Have you had any experiences booking an Airbnb or learned any great tips? Leave those in the comments below as we can all use as much help as we can get to find the perfect place and avoid issues. Thanks so much for watching! Cheers 🍻
One minor bonus to reading the reviews from other guests before booking a place is the month of the year when the reviews was written. If we're going to be travelling in September for example, we mainly focus on the reviews written in September, so we can better wrap our minds around that place, partucalarly around that time of the year (weather, traffic, crowds, entertainment).
That is a very good point! We are always looking at the weather in any place we travel. If we read no A/C we will not book that Airbnb in the summer. Thank you for the pointer!! Cheers!!!🍻
I like how you guys are being innovative by adding different content beyond “all you need to know about this or that city.” Good job! I would add to this video understanding the cancellation requirements. Some only give you 48 hours to cancel then you get charged and other places allow you to cancel sometime in the future at no added cost to you. We only do 48 hour cancellations if we love the place and finding someplace else is too hard.
My experience/understanding is that the Airbnb system mandates the 48 hour cancellation policy on stays of 28 days or more. As you suggest, this is a tough thing to be comfortable with, especially if you are booking way in advance!
@@johnperkins5450 I didn’t know that. Interesting since we are on a year long trip and have several one month stays. This is really good to know. No monthly discount tho if you book less than 28 days. Always trade-offs.
Excellent tips! We are currently travelling for 3 months in Southern Europe and our Air Bnb experience has been great. Flexibility is key for us. No need to be in the middle is the action. We love hanging with the locals! Love your posts inspired us to do this journey.
Thank you, Stephen! We think we get a better feel for the culture if we stay outside the tourist area as well. Part of the fun of travel is meeting new people!! Thanks again for watching!! Cheers!!!🍻
Wow, only 75 comments. I figured I wouldn't read all of them, but did. Video is a year old, but still relevant. I told you in another comment about the Airbnb I had where they offered me drugs and sex. I'm now telling people I'm retired, but it was on accident, I did a teaching job at a public school in Spain for a year and just didn't want to go back to my gainful employment, so I barely make enough passive income for the Non-Lucrative Visa. Your channel helped me to realize that I'm not even sure exactly where I want to live, so I'll do the 30-day stay until I'm sure. About leaving comments, I'm hesitant that if I leave a negative review, I'll in turn get one from the host. Kinda like Lyft & Uber.
My husband and I are avid travellers who will be heading to Portugal for the month of September and are therefore so pleased that we stumbled upon your RU-vid Channel … and, that you are presently in Portugal. You are always informative, articulate and easy to watch. When travelling we stay ‘mostly’ in airbnb’s believing this is the best way to help immerse ourselves in the culture. However, we have recently started debating on how these kinds of accommodations must truly impact the local residents. They must limit the number of units available for long-term rentals (i.e. normal residents). For instance I believe I read somewhere that the availability of long-term rentals in Lisbon decreased by something like 70% over the past five years. This must then drive up the cost of rent and purchase prices. I also wonder then if cities have paid a social price as “essential workers and their families have increasingly been forced out” leaving local residents disturbed by noise and / or some kind of disruption caused by those on vacation coming and going and not actively contributing to / living in the community. I have also heard that the Supreme Court of Portugal ruled that permanent and temporary housing (for tourist purposes) cannot reside in the same building. Are you having any issues or anticipate any issues with airbnb while there? For the sake of discussion would love to know if you have any thoughts on how airbnb affects the local residents / communities? We live in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia Canada and even here we have a massive issue with locals finding 'affordable' if any accommodation ... but, we have loads of airbnb's. It's certainly an issue and something worth debating and thinking about ... 🙂 Keep up the great work and we look forward to watching your next video. Safe travels.
