Airbnb is a leading vacation rental website in the United States that has its listings worldwide. Many people consider a rental house for their vacation as a cheaper option than a hotel. This Vacayholics article speaks about similar sites like Airbnb, that can serve as its alternatives.
Consider This!
Every city and state of respective nations have various rules that legalize the landlord-tenant relationship. Be aware of the law before hosting or taking any accommodation from the above sites, to avoid any legal action in future. |
A vacation involves, not only traveling costs, but the cost of good accommodation too. Hotels sometimes tend to be too burdensome on our pockets, thus making it difficult for us to make desired trips. If you’re traveling with your family, it becomes inconvenient for everyone to accommodate themselves in hotel rooms. Hence, if you’re on a budget, there are certain websites that provide information about hosts who are willing to give you temporary accommodation. This way, you can enjoy the homely feeling, and also be able to take the desired trip even on a tight budget. The most popular website, considered the number one in this industry, is Airbnb. According to their website, they operate in more than 190 countries.
Of course, you can also register as a host on the website. However, make sure that you adhere to legal policies. Note that, before taking a rental accommodation, it is necessary that you understand the pros and cons. You’ll save a lot of money, but everything will not be at your disposal, like hotels.
If you’re keen on booking a rental house, the following are alternatives to the accommodation site Airbnb.
Roomorama
This is one of the booking platforms that features more than 300,000 accommodations. It also has an instant facility if you need bookings immediately. After you choose the accommodation, simply make the payment, and when the host responds to you, a six-digit code will be given to you. Use that code during your check-in. Only then the payment is released to the host, thus ensuring credibility. You can rent a single room or an entire house; all options are available on Roomorama. Website: Roomorama
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HomeAway
HomeAway truly attempts at providing you a home away from home, and has over 1 million listings. Simply browse through the various available houses at your desired location and dates, and other requirements. After confirming with the buyer, negotiating, and making necessary payments, you can check-in at the date of your stay. And of course, do not forget to give your feedback. A special mention: some of them also allow your pets to be brought along. Website: HomeAway
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VRBO
‘Vacation Rentals by Owner’ is a part of the ‘HomeAway’ family. Unlike other websites, it does not charge any booking amount from travelers. The owners can also hire professional help from their staff in return for a certain fee. There are over 50 million visitors every month to the website, which gives more visibility to the owners’ houses. Website: VRBO
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onefinestay
They certainly ensure that you have a ‘fine, comfortable’ stay. The houses are ‘handpicked’ by the staff, thus ensuring safety and comfort, unlike other websites, where they do not visit the owner’s places in advance. The idea is very unique, and they believe in providing homely hospitality, so that you get the luxury and safety of a hotel, plus a homely environment too. Once you select the house and check-in, you’re handed over the keys and also an iPhone to use. Plus, their help center is available 24/7. However, the drawback is that, they only feature homes available in London, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. Website: onefinestay
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9flats
It features around 219,170 places to stay. Right from the lonely, serene places, to the busiest places on Earth, they have all the listings. Plus, the hosts are selected by the staff; hence, it avoids any problems. Also, if you wish to, there are willing hosts who can show you around, and you don’t have to rely on guides and travel books. Website: 9flats
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Wimdu
It has over 150,000 holiday apartments, and is one of the biggest portals for vacation rental apartments in Europe. Similar to other websites, you have to find the desired apartment, and confirm the booking by making the payment. However, payment is made to the host only after 24 hours by the company. They also have started doing on-site checks of the houses. They boast of high hospitality standards. Website: Wimdu
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Tripping
It combines information of all the rental websites, and helps you compare the prices, thus, ensuring the best deal for you. You can have your own customized search, by applying filter levels. They state that they save you the labor of surfing through the portals, and also save your time. Once you finalize a property, simply select it and book it. Website: Tripping
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VacationHomeRentals
This is a popular website for vacation rental in North America, and has more than 13,000 properties enlisted on its portal. A unique feature is ‘Best Price Promise’, that ensures that guests get the best deal. They state that, if you find the same property, at the same time period, at a lower price, the difference will be refunded to you. Another feature is the ‘Happy Rental Guarantee’, which claims that you’ll be protected to the tune of USD 10,000 if either of these occur: the property is not properly represented, or is foreclosed; the seller inadvertently does double booking. Website: VacationHomeRentals
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FlipKey
It is a TripAdvisor company, and has over 300,000 vacation houses listed. Additionally, these houses have been checked for quality by the FlipKey staff, hence, you don’t have to worry about any untoward incident. They also give some special offers, time and again, for the benefit of guest travelers. Website: FlipKey
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TripAdvisor
This is one of the largest travel sites, that helps in making traveling comfortable and safe for millions around the world. A separate section is dedicated to vacation rentals. Home owners and guests can equally take benefits of this popular site. You can choose an affordable or luxurious place near scenic beauty or amidst the busy city life. There are a myriad of options to choose from. Website: TripAdvisor
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