Travel

5 Reasons to Love Airbnb

Share Our Happy!!

We had been looking at Airbnb rentals over the past couple years, but it never seemed to pan out. Then summer 2020 came, shutdowns happened, and travel changed for us……maybe forever. After our annual trip up to Michigan, we decided to stop off in Tennessee and Georgia on our way south. This time I was determined to find Airbnb rentals, and I did. We enjoyed our Airbnb trips, and here are 5 reasons to love Airbnb. 

Mountain overlook in Cades Cove
Mountain overlook at Cades Cove in Smoky Mountain National Park

Should you book your own stay with Airbnb?

Is Privacy Important When You Travel?

When it comes to privacy at an Airbnb rental, it shows up in several ways. If you choose a home, you have your own entrance, no lobby or other guests around. With one, or several rooms, family is able to spread out for sleeping, taking naps, getting ready, and down right getting a break from each other. And let’s be honest, sometimes we need a little time to recharge on vacation. 

Fenced backyard
Fenced in backyard of our Rome, Georgia home rental (photo courtesy of Airbnb

You can even find a home rental with plenty of outdoor privacy. The home we rented in Rome, Georgia had a wood fence. Therefore, we could sit out, feel at home, and not worry about nosey neighbors.

Plus, with all the worry of passing on sickness, or getting sick, you can feel more safe knowing you come in contact with less people. 

Multiple Rooms, and Extra Space Are a Perk

Historic home rental on Airbnb
Historic home we rented in Rome, Georgia (photo courtesy of Airbnb)

Although you can find some small, one room rentals, for the most part, you have the choice of more space with Airbnb. Even with the small, two bedroom home in Rome, Georgia the four of us were able to move around more freely, cook dinner, and sit around the television.  

Of course you also have the option of finding a place to accommodate large groups, multiple couples, and families. Perfect for those who travel with extended family, or mult-generation. We’ve been talking about meeting in the middle with family and friends, so home rental is the way to go. 

Are You Looking for Unique Travel Experiences?

Couple in front of Smoky Mountain National Park sign
Matt and I in front of Smoky Mountain National Park sign

Staying in an Airbnb means you get to live like a local, if only for even a couple of days. Kind of like staying with family, when your host goes out of their way to make things better for you too. For example, we had some car trouble on our way to Tennessee, so we arrived way late in the night. After letting our host know, he made sure the outdoor, and some indoor, lights were on for us. Love that personal touch.  

View of Downtown Rome, Georgia
View of Downtown Rome, Georgia from the top of Myrtle Hill Cemetery

Since we love living just outside of several quaint historic towns, we are drawn to the appeal of staying away from the hustle and bustle. But also being close enough to explore local attractions. If you don’t mind making short drives to get where you want to spend the day. 

family playing cards at table
Playing cards at our Airbnb farmhouse rental in Tennessee

In addition, having access to the amenities of an entire home while traveling makes things more cozy. Like being able to relax on a couch, instead of all sitting on beds. Having a table to sit around and play games, or eat a meal. No waking everyone up because you had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night, or laying in bed when everyone else is still asleep. 

Does Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck Make You Happy?

In our experience, we found the cost of an Airbnb rental to be just as affordable as a hotel, or in some cases, cheaper. When you take into consideration all the perks above, you would never get the space, privacy, and experience for the price from a hotel. 

Tennessee farmhouse on Airbnb
Front view of the farmhouse in Tennessee we rented from Airbnb

Save yourself more money by getting groceries, and making some of your own meals. Something else you can’t do in a hotel without a full kitchen. 

TIPS: If you are looking at rentals in a larger city, be on the lookout for possible parking fees. And speaking of fees, be sure to pay attention to the cleaning and service fees because they vary, A LOT! This is where it can make or break being more reasonable to stay with Airbnb. 

Airbnb Rentals Offer Endless Options

The choices are endless with Airbnb. Hotels are mostly known for being right in the middle of action, and on busy streets. While you can still have this with Airbnb, if you prefer to be away from it all, you have that option. Set your search for price, rooms, location, and more to find exactly what you’re looking to find. 

Or maybe even find someplace out of the ordinary to stay, like this converted World War II train car. Which was in the same town we stayed in Tennessee. Just outside of Townsend and Gatlinburg. And yes, I would have booked this if it was available. 

Pinterest image reasons to stay at Airbnb

You can surely create some of the most unique travel memories through booking with Airbnb. Happy travels, and we hope our 5 reasons to love Airbnb help with planning your next getaway.

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Share Our Happy!!

Julie Gazdecki

Julie is owner and founder of How We Find Happy. As an optimist, the name is perfect as we share the ways we find happy living in Florida, visiting breweries, spending time with our adult children, and getting away on some couples trips. As previous residents of Michigan, we still spend lots of time each year visiting our family up there, along with new and favorite places. My hope is to encourage others to spend time exploring this beautiful world, and finding happy in unexpected places.

16 thoughts on “5 Reasons to Love Airbnb

  • Great article. I have not rented an Airbnb before but would love to. Depending on how 2021 goes as far as trips being postponed and such, we may head out west and do this.

  • Tricia Snow

    Great article. I went away for a couple of days by myself this week and I definitely prefer Airbnb over the “other” rental companies.

  • These are 5 fabulous reasons why to stay at Airbnbs! We’ve stayed many times and is generally my first choice. I love the affordability, the extra space and the full kitchen especially.

  • alison netzer

    We did Airbnb for our summer road trip and it was so worth it. Our Airbnb in Kentucky was located on a 100acre nature reserve. Best choice

  • I love this article about Airbnb’s. I’ve rented several homes through Airbnb and VRBO over the years and it’s a great option to have this option instead of just going to a hotel. You usually get a lot more for your money. I also have a vacation rental listed on Airbnb and VRBO so I’m grateful for their service.

  • We love using Airbnb when we travel. Between the extra space and bedrooms – bonus with young kids – to have a kitchen, this way of traveling really works for our family. I love being able to bring cereal and just having a quick breakfast before starting our day without the price tag of a restaurant.

  • Lisa Manderino

    After we sold our house we hadn’t found another one and spent a lot of time in Airbnb’s until we could buy another home. There are a lot of fun options.

  • We have used Airbnb 3 times now in different parts of the US, and it’s been great all 3 times! Wonderful post!

  • Julie Gazdecki

    We are in the same boat with the uncertainty of 2021. Trying not to plan too far in advance, but I guess we could always cancel.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    Yay!! Happy you were able to get away! And good to know about rental companies. I just know how much we’ve enjoyed our Airbnb experiences.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    Thank you so much!! I tried not be to so repetitive in reasons we love Airbnb, but so many overlap.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    That’s sounds like an amazing place for an Airbnb!!

  • Julie Gazdecki

    The extra perks for reasonable pricing is so worth it.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    Yes!! I wish we had done this when the girls were younger. Just nice to have that privacy.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    Wow!! I never thought about that being an option for people in transition of moving.

  • Julie Gazdecki

    Thank you! I can’t wait to visit new areas and stay like a local.

Comments are closed.