As the travel industry continues to evolve, so do the options for accommodation. While Airbnb has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we experience travel, it has saturated the market and become quite unaffordable (and unsustainable) in many cities.
In this guide, we’ll share some accommodation alternatives that may be a better fit and save you some money while travelling.
The trouble with Airbnb
While Airbnb was once as innovative as sliced bread, cracks have formed in the way it has evolved. Many critics say that Airbnb is contributing to housing shortages in popular tourist destinations. Some opportunistic hosts choose to rent out properties solely for short-term rentals, which limits the availability of long-term housing for local residents. In places like Lisbon, Portugal and Medellín, Colombia, rental prices have inflated by 300%, pushing out the local population.
In highly popular tourist areas, Airbnb is also contributing to over-tourism, leading to issues like increased rent prices, displacement of local residents, and strain on local infrastructure.
Perhaps it’s time to look into alternative options for accommodation rentals that are not impacting local populations in an unfair way. For example, more sustainable options, like campgrounds. These tourist facilities are actually outside of the main urban areas, where they don’t impact the lives of local people as much. Furthermore, they often have many of the amenities that people would find by staying at an Airbnb in the middle of the city, so the difference isn’t as great as many people think.
Alternative 1: House/Pet sitting
This unique accommodation choice allows you to step into the shoes of a local, immersing yourself in a community while providing invaluable care to cherished furry companions.
Imagine waking up in a cozy home, surrounded by the comforting presence of a loyal pet. House and pet sitting not only offers the comforts of a private residence but also grants you the opportunity to form genuine connections with local neighbourhoods.
Many platforms are available to find out about house and pet sits, including the popular Trusted Housesitters – a popular online platform that connects homeowners who need pet and house sitters with responsible individuals who are willing to provide these services in exchange for accommodation.
Get 25% your first yearly Trusted Housesitters membership with this link: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/refer/RAF261585/
Alternative #2: Booking.com
This renowned online travel platform has earned its reputation for a multitude of reasons. Booking.com has a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts and everything in between. They also offer a Genius discount the more you use the platform, and you can filter by their Travel Sustainable metrics.
Booking.com is popular amongst hotels and guesthouses so you are supporting this industry instead of supporting Airbnb. Save 15% on your next stay using this link.
Alternative #3 – Flatio
Flatio is a platform specialising in mid-term and long-term rentals, offering a different experience compared to Airbnb, which is primarily focused on short-term stays. Flatio is particularly popular among expatriates, students, and working professionals who need a reliable and hassle-free solution for mid-to-long-term accommodation needs.
Book your long-term stay using this link.
Alternative #4 – Workaway
Workaway offers a unique and enriching accommodation option for adventurous travellers. By connecting hosts in need of assistance with travellers willing to exchange their skills for a place to stay, Workaway fosters cultural exchange, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to contribute to local communities. This platform goes beyond traditional accommodations, providing an immersive experience where travellers can live, work, and learn alongside locals in diverse settings, from organic farms to eco-retreats and beyond. It’s a cost-effective way to explore the world, gain new skills, and make a positive impact, making Workaway an exceptional choice for those seeking a transformative and purpose-driven travel experience.
Find a Workaway here.
Before you travel
Money & Insurance Travelling offers a gateway to incredible experiences, but unexpected situations can arise. Our travel insurance and money management partners offer the protection you need while embracing local tourism:
– SafetyWing, for long-term travel insurance that starts at $42 per month.
– Revolut, for managing international payments with ease.
– Wise, for the most affordable currency conversion fees and a virtual card that you can top-up in seconds.
When considering flights, you can utilise platforms like Skyscanner or Kiwi to compare flight costs and identify flights that minimise your carbon emissions. Additionally, if you are able, you can offset your flight’s environmental impact through Offset.
Need to learn a language fast? Try Preply – it’s like Fiverr for language exchange.
Do you feel like taking a tour? Try GAdventures for immersive and sustainable tours. Or GetYourGuide for day tours.
Need a relaxing retreat? Search for meditation, yoga and wellbeing retreats on Tripaneer