Hi Ceri! Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words. Hearing comments like, that from our viewers, is what makes us want to continue doing what we are doing 😊. That is a great question! I'm sure, just like anywhere (States included) there has been an impact over the years from Airbnb or other short-term rentals. I'm sure over time, areas may begin to put restrictions (or more restrictions) in place. As of now, we haven't run into any issue finding a place or hearing from locals that this is a grievance or issue for them. Many of the places we have traveled to are very much tourist-based and we have felt quite welcome. We lived not far from where you live, Bellingham, WA. Granted it's not a hot spot for Airbnb or short-term rentals, but it still is near impossible to find affordable housing, so we get it! We paid a ridiculous amount for our small one-bedroom condo. I'm sure short-term rentals anywhere you travel, especially in tourist locations, have a level of impact on the community. But with that said, being a tourist community, if there isn't housing available then they may lose that incoming financial support - so that's a tough one. Hotels of course are an option for some traveling shorter term, but for those of us traveling long term, we need all the amenities found in a house. Thanks again for watching! Cheers🍻
My issues with Airbnb is unlike hotels accommodation is that there are no security checks done on guests. When you check in a hotel your are required to provide a copy of your passport, a credit card, phone number as a form of security for the protection of others. My experience with Airbnb was when one of our units in a townhouse condo complex was being rented out strictly as an AIRBNB. The experience of seeing all different occupants moving in and out of the house was very unnerving. In our complex there are several young families with young innocent children playing in our courtyard and on many occasions I have looked out my window just to keep an eye out on the little boys and girls playing while their parents are doing other things. I have watched strange single men, women, couples and families coming and going pass these kids. I felt that our courtyard was no longer a safe place for the kids to be unsupervised. On one occasion a couple was seen by the neighbour engaging in sexual acts on the balcony. The Condo corporation has since enforced a bylaws to stop the owner from renting out the unit for any time less than 12 months lease.
I have a home to use for Airbnb but really don’t understand how it’s done. I have stayed at Airbnb but didn’t know about the sitting wow thanks my search is Totally different and I’m more happier with the places I’m getting ready to book thank you thank you
Love the format. Great points. Very helpful. One day Minnie and I want to buy you guys a beer. We'll likely start our adventure in central or south America.
Nice video! We have used Airbnb enough times to be up on most of these tips, but it is always good to have a reminder. And since we are superhosts ourselves it is always good to know that people do notice! Keep up the good work you two and we hope to be on the road with you within a year! Well, maybe not actually with you, but you know what I mean. 😉
Hi Mac!! Ha, yes we do know what you mean, however, if we are in the same place at the same time we can grab a beer!!! Superhost is a key element in our search. We will use it wherever possible. Thank you for watching and supporting our channel. Cheers!!🍻
hi, great videos are very helpful! and looks like you are having a great time.. I'm new to airbnb and will be heading out of Boston for full time travel in a couple of months. I'm a total newbie. One thing I noticed on Airbnb, is when I check the dates for a month Long stay it seems they usually have some bookings making it impossible. Is this a common occurrence or just my lack of technology...senior moments
Hello! If you type in the exact dates you are staying Airbnb will only show you the places that are available. We have adjusted the dates to find other options in our price range. Being flexible isnt an option for everyone but it can make a difference. Thank you for watching and safe travels!!! Cheers!!!🍻
Also, before you press that button, check the cancellation policy. Just incase you’re not 100% on booking. It may be a deal breaker, and may give someone else an opportunity to book if you’re not comfortable with no refund policies. Sometimes if there aren’t ones I’m not comfortable with 100%, I still rather keep checking until the day before the no refund date just incase something better comes up.
Another informative video! One comment and one question. We recently stayed in our first Air BnB and we had a great experience. Comment: We found it odd that the bathrooms had no towel hooks or rack. This is EXTREMELY MINOR so rather than put it in a review (that someone might find negative) we offered the suggestion directly to the host, which was greatly appreciated. My question is - is it appropriate to leave behind (for the next guest) some items like napkins or paper towels? We of course cleared out any food etc. but we thought the paper goods could be useful.
