole other room. Cha-ching. With so many choices available on Airbnb you can find the perfect place without breaking the bank. Many of the places listed are as nice as any high-end hotel room but at a much better price.
Space
Since the places listed on Airbnb are actual residences, they are typically bigger than most hotel rooms. Unless you’re renting a studio this means you’ll be able to catch a break from the kids for a few hours or find a quiet place to read. Airbnb is also perfect for people travelling in groups. Splitting the cost of your vacation home with several people is a fantastic way to save money. The biggest coup to me though, is having a kitchen and not just a coffee maker at your disposal. Nothing beats being able to have your breakfast before you head out for the day.
Home Feel
Sometimes it’s nice to luxuriate in a hotel room and other times, it’s nicer to feel like you’ve come home at the end of the day. Since not every home will be your cup of tea, each Airbnb rental listed on the site comes with several pictures so that you know what you’re getting before you arrive. Maybe you’re not looking for a typical homey feeling at all but rather a castle, a yurt or an igloo. No matter where you choose to stay, it will be uniquely yours and not a carbon copy of someone else’s vacation.
Honest Reviews
Each Airbnb location comes complete with reviews from people who have stayed there. Airbnb actually reminds you post trip to please leave an honest review so that other people can make the right decision for them. This feature alone was why we chose our location in Mont Tremblant. After reading glowing reviews about the location we were convinced. The pictures provided were incredibly accurate and the owner was easy to reach, as well as easy to deal with.
We’ll be busy in Mont Tremblant for the rest of the season, but we’re already eyeing great locations in New York City and Paris for the summer. Where would you stay with Airbnb?
Super Bowl Chili: You NEED To Make This
Gillian Duffy mentioned Airbnb to me early last year. I used it last year on our trip to Florida, and I’ll never stay in a hotel for more than overnight again. To be able to have a full kitchen with a child with food allergies is a LIFESAVER in every possible sense of the word. I couldn’t enjoy traveling anywhere stateside (and all my family is still there) because I couldn’t be sure any place was safe, and do you know how grueling it is for a child to subsist on fruit and dried goods for several days? 🙂 Anyway, Airbnb vacation #3 planned for Florida again next month.