Read Before Booking an Airbnb

Over the weekend, while most people were out enjoying themselves, I set up a NAS storage device at my home. 🤓

What is a NAS storage device, you ask?

Think of it like setting up a server at home.

Why did I need it?...

Because I have a lot of video content that I’d be devastated to lose. So, I have everything configured to back up instantly, even when I'm away.

Why should you care?

Well, if my equipment gets damaged or stolen, I'll still have my data!

Of course, that doesn't mean I'll just let someone rob me. I don't care if I only have 1 dollar on me - Spiderman isn't going to get robbed.

I’ve picked many bad Airbnbs and suffered the consequences. I want you to learn from my mistakes because staying in a haunted palace with ghosts, goblins, and Swifties is not fun.

Read the description and look at all the pictures carefully!! What isn't the owner showing? If you don't see a picture of a room, ask for one. Sometimes owners hide things and it’s happened to me once. An Airbnb host in Stockholm tried to stop me from using the bedroom, even though the listing said "Entire condo." Her reasoning was that she didn't have pictures of the bedroom. I still got to use it, but the whole process wasn't fun.

Check the location. Though the address may not be listed, you can figure out the general area. Put it into Google Maps and check how safe it is. Sometimes there's a reason why a location is so cheap! #Danger 🛑

Don't be afraid to ask for help. If there are any issues, call customer support: 1 (844) 234-2500. Don't be afraid to ask for a refund or a discount. For example, when my Airbnb host in Colombia was unresponsive with the wifi information I needed for work, I called Airbnb support and the host got back to me within 5 minutes.

Read the reviews. I always make it a point to read them because you can spot trends. Especially read the bad reviews and see how the host responded. 👀

Look at the restrictions. Some of these can be deal-breakers. For example, check the party hours and the number of guests allowed on the premises. Some Airbnbs don't allow you to have locals on the premises.

Keep your camera ready. If you see any problems, report them immediately and take pictures as proof.

Consider the additional fees. Airbnbs advertise that they’re cheaper than hotels, but sometimes they can be more expensive. Be sure to look at the final price after fees.

I hope this helps you have a better Airbnb experience than I’ve had. Again, if there's any misunderstanding, don't be afraid to call customer support! Speak up and ask for a refund or discount if you've been inconvenienced in any way!

Happy Travels,

Andrew

What tips do you have for booking an Airbnb?