Hi Anthony! We have notified the host in the past about minor details they may not have been aware of and have always received a positive reply. For the rest, YES! We love showing up with paper towels, toilet paper, and even shampoo and coffee! We would even appriciat for the fridge to be well stocked with beer but that, sadly, has yet to happen. Anything that the next guest could use, salt, pepper, or sugar is always good. Thank you for watching and supporting us! Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie If I somehow knew you were staying somewhere after us I would leave you a case of beer. 😂. I remembered later that we did leave unopened bottles of water in the fridge, I hope they didn’t get discarded.
Great tips. We are still debating on a trip to Spain for a couple of months. We've never done Airbnb so this has been educational. Now we must do our homework. Keep up the good content.😎
Thank you!! We don't eat out much so we like to use the kitchen as much as possible and it's usually less expensive than a nice hotel, especially long term. Thanks again for watching and supporting our channel. Cheers!!!🍻
You covered all the points that I look for. I put a lot of emphasis on reviews and that too more recent reviews. At the same time, I do make it a point to write a very honest review with more details than just saying "great place"/ cool host / will stay back etc. A review one writes should emphasize the highlights of the place like cleanliness, amenities, safety, transportation, eateries etc., as it helps another would be guest. So please as a guest take some time to write a review with pusses and minus. In a new foreign place any extra info helps. By the way Brian is that your new Portuguese hair cut? I guess the guy cut more than what you may have asked for, nevertheless it looks good.
Great pointers CM!! Those are the type of reviews that really help people like us. Yes, this is my Portuguese haircut. I told the guy to make me look good and this is what he came up with!!! I think I'm going to go with it, nice and easy!! Cheers!!!🍻
Hi Brian and Carrie! We love your videos, pointers and content! We are retiring next year and you have inspired us so much to become slow travelers in Europe. We are really enjoying this series of videos. In Greece and in Portugal you mentioned that you really like the markets. Could you do a typical groceries haul video and show us the prices, what you buy for the week and how you meal plan at a typical location? That would really help us get an idea of what it’s like to shop and budget our food costs. Thanks and keep up the good work! M&J ❤️
Hi Monica! Thank you so much! We have found that in Greece, and Portugal we could do our typical shopping just as we would in the states. In Spain, we could find what we were used to but found that it taste a lot different, for example, taco seasoning tasted like bbq!! In Montenegro and Albania, it was much more difficult. They have name brands that we are used to but the meat and veggie selection and quality were not what we would hope for. Now in Romania, we have found the markets to be on par with the US, at least here in Brasov, however, we are only staying in each location for a week or two at a time so buying condiments and seasonings for that short of time is not practical. In our "is Montenegro Expensive" video we have a shopping breakdown and what we buy. We will do more of this. Thank you for watching and safe travels!! So exciting!! Cheers!!!🍻
I can see the advantages of a airbnb for a month long stay. But for anything less than a week I much prefer a hotel or hostel- and they are often the same price or cheaper once you add the extras in like cleaning fees. Also I don't like to book anything in advance which is not cancellable for free up until 24 hours prior
Hi Elisabeth. Very true, our first 4 days in Romania coming up in July we are staying in a hotel. Everything being equal sometimes a hotel is just easier. Thanks for watching!! Cheers!!!🍻
Great question Kodie!! We rely on reviews from past Airbnb guests for the most part. You can also watch our video "Are You Safe While Traveling?". We cover a few different ways to stay safe!! Thank you for watching and supporting our channel!!! Cheers!!!🍻
If i have any questions concerning any matter specific to an Air BnB, be it location, transport, safety etc., I shoot the question to the Hosts before booking expressing my concern and i have always received a honest answer. During our recent trip to Athens, hearing from other videos that Athens had a lot of homeless folks and drug addicts etc in certain areas around the center, I asked the host about it and he clarified that their neighborhood was safe and mentioned that they lived in the same building and this gives you a little more comfort in booking it. So watch other Vlogs and reviews and that should help.
