How to book at Airbnb safely and expertly

Because we love travelling, we made an article two months ago about hotels and hostels so you could choose which one fits you best. Hotels and hostels are good options when you're going to another country because you're unfamiliar with it. On the other hand, if you're visiting a city in the Philippines or you just want more options besides the hotels or hostels in other countries, Airbnb is something to consider. 

Airbnb is a global site where you can book accommodations and activities at different places in the world. When you sign up and open the page, it'll ask you what you're looking for. 

You can book your accommodation, the activities you wish to do at a certain place, and the restaurants you want to visit. Of course, there are still places that aren't registered on this site, but Airbnb is a good website to visit for more options. 

We've listed down the important things you need to consider before booking a home through Airbnb. Let's say for example you're looking for a place to stay in Manila (to make it specific), but you should still consider these when booking outside the city or outside the country!

Lay out your itinerary to decide where you wish to stay. The best place you could choose is somewhere close to where you're visiting, and a place where there are restaurants, banks, convenience stores, or malls nearby. This will help in case you need something you weren't able to bring.

After entering the location, make sure to enter the number of people in your group as well because this will affect the listings that will show up on your search. 

All in all, the location depends upon which site or area is most convenient for you.

Take note of the price you wish to spend per night of your stay. Fixing the price rate on the search options can help you narrow down your choices. 

All units have service charge but not all have cleaning fees. Take note of the prices by opening the listing because the additional charges can get pricey! 

You always need to add the number of people who are staying at the unit. Most of the time, a unit is only for four people (especially for places in Manila). However, if there's more and you think the place would be big enough for you, try asking the host if they'll allow more people to check in. There might be times when the host will let more people in for an added charge. 

You can check the Sleeping Arrangements indicated on the listing to see how many beds the unit has.

Pro tip: Don't lie about the number of people in your group! Sometimes, condominiums ask tenants to make authorization letters including the IDs of the people who will be staying in the place. If you lie about your group and somebody isn't indicated on the letter, they might not be allowed to enter the premises.

Looking at the complete list of Amenities will help you see if the unit is right for you and your group. 

Pro tip: There are times when a host has listed down a specific amenity but it's not at the place. Take note of these and make sure to include them in your review to help both the host and the future guests of the place.

This is another important point as it'll be a deciding factor if you're okay with it. The listings have different times for checking in and out so make sure you're sure of it before you book!

Pro tip: If you want to check in/out at an earlier or later time, reach out to the host and ask what's okay with them. 

Reviews can help you get a feel of the unit and the host. It's important to read the reviews because this will also help you decide whether or not you wish to go for the listing you've found. Going for the place that has the most positive reviews as well as an experienced host can be a good assurance that your stay will go smoothly. 

If you have questions that weren't answered in the listing, feel free to reach out to the host. Ask them what you're not sure of and make sure to do it nicely. 

Having options can help you find the best place to stay at. You can bookmark or save the listings that check good on the five qualifications we've listed above. And even when you're not staying at a specific place, you can save it for future reference. 

When searching for places, what will appear on top are those listings that you've saved. That makes for easier choosing the next time. 

Pro tip: Be diligent in looking for places to stay! Sometimes, those in the second, third, fourth (and so on) could be the best listing for you. Sure, most often those that are on the top searches are the highest rating, but you can also find some good deals on the other pages. 

Those indicated above are the most important things to remember when choosing a place to stay in. Here are other things you should remember after you've reserved the place, during your stay, and after your check out.

1. Download the Airbnb app so you'll be instantly notified for messages regarding your inquiries. 
2. Contact the host on or before the check in and check out date/time. Make sure you've ironed things out so your stay with go smoothly. 
3. Follow the host's directions for check in and check out. Most of the time, they'll ask you for your and your companions' IDs. Have these ready on your phone or computer so you can send it to them ASAP. 
4. Keep the place as clean as how you found it first. Don't ruin and/or take things home! Remember, you're only borrowing the place. 
5. Take note of good and bad points about the place and the host's service. This can help you when you make the review. 
6. Don't be lazy! Review the listing! This will help possible guests in the future, and the host may (hopefully!) decide to leave a review on your profile as well.