I don’t know about you, but when I travel I am looking for the best bang for my buck and to save money whenever and however possible. Let’s just throw it out there…I’m frugal af. I’m not going to stay at the Fleabag Inn for the low low price of $3 a night, bed bugs free of charge. No thanks. I’ll pass. However, I will forgo 5-star luxury accommodations for something a little more cost efficient.

…And so began my love affair with Airbnb. I first got into bed (see what I did there 😉) with this amazing site in 2015, when I took a 7-day solo trip to Dubai. Hotel prices were far more than I wanted to pay, so I explored the option of Airbnb. I’d heard about it, but never looked much into it. I mean, staying in strangers’ houses, I dunno, just felt weird. But, when I started comparing Airbnb prices to hotel prices and discovered a HUGE savings….sign me up! I’ve saved thousands of dollars since then and I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if I didn’t help you do the same. So, here’s why you should consider booking an Airbnb over a hotel.

What is Airbnb?

Ok, let’s start with the basics for anyone that has been under a rock for the last 11 years and have never heard of Airbnb. Or maybe you have heard of it, but not sure exactly what it is. No judgement, let me help you get in the know. Airbnb is an online platform that allows hosts to rent out their properties (homes, apartments, rooms, etc) to travelers, vacationers, staycationers and well, you get the point. Whether you are breezing through a city and just need somewhere to crash for the night or you’re on a one-month jaunt and need somewhere more long term, Airbnb has got you covered.

Why Book Airbnb Over a Hotel?

I love hotels. I do. The top-notch service, staff being available at your beck and call to meet your every whim. The amenities. The free toiletries that I swipe and put in care packages for the less fortunate. I mean c’mon, what’s not to love? However, Airbnbs often gives you more bang for your buck. Sure, you may not get turndown service with little chocolates left on your pillow, but you’ll live. I promise. Here’s why:

Live Like a Local

Booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel means you truly get a local experience. Whether you’re picking up groceries at the local market to cook in your kitchen or taking heed in the recommendations offered by your host, it’s an experience you don’t get to have when booking a hotel. At a hotel, you’re likely to get the same recommendations that you can easily Google in 2.2 seconds. However, with a local host, you’ll discover the gems that you won’t find in a guide book. They’ll give you the real insight on the best places to see, best places to eat and things to do that is off the tourist-beaten track.

Unique Accommodations

One of the main things I love about Airbnb is that each place is vastly different and unique. No two experiences are the same. From a stylish and modern high-rise apartment in Dubai to a cute and quaint cottage in the countryside of South Carolina, I’ve stayed in them all and have loved how unique each place is. With Airbnb there’s no such thing as ‘cookie-cutter’, like you’ll find with a lot of hotels, especially chain hotels. You get to choose an Airbnb that suits your tastes and desires, whether that’s a secluded treehouse Airbnb, like this one in Atlanta, or a luxury villa like this one in Bali for $78 a night.

Convenient for Large Groups

If you’re traveling with a group, Airbnb is the way to go. No, booking 2 or 3 rooms, that may or may not be adjoining. You can book an entire house and have everyone together in one space. Some of my most memorable trips have been weekend getaways with friends in an Airbnb.

You Save So Much MONEY! 

This is the biggest win in my book. The money that you save booking an Airbnb. I’ve booked an Airbnb for as low as $21 USD a night in Mexico. This was an entire apartment! You can find them even cheaper in places like Southeast Asia. When’s the last time you booked a hotel room, that came with a full kitchen, for less than $21 a night? Don’t worry…I’ll wait. Even if you’re traveling domestically or having a staycation in your very own city, booking an Airbnb is the best way to save money on accommodations.

If I haven’t convinced you enough already, here is $40 off your first stay, to make it a little more enticing.

Happy Travels!