Airbnb is one of many different types of accommodation options available when backpacking. It’s been around since 2008 and offers an alternative to hotels and hostels. But what exactly is an Airbnb, what should you expect when staying in one, and how good are Airbnb’s for backpackers?
(*Disclaimer: This is all based on my personal experience using Airbnb and my opinions. I do not work and have never worked for Airbnb and none of this blog post is either sponsored or has affiliate links)
What is Airbnb?
Airbnb is a company which connects travellers with hosts who are looking to rent out space in their home. Hosts can advertise their homes on the Airbnb website or app and backpackers can search for a property that suits them.
Is Airbnb legitimate?
Yes, 100% they are a legitimate company. They have been around for nearly 20 years and many people use them frequently without issue, myself included.
Is staying in an Airbnb safe?
Nowhere is ever going to be 100% safe, however Airbnb do their best to ensure that guests are safe by letting guests and hosts rate each other. Guests can see a host’s rating and read their reviews prior to booking, to check that they are a reputable host. Prior to booking you can also check things such as whether there are locks on the doors or somewhere secure to store your valuables. Airbnb also have a 24/7 support service should any issues arise which can’t be resolved by the host.
Is an Airbnb expensive?
Like with all accommodation there are several factors which can affect the price including location, time of year and type of property. While some of the large homes can set you back thousands of pounds a night, there are many cheap Airbnbs for backpackers. The most budget friendly Airbnb’s are usually those where you are just renting a spare room in someone’s house. However, even the large expensive properties can be cost effective if it’s split between several people. Sometimes these can work out the same price as a hotel or cheaper.
What type of accommodation is available on Airbnb?
Airbnb has an incredible selection of accommodation options to suit everyone’s taste, budget and travel style. Here are just some of the types of accommodation you can expect to find on Airbnb.
- A spare room in a family home
- An apartment
- Your own house
- Outhouses e.g. Hut/lodge/shed/cabin
- Unusual accommodation e.g. castle, boats, treehouses, airplane
- Camping and glamping
What to expect when staying in an Airbnb?
1. Check in
On check-in either a host will greet you at the property or they will tell you where to find the key to let yourself in. Either way this information should be communicated to you prior to your arrival. If you have booked just a room in a shared property, then there should be instructions directing you to your room and an explanation of what facilities you will have access to e.g. are you sharing a bathroom or is it private?
2. Amenities
Amenities can vary considerably between properties, but any amenities will be stated on the properties listing so that you can see what you are getting prior to booking. Amenities can vary from basics such as whether towels or linen are included, to extras such as a swimming pool and parking. Some hosts may go above and beyond and may offer to pick you up or lend you their car.
3. Interaction
Shared Airbnb’s may involve sharing space with the host of the property, meaning that there could be some level of interaction with them. Be honest with them about why you are staying with them so that they know how much you may want to interact. Good hosts will base their interaction on what their guests want from their stay. If you are just staying the night for business or are a couple just using their home as a base while you explore a city, then explain that to them. This can be done on arrival or in a brief message beforehand. Airbnb allow you to communicate with your hosts once you have booked so that you can ask them any questions you may have about the property or area you are staying in. Likewise, if you are backpacking and want to get immersed in the local culture then tell them this. Ask them questions about their lives, ask for recommendations or tourist information. Airbnb hosts are usually only too happy to help and make you feel welcome in their home and country.
Want to know other ways to make friends? Then check out 20 tips for making friends while travelling
4. Cleaning
A guest is expected to keep the property in a reasonably tidy state. If you are in shared accommodation and are staying a long time, then the host will probably offer you fresh linen throughout your stay. They will also ensure that shared areas such as kitchens and bathrooms are kept clean for all their guests. If you are renting a whole house or apartment, then you will be expected to keep it in a reasonable state. No host wants their guest to check out and find that there are piles of dirty dishes in the sink or mud walked through the house. There should be cleaning supplies in the property to allow you to keep things clean and tidy during your stay. Failing to keep a property clean can lead to the host giving you bad reviews.
5. Check out
Check out times vary from property to property, but it will state this on the booking information. As with check in, you may have to check out either by giving your key to the host or by leaving it back in the key box where you found it.
6. Reviews
After your stay you will be invited to leave the host a review. It is very important that you do this as this is what lets the next guests know how good the property is and whether there are any issues that the host should know about. The host will also write a review about you as a guest, so this is why it is important to be friendly, considerate and tidy when staying in someone else’s home. The good thing about the Airbnb review system, is that the host can’t see the guest’s review and the guest can’t see the host’s review until the time when they have both reviewed each other. This stops either party being influenced by the review they receive. After a few weeks these reviews will become public anyway, so don’t worry if you don’t leave a review, you can see what they said about you after a certain period. But once these reviews become public, you won’t then be able to leave a review as the time for leaving reviews will have passed.
How can I become a host with Airbnb?
Becoming a host with Airbnb is pretty simple and you can do it all through the same app that you use to book a room as a guest. I rent out a room in my house on Airbnb and it’s a simple way to make some extra money. To get started you just need to take photos of your property, write a description and list the amenities, explain a bit about yourself and set a price. Next you manage your diary and state what dates you can or can’t host. You can also set the check-in and check-out times or stipulate if there are certain days of the week when check-in is not allowed. Then just sit back and wait for someone to book.
This is just a brief overview of how it works, but Airbnb have a complete guide on becoming a host on their website.
Why chose an Airbnb over a hostel or hotel?
There are several reasons why an Airbnb is a good accommodation option for backpackers. Firstly, they can be cheaper than a hotel or hostel dorm, especially if you are happy just renting a room in someone’s house. You also get an experience of living like a local. Many hosts are happy to have a chat and will often treat you as part of the family. They may even cook for you or give you lifts into town. Another reason is that many properties available on Airbnb are unusual and unique. Imagine how cool a photo of you staying in a tank or helicopter would look on your Instagram feed. While Airbnb has become a bit more commercial over the years with many properties now being owned by companies rather than locals, they are still a good alternative to hostels and hotels while backpacking.
Airbnb examples
If you are still not sure what might be available on Airbnb, then here are some example stays in various countries and for every budget*.
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Bunk bed in a shared room, shared bathroom
- January 2026
- £8.50 ($11.50) (1 person, 1 night)
- Rating: 4.84
- BOOK NOW
- Cardiff, Wales
- Single bed, shared bathroom
- February 2026
- £24 ($32) (1 person, 1 night)
- Rating: 4.77
- BOOK NOW
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Entire apartment, double bedroom, private bathroom, balcony, use of gym and pool
- September 2025
- £20 ($27) (1 person, 1 night)
- Rating: 4.35
- BOOK NOW
- Sarasota, USA
- Entire home on private island, 2 double beds, 1 bathroom
- November 2025
- £221 ($296) (4 people,1 night) (£55 ($73.50) per person)
- Rating: 4.96
- BOOK NOW
- Oy-Mittelberg, Germany
- Double bed, private bathroom, next to a lake
- November 2025
- £57 ($76) (1 person, 1 night)
- Rating: 4.96
- BOOK NOW
- Guadalupe, Mexico
- Whole UFO, 2 double beds, 1 bathroom
- September 2025
- £290 ($388) (4 people, 1 night) (£72.50 ($97) per person)
- Rating: 4.91
- BOOK NOW
*Disclaimer: These are examples of Airbnb stays to give an idea of the type of properties available and to demonstrate how price can vary. I am not endorsing these specific properties and have not stayed in these properties, so do your own research prior to any booking. Prices and exchange rate correct as of July 2025. Date of stay, room type and number of people can affect the price.
