By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
 

The rise of the sharing economy has created more possibilities in life. Applying this concept to travel, many people have started using Airbnb to rent out spare living spaces to earn extra income, while travelers can also find uniquely themed accommodations on the platform, adding more fun to their trips. Since its establishment in 2008, Airbnb has been used by over 26 million people worldwide, offering 800,000 listings across more than 190 countries.

However, while this travel method may seem fun, it also comes with risks. Here, we’ve specifically compiled a few key points for Airbnb newcomers to keep in mind, hoping everyone can enjoy a fun and safe trip.

What is Airbnb?

Based on the concept of the sharing economy, Airbnb allows anyone to become a host by sharing their extra space as lodging to earn rental income. Conversely, travelers can find a wide variety of uniquely themed accommodations at reasonable prices on the platform—ranging from campervans and castles to treehouses. Compared to traditional hotels or hostels, Airbnb offers more opportunities to find options with local character or a sense of story.

What should you pay attention to when using Airbnb?
● Many unlicensed accommodations are illegal
In most countries, operating a hotel or homestay business requires government approval, including passing inspections for safety, hygiene, fire prevention, and other criteria before obtaining an operating license. Although Airbnb offers a seemingly vast selection of listings, many are unlicensed and therefore illegal, as the platform operates on a sharing basis where anyone with spare space can offer it as accommodation.
 
● Host and property safety

Since Airbnb listings aren’t government-certified, extra caution is needed when choosing one. Don’t rush to book just because the photos look appealing. All Airbnb listings feature guest reviews, so it’s recommended to thoroughly read previous guests’ feedback about the property and the host before booking. Be aware that overly one-sided reviews—such as those focusing only on the host’s warmth and attentiveness while barely mentioning the room itself—might indicate that the accommodation isn’t particularly noteworthy.