By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
The rise of the sharing economy has created many new possibilities. Applying this concept to travel, many people have started using Airbnb to rent out spare rooms to earn extra income, while travelers can also find unique accommodations on the platform, adding more fun to their trips. Since its founding in 2008, Airbnb has been used by over 26 million people worldwide, offering 800,000 listings across more than 190 countries.
The rise of the sharing economy has led to more and more travelers using Airbnb to find accommodations. (Image source / Airbnb)
But while this travel method may seem fun, it also comes with certain risks. Here, we’ve specifically compiled a few important things for Airbnb newcomers to keep in mind, hoping everyone can have an enjoyable and safe trip.
Listings are available in 190 countries worldwide. (Image source / Airbnb)
What is Airbnb?
Based on the concept of the sharing economy, Airbnb allows anyone to become a host by sharing their extra space as a lodging option to earn rental income. On the flip side, travelers can find a wide variety of unique accommodations at reasonable prices on the platform—whether it’s a campervan, a castle, or even a treehouse. Compared to traditional hotels or hostels, Airbnb offers more opportunities to find places with a local vibe or interesting stories.
Airbnb lets you find more distinctive accommodations compared to regular hotels. (Image source / Airbnb)
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 more, before a license can be issued. Although Airbnb offers a seemingly vast selection of listings, many of them are unlicensed and therefore illegal, as the sharing model allows virtually anyone with spare space to offer it as accommodation.
● Safety of hosts and accommodations
Since Airbnb listings aren’t government-certified, extra caution is needed when choosing. Don’t just book a place because the photos look nice. All Airbnb listings feature guest reviews, so it’s wise to read previous guests’ feedback about both the property and the host before booking. One thing to watch out for is overly one-sided reviews—for example, if most comments focus only on how friendly or hospitable the host is but barely mention the room itself, the accommodation might not be as great as it seems.
Stay in touch with friends and family to ensure your safety. (Image source / Airbnb)
● Keep in contact with the host
We’re all visual creatures and often drawn in by beautiful photos—but whether the place actually lives up to the images is another story. If you have any concerns, use Airbnb’s messaging feature to clarify details with the host in advance. For instance, some hosts may offer free bicycles, while others might rent them out. It’s best to iron out any potential misunderstandings ahead of time by asking questions via the messaging system. Additionally, Airbnb prices often have some room for negotiation (flexibility). If you’re staying for several extra days, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask via message if a discount is possible.
● Inform your friends and family about your Airbnb booking
During your trip, if you’ve pre-booked accommodations, it’s a good idea to let your friends or family know where you’ll be staying. This is especially important with Airbnb listings, as most don’t have official government licenses—you never know what kind of host or property you might end up with. While trusting your hosts can lead to wonderful travel experiences, it’s always safer to keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts.
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