Air•b•n•b (n.): Tailored travel of the modern age

Booking overpriced and uninspired accommodations during a busy weekend was once a regular, traveller’s dilemma. But that’s gradually being eased thanks to Airbnb—a home-rental marketplace offering unique options that traditional lodgings don’t. By tapping into a hospitality market of creative, design-savvy homeowners around the world, Airbnb’s website is able to offer unique listings to suit all budgets and tastes. Whether you want rustic or regal, contemporary or classic, a shared room or an entire estate, Airbnb is likely to have what you’re looking for. Here’s how it works.

The Launch

Originally named “AirBed&Breakfast,” Airbnb was publicly introduced in 2008 to address the shortage of San Francisco accommodation options in the saturated hotel market. The idea was a simple one: let homeowners rent out part (or all) of their homes for short-term rentals. The mass allure was this: the model allows hosts to profit from renting out their properties and Airbnb to benefit from the service charges paid by both the homeowner and the visitor. Everybody (in theory) wins. Since its launch, Airbnb has linked over 60 million visitors with accommodations in 191 countries around the world.

The Fundamentals

The renting process is simple. First, go to the website and select the city you want to visit. Next, enter the dates and number of guests. From there, browse the accommodation options freely, or use the filters for a more specific search. Filters allow you to pick a desired price range and to select between a shared room, a private room or an entire home. It’s possible to set the desired number of bedrooms and bathrooms, too, and to seek

out specific amenities, such as pools and fitness centres. Listings will include information about the property, neighbourhood and additional rules, such as whether or not pets are allowed. There is also a link to contact the host

should you have any additional questions.

Booking Basics

Favourite properties can be saved to a wish list to be easily accessed later. It’s a good idea to read reviews left by other travellers before making a final decision; these can provide insight into additional factors that are not mentioned in the property description and let you know about the type of service you can expect from your hosts. Some homeowners, for example, offer discounts for longer stays, while others charge a cleaning fee. Check all the costs before booking, and make sure they are listed in Canadian dollars to avoid surprises. To book, click the “Request to Book” link from a computer, phone or tablet, and arrange payment online through a major credit card.

Happy Hosting

Hosts can rent out their properties as often as they like and always on their own terms. To start, select “Become a Host,” and follow the prompts for listing your space. Enter the basic details (bedrooms, amenities, etc.,) and then get detailed and creative. Listings with a wide selection of good-quality photos and some helpful descriptions will attract more attention and increase your chances of booking renters. Mention the availability of parking or public transportation. How easily can guests get to nearby points of interest? What makes the space stand out? Give it a catchy title, list any additional requirements, set the calendar and name the price. Airbnb offers many tips throughout the process to help hosts determine appropriate rental guidelines.

The Fine Print

Airbnb operates by charging service fees to both the hosts and the guests who rent the properties; these are used towards running the online platform, providing 24/7 customer-

service support and financing liability insurance for homeowners. Fees vary depending on the reservation types but generally fall between 6% and 12% of the total booking cost. Longer reservations are charged at a lower percentage than shorter ones, so you can save money by booking a longer trip. Guests’ service fees are listed with the other costs of renting, so there are no hidden costs at the checkout.  t8n

Luxurious Lodging

Artistic abodes thrive on the website, which is why many hosts go to imaginative lengths to attract renters. You can stay in treehouses, castles, houseboats, yurts, train cabooses, vintage trailers, lighthouses and secluded grass huts. Check out some of the most unique listings here http://www.refinery29.com/crazy-airbnb-rentals#slide

Did You Know?

You’ll need to create a profile before you can reserve your rental. Not only do the profiles provide a way for hosts to get to know a little about their prospective guests, they also allow for reviews. Some homeowners will rent only to visitors with a minimum number of positive reviews, so always be respectful of the property rules.