Having just spent 6 weeks in North America I can see your views from the point of view of a non American ( I am an Aussie) . I felt reasonably safe in the US but way more safe in Canada. We were even questioned about gun laws in Australia “ Is it true that people in Australia are not allowed to have guns at all?” Its not true we have strict gun laws that work well but people are able to obtain guns ( not semi automatic or automatic guns) can register to have a hand gun that is kept at a gun club and hunters/ farmers etc can have rifles etc . gun ownership is a privilege that requires responsible ownership and our laws are working to prevent gun massacres. It is interesting the misinformation that abounds about gun laws in my country. Tipping drove me mad. Employ,met conditions in the US are unbelievable so meagre compared to our country and watching people put their children in childcare the day after Christmas because they are back at work is sad. Over heating houses is bonkers in North America yes it’s cold but if people dropped their temps by just a couple of degrees inside it would make a difference to climate issues. Dryers well I disagree. Yes I use a dryer but I hang 80% of my clothes so that I dont overuse power when the sun can do the job if the weather allows. Having said all of this the service culture is great in the US people are extremely friendly more so than at home and the shopping is amazing. Geographically it is an incredibly beautiful country and many aspects and innovations driven by American are inspiring.
So many differences for sure - some good and some not. It's always just interesting how each country can vary in the way things are done. Thanks for watching 😊
Nice job on the 2nd installment of P&P. Question for you, I’ve heard some people say they have been able to negotiate prices and cancelation policy directly with the host, particularly for 28+ day stays. As you undoubtedly know, when you book something 28 days or more, the cancellation period for a full refund goes all the way down to 48 hours from booking, which to me is just way to restrictive. Thoughts? Tips? Thanks!
Thank you, John! We have not negotiated outside of Airbnb, although we have had some of our hosts ask us if we ever decide to return to contact them directly. You can contact the host and always ask about a reduced rate. The cancellation policy is restrictive and we have used Bookings.com in the past for that very reason. With Bookings.com, some listings you pay the day you arrive. Hopefully, this answers any questions. Thanks again! Cheers!!!🍻
@@BrianandCarrie Thanks for your reply. I should have been clearer, my questions pertained to still within the AirBnB app. Probably a question/topic not best/easy for RU-vid comments section. Anyway, thanks!
We do "Cost of Living" videos at the end of each month. We only fly 2 to 3 times a year so our monthly cost are much lower than $5000. Thank you for watching. Cheers 🍻
I am researching places to stay and I'm having trouble understanding how you're able to do this on such a low budget. Even cheap places are really expensive when you stay there for a month.
What time of year are you looking at? We don't typically travel in the summer months for that very reason. Our place in Lagos, Portugal went up 3x the day we left. We did travel this year in Romania and moved around because there wasn't a one-month deal and Romania is a bit less expensive. We also believe Airbnb rates are starting to go up now that travel is up and going again. Good luck and safe travels!! Cheers!!🍻
We liked Lagos and almost everywhere east of Faro. We explain why in our Portugal Videos. The east was less touristy but may get really slow in the winter months.
I enjoy your channel and have been traveling for the last two months in Europe and have rented 11 units from Airbnb over the years. Airbnb new policy is just another scam. I had documented problems with a unit, with pictures and comments from other guests. After three attempts to resolve this by Airbnb nothing was done. Here are some of the replies they sent me: We recognize that this is not the outcome you were hoping for, but any refund outside the cancellation policy must be at your host’s discretion. Here is another response: However, as Airbnb is a third party facilitating the marketplace for transactions between guests and hosts, we must remain neutral while gathering the facts. Our terms and conditions state that when involved in a dispute or resolution case, Airbnb has the final say in all disputes. That decision may not align with the solution you are hoping for, however, we seek to assist in mediating the situation to a suitable and positive resolution. I will now close this case. I had pictures of the problems and posted comments from other guests, but Airbnb had their money, they didn't care.
Hi, Sam. That is so unfortunate. We have had a couple of problems since we posted that video but not to the level of yours. It is good to know. We have really focused on ready the reviews. If we read the same negative review more than once we move on. Safe travels and stay safe. Cheers!!🍻
