Airbnb has seriously changed how we travel. Instead of a traditional hotel room, you can sleep in a windmill on a Greek island, on a mountaintop in Norway, or in someone’s apartment in the center of Paris. The options are endless.
But with service fees, varying quality, and the occasional scam, knowing how to use Airbnb like a pro can be the difference between a dream trip and a nightmare.
This guide breaks down when to choose Airbnb over a hotel, how to find the best listings fast, key safety tips, ways to save money, which travel cards to use, and how to use miles and points to cover your stay.
And, if you’re more of a visual learner, Brendan breaks all of this down on our YouTube channel. 👇
Pros and Cons of Airbnb
Airbnb Pros:
More space than a typical hotel room. Great for families and groups.
Unique accommodations that hotels cannot match (i.e., treehouses, windmills, tiny homes, houseboats).
Generous weekly and monthly discounts for longer stays.
In some cities, lower nightly rates than hotels (even with cleaning and service fees).
Airbnb Cons:
Quality varies. No brand-wide standards like major hotel chains.
Check-in processes and rules vary by host.
No traditional loyalty program or elite status perks.
💡 Pro Tip: Always compare Airbnb prices to nearby hotels. Sometimes a mid-range hotel with breakfast, housekeeping, and points-earning potential is a better value.
How to Find the Best Airbnbs
Use Flexible Search Options
You don’t need fixed dates or exact cities to start browsing. Airbnb lets you search by:
Entire countries or regions
Flexible trip lengths
“± days” options to widen your search window
More flexibility usually means more options and better prices.
Master the Filters
Click the “Filters” button and narrow your search by:
Place type: choose Entire place to avoid shared spaces
Price range, number of bedrooms or bathrooms
Amenities like EV charging, pools, or ski-in/ski-out access
Specialty categories such as the OMG! filter, which will pull up those unusual stays we were talking about
Cancellation policy you can live with
😎 Pro Tip: Use the “Guest Favorite” filter to quickly surface top-rated places. You can also look for Superhosts to find reliable hosts.
Read the Listing Like a Pro
Photos: Look for wide shots, closets, and bathrooms. If key rooms are missing, ask.
House rules: Check quiet hours, pets, parties, and local rules.
Location: Confirm distance to transit or sights on Google Maps.
Total price: Turn on the setting that shows the full price with fees.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams
Reviews aren’t just there for the heck of it… they’re your first line of defense. Look for:
Listings with recent reviews
High cleanliness and accuracy scores
Fast, friendly host communication
Any red flags around surprise fees or poor responsiveness should be taken seriously.
All communication should stay within Airbnb’s messaging system. If a host tries to move the conversation to another platform, that’s a good sign to walk away. And if a listing looks too good to be true (like a luxury penthouse for $50 a night), it probably is.
For extra peace of mind, try a reverse image search on a few listing photos to make sure they’re unique to that property. Duplicate images across multiple listings are a common sign of a scam.
How to Save Big on Airbnb
Use Longer-Stay Discounts
If you’re staying for a while, Airbnb’s long-term discounts can be substantial, sometimes up to 40 to 60% off the nightly rate (ummm… what!). This makes it a great option for extended honeymoons, working trips, or slow travel.
Look for Last-Minute Discounts
Another trick is to look for last-minute deals. Just like hotels, hosts would rather fill a space at a discount than let it sit empty. If you’re flexible, watch listings that are still open close to your dates, and don’t be afraid to message the host to see if they’ll cut a deal.
Adjust Your Dates and Neighborhood
Flexibility with both dates and location is the fastest route to finding an incredible stay at a really great price.
Factor in the Fees
Cleaning and service fees can swing the total. Sort by total price and compare apples to apples with hotels.
Booking Airbnbs With Miles and Points
While Airbnb doesn’t have its own rewards program, there are still ways to cover your stay with points and earn rewards.
Capital One cardholders, for example, can use the “Cover Travel Purchases” feature to help with Airbnb charges from their statement at one cent per point. Some credit card travel portals also allow vacation rental bookings, but redemption rates are typically similar.
Airbnb also has partnerships with airline rewards programs like Delta SkyMiles and British Airways Executive Club, allowing you to earn bonus miles when you book through their dedicated portals.
💡 Don’t Forget: You can earn Airbnb credit by booking hotel stays through HotelTonight.
Best Credit Cards for Booking Airbnbs
The right travel credit card can help you earn rewards, unlock extra perks, and even add protections to your Airbnb stays. Here are some top picks:
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – earns unlimited 2x miles on all purchases and lets you use miles to cover Airbnb charges at a fixed rate
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – earns 2x Ultimate Rewards points on travel (including Airbnb) and comes with strong trip protection benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve® – offers strong trip protections and great value when redeeming points through the Chase portal
The Platinum Card® from American Express – great for luxury travel protections and earning Membership Rewards points on eligible travel bookings
Citi Double Cash® Card – straightforward 2% cash back on everything. Use cash back to offset Airbnb costs if you prefer straight savings over points
🌟 Take Note: Airbnb usually codes as a “travel” merchant by most major credit card companies, so you’ll want to use a card that earns bonus points on travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels?
Sometimes. It depends on your city, dates, and fees. Always compare total price with a nearby hotel.
Are Airbnbs safe?
Airbnbs are generally safe. Stick to well-reviewed places, keep all chats and payments in Airbnb, and confirm the address and rules before you book.
Can I earn or use points on Airbnb?
Yes, you can earn or use points on Airbnb the right card. Fixed-value redemptions work well, i.e., Capital One miles to cover travel purchases. Certain airlines also let you earn bonus miles on your bookings.
What about cleaning fees?
Cleaning fees vary by Airbnb listing. Sort by total price and read reviews for notes on cleanliness and check-out chores.
Bottom Line
Airbnb is freaking awesome. It offers possibilities that hotels simply can’t, like more space, more personality, and sometimes better prices. But finding the right property takes more than just clicking “book.” 😄
Use the filters, make sure to vet the listings carefully, and don’t underestimate the value of flexibility. Whether it’s a month-long apartment near the Eiffel Tower or a remote cabin with unbeatable views, the right Airbnb can turn a trip into a one-of-a-kind experience.
