Our recent trip to Beaufort, SC was an absolute dream. I attribute most of the trip’s success to our absolutely AMAZING airbnb in the heart of the historic district! Our location was within walking distance to the restaurants we dined at and the activities we had on our itinerary. Bonus points because it also had a HUGE wrap around porch that the homeowners were thrilled to share with us during our stay. We had a private parking space, hotel-style amenities (plus a few more bells and whistles!) and the coziest room!
Now I have an inkling that you might be over there behind your laptop thinking “mckenzie fussell have you lost your mind?! staying in someone’s house that you HAVE NEVER MET is actually insane. you’re a crazy person.” Well friends, hold your horses. It’s not that crazy. I swear!
Honestly, every airbnb experience we’ve had has been phenomenal thanks to the website’s easy to access reviews and photos. I love seeing where we’ll be staying way before we get there, and hearing honest reviews from those who have stayed in the past. I totally understand your hesitancy (hey, I’ve seen a scary movie or two!) but I think you should give it a chance.
Now don’t get me wrong – I still appreciate and enjoy staying at a fancy resort (let’s take a minute to bask in the glory that is #roomservice), but we’ve grown to love airbnb so I had to share the details with you!
A few reasons why I think you’ll love it:
1. It’s Cost Effective
I started investigating airbnb’s after a friend shared how much more she and her family were able to travel thanks to the low cost. Compared to your traditional hotel stay (with resort fees, on-site dining and those dang parking charges!) airbnb’s are generally a much more economical accommodation option. Traveling more because you saved so much?! Yes, please! If you’re really brave, you can rent a room from someone while they’re still staying in the house to save a little extra. Heck, we’ve had a friend who stayed on someones COUCH via airbnb. While sofa sleeping and sharing a home with a complete stranger isn’t on my bucket list, it’s nice to have the option. We always select “entire house” when researching airbnb’s because we appreciate our privacy. You’ll find that many garage apartments, private suites, and guest houses with exterior entrances are listed on the site. We love going that route because you save more money and still get to call the place yours while visiting. It’s a win-win for couples but probably not the best solution for families.
2. Endless Options
Want to stay in a tree house bungalow? Thinking you’d like to experience a studio apartment in the heart of Brooklyn? Wondering what it would be like to stare out at the ocean each morning via your 8th floor penthouse? Airbnb probably has what you’re looking for. One of my favorite things about the site is that you can curate your experience based on your needs. Large families, groups of friends, couples or even singles can find something that works well for them. There’s so much more flexibility with airbnb than with traditional accommodations.
3. The Experience Is Authentic
There’s nothing like experiencing a new city as if you were a local. I’m forever receiving emails asking where the local’s like to hangout on Amelia Island. I wish I had a blog friend in every city to reach out to when traveling! What better way to experience a town’s culture than to completely immerse yourself in it?! You know what they say… when in rome, do as the romans do. Airbnb hosts are SO good about making sure you get the run down on what to do while in town, who to see, where to eat and of course, which streets you ought to stay away from!
Unfortunately, most airbnb’s don’t include plush bathrobes (however, our last one did!) so you’ll have to pack your own and understand that you’re sacrificing a few little luxuries by traveling this way. Definitely pros and cons. I think there’s a time for airbnb and a time for traditional accommodations. It totally depends on the experience you’re looking for, the amenities you’d like to have, and the city you’re visiting. If I were traveling up North for the first time I’d probably find the nearest Marriot and call it a day! Haha. But if you are interested in giving our beloved airbnb a shot, you can use this coupon for $40 off your first stay!
love y’all, mckenzie
