I must admit that I have been using Airbnb for years and have always been happy with it. I prefer it to hotels, especially for long trips, in order to have a kitchen and more space to myself.
However, in the last period, I have noticed that Airbnb prices have gone up a lot, and the quality of available apartments has also dropped a bit.
I often find apartments that are not very clean, noisy, and have questionable terms (such as cleaning before leaving the apartment even though a cleaning fee is applied to the total).
For this reason, I’ve started looking around to discover new wallet-friendly alternatives that deliver better value and peace of mind. Here’s what I found!
HomeExchange: Live Like a Local for Free
Remember that movie “The Holiday”? HomeExchange works exactly like that.
Users swap homes with other travelers, meaning accommodation costs exactly zero dollars.
It would be very difficult to organize on your own, but the platform boasts over 450,000 homes across 159 countries (so there is really a lot to choose from).
The only fee is an annual membership of $175, which pays for itself after just one exchange. I definitely recommend it, especially for longer stays and authentic local experiences.
Vrbo: The Vacation Rental Platform
Before Airbnb existed, Vrbo had already connected travelers with vacation homes (it was founded in 1995, many years before Airbnb).
Their strict vetting process probably means fewer surprises and more reliable stays, but the really interesting thing is that, unlike Airbnb, Vrbo specializes in entire homes only – no shared spaces.
Their total price display includes all fees upfront, and their average nightly rates often beat Airbnb’s for family-sized properties.
TrustedHousesitters: for Pet Lovers
Here’s a genius business idea: watch someone’s pets while staying in their home for free. Unfortunately, someone has already thought of this, and it’s called TrustedHousesitters.
Annual membership costs $129, but considering the average nightly hotel rate, it pays for itself in one weekend.
Many members say that they save thousands while enjoying luxurious homes worldwide. The catch? You need to love animals and have solid references.
Remember, taking care of someone else’s pet is a big responsibility, but in some cases, it can still be a worthwhile trade-off.
Couchsurfing: Beyond Free Accommodation
Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t just about crashing on couches.
While accommodation is free, Couchsurfing’s real value lies in its community. Local hosts often like to have social interactions, act like personal guides, and share hidden gems tourists never find.
The platform now charges a small verification fee ($14/year) to maintain safety standards, but it remains incredibly cost-effective. It’s definitely recommended if you want to travel in a meaningful way and love social experiences.
Booking.com Homes: The Reliable Choice
Surprised? While known for hotels, Booking.com’s apartment and home rentals often undercut Airbnb prices by 15-10%.
Their instant booking system eliminates the waiting part, and their loyalty program can reserve some serious discounts.
Plus, their 24/7 customer is always ready to help with every problem. The downside, compared to Airbnb, is that there are far fewer homes listed than hotels, but you can still find something interesting.
Hipcamp: for Nature Lovers
Would you like to try an Airbnb for outdoor enthusiasts?
Hipcamp offers unique stays at a fraction of traditional accommodation costs in glamping sites or tiny houses in the woods.
Many listings start at about $30/night, and you’ll find everything from basic campsites to luxurious treehouses.
They have a pretty strict land verification process, so you can rest easy knowing you’re not pitching your tent in someone’s illegal backyard.
What’s the Best Alternative to Airbnb?
As we have seen, there are many interesting alternatives, but it is difficult to find the perfect one for everybody.
Depending on the type of vacation you are looking to take and based on your interests, there are platforms that might be right for you.
You could try mixing and matching these alternatives based on your destination and travel goals. Your wallet (and peace of mind) will thank you.