Airbnb is one of the largest and far-reaching lodging travel options out there. They compete directly with the different hotels and motels that balloon your vacation budget.
The purpose of Airbnb is to save you some money while giving your vacation a unique experience. Currently, this company has about 7 million lodging options in roughly 191 countries around the world.
But if you do not like Airbnb, for whatever reason you may have, just continue to read our article. It reviews 5 of Airbnb competitors and alternatives and lets you know how good those companies are. Having some choice makes your vacations better.
Our Airbnb alternative reviews
#1. VRBO
The letters in its name stand for Vacation rentals by owner and that is what you are going to get with this company. It is perfect for family vacations as many of the 2 million rental opportunities are homes, condos, and other nice places to stay that fit the needs of a family.
Right now it holds approx a 4.2 out of 5-star rating as a competitor to Airbnb but it is working hard to improve that rating. By folding its sister company into the VRBO network this company has a broader reach than it did just a few short years ago.
Founded in 1995, the company claims to have 127 inquiries per property per year. That means they are doing something right. The company has many similar features that Airbnb offers which will be standard throughout the industry. When you want a top alternative to Airbnb checks this company out.
#2. Booking.com
Founded in 1996, this company may not be as famous as Airbnb but it seems to have 4 times the amount of rental options available, with a large combination from hotels, hostels and apartments. with 27 million options to choose from, you may spend your vacation just looking for a place to rent.
Those 27 million rental options are spread over 226 countries and to help them manage all of their hosts and guests, the company has established 198 offices in 70 of those nations. Help is not that far away for most travelers.
2 advantages Booking.com may have over Airbnb is that its cancellation policy is quite flexible and very traveler friendly. Then there is no booking fee charged to users. You get a smooth easy to navigate the website and search features making it easy to find your dream location and lodging option. Like the other companies, expect to receive health and clean up guidelines during this difficult period of the world’s history.
#3. Expedia.com
You should expect more from this company as it is a total travel company that seeks to save you money not only on rentals but airfares and other travel expenses. It may not have as many properties to help you find your dream location but it still offers 1,000,000 rental options in over 70 countries.
Also, it has over 33,000 employees in roughly 33 countries waiting to help you with your travel requirements. Founded in 1996 as well, Expedia is your one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.
They are more than a lodging rental company as they help you save money on airfare, car rentals at your destination as well as other important travel aspects. You do not have to be big to be good and Expedia proves that on a daily basis. A one-stop shop is a great way to save time.
#4. TripAdvisor
In only 20 years this company has gone from being another pesky start-up to the main competitor to Airbnb Since its founding in 2000 Tripadvisor provides almost 1,000,000 rental options for the weary traveller.
With locations in about 190+ countries, if you can’t find what you want at the other companies, you may find it here. Also, they make sure you find those properties fast by building several different websites for your search.
Like Airbnb, this company offers a variety of vacation packages that include homes, apartments, RVs, and other unique rental opportunities. Like Expedia, it is also a one-stop-shop for your travel needs.
You can find deals on car rentals, airfares, and other travel necessities and they have a flexible cancellation policy. Good customer service is one of their keys to success and you have a great holiday.
#5. Wimdu
Headquartered in Germany, if you use this company for your travel lodging needs, you will get that famous European touch. While it is small and only has less than 500,000 locations to offer you, it is still a fine alternative to Airbnb.
Their free app is not that difficult to master and many of their properties come with elevators, washing machines, and dryers. Your clothes will stay clean and you won’t get tired out by having to walk the stairs to your new temporary home.
Also, this company has locations in 150 countries to help you find that perfect spot for a romantic getaway, second honeymoon, or a family vacation. Check their cancellation policy to make sure it is something you can live with.
Some final words
While it is probably the most well-known vacation rental company, Airbnb is not the only one. As you can see, there are fine alternatives to use to book your next holiday and they all have their good and bad points.
All you have to do is select the company you want to work with and enjoy your time away from home. The search filters should help you narrow down your choices and give you some feedback on those locations
Make sure to read the reviews first before you book, keeping in mind that not all reviews are honest.
