AIRBNB VS HOTELS

THE ACCOMMODATION SHOWDOWN

Travel is taking off.

The number of people hitting the road (or taking to the sky) has been increasing steadily over the last decade or so, with a further projected increase of about 35 per cent over the next 10 years.

Perhaps because of social media (especially apps such as Pinterest and Instagram), or perhaps because of more advanced advertising campaigns, people are more curious than ever to explore their world.

In response, the world of travel accommodation is changing and people are no longer automatically satisfied with the traditional motel or hotel.

Although these options still suffice in a pinch or when travelling for work, when travelling for the experience of new sights, sounds, smells and tastes, people want more than just a clean room and convenient check-in times, and they want it for cheaper.

Airbnb was born of a demand for accommodation at a reasonable price, and has become a real headache for the traditional hospitality industry, developing into a whole subculture of travel accommodation.

With options such as renting a vintage VW kombi in Tamborine Mountain for $139 per night and touring the Gold Coast (while taking your own “Insta-worthy” photos from the bed in the back), or renting a highland castle in Scotland with five of your friends for less than $450 per night, your accommodation options are limited only by your imagination.

You can rent anything from a cave or a lighthouse, to a villa or a boutique hotel — you can even filter your search with specifications like “must have a carbon monoxide detector”, or “must be pet friendly”.

On the other hand, many high quality hotels, guest houses and B&BS have regular specials ready to be scooped up by anybody ready to travel at any time.

Most traditional accommodation options are well situated, and have operating deals with travel agencies and other providers to give you an all-round experience.

Both sectors of the travel accommodation world have their perks and their drawbacks.

At the end of the day, travellers will be swayed by what they want from their trip — a special stay, a cheap stay, a convenient stay, or a stay in whatever is available during a busy season.

The options are endless.