Airbnb can be great for travelers of all kinds!
The focus here will be about using airbnb in India, specifically as traveler from outside the country.
There is at least one point that is specific to solo travelers in India. And it can be a big one!
But many of these things can also apply even if you are traveling in India with a travel partner, or if you are an Indian traveling within your own country.
To start with, browse some of the airbnb homes that are available!
Airbnb sign-up bonus
If you’re new to airbnb, sign up through this referral link. You will receive a discount of up to $40 on your next trip outside of India! (Unfortunately something about Indian government regulations makes it so the discount might not be applied for an airbnb in India.)
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
So, why use airbnb in India?
Comfort in knowing someone who cares living in India
This can be one of the greatest benefits of staying at an airbnb in India. If you are traveling solo as a foreigner, and even if you’re not, there may be a bit of doubt or insecurity in the back of your mind in the event a disaster strikes.
One of the things about traveling solo is that, well, you are solo!
What happens if something goes wrong? You have no one in your immediate vicinity that you can go to for help.
Like you fall super ill, whether it be from drinking water, eating bad food, or worse, contracting dengue fever from a mosquito bite.
If you choose to stay in an airbnb in someone’s home (as opposed to a guesthouse or vacation rental type listing), your hosts will likely be incredibly supportive throughout your travels.
This can provide you with a greater sense of security when you’re traveling in a foreign country.
So even after you leave your host’s airbnb home, there’s a good chance they will be more than happy to receive a phone call from you when you are in need of local advice.
India is different from your home country no matter where you are from, and things may be done differently. You may find it very helpful to understand certain things from a local that you trust.
If they are the type of people that are willing to open their doors in the name of cultural exchange to host foreigners, they are probably the type of people that will be very willing to help when you need it the most.
Even just staying in one airbnb during a weeks-long trip in India can help connect you to someone you trust.
Ease the culture shock
If it’s your first trip to India, staying with an airbnb host upon arrival can also help you adapt to India better with the culture shock that you are bound to experience! From the moment you leave the airport, you will feel the chaos of India.
As much as you did your research to prepare for your trip, there will likely be things that pop up that you are shocked by. This could be in a good or bad way. Having someone to talk to about these things, especially a local, can also help you to better process and understand Indian culture.
You can get a home-stay like experience
And on the note of Indian culture…
If you’re traveling to India, there’s a good chance that you’re interested in getting a bit of true cultural experience when you’re in India. Airbnb can make that easy to happen!
There are plenty of airbnb listings in India in which you can stay in a room in someone’s home. If you’re looking for more of that personal experience with a good amount of interaction with your airbnb host, be sure to read through the profile carefully. This especially includes the reviews.
Not all hosts are interested in (or are able to) give their guests full attention. Look to see if the reviews indicate if the host is interested in a cultural exchange.
Even though it may take extra time to read through profiles, knowing what to expect when you stay at your airbnb will give you a much greater chance of not leaving disappointed!
You can get home-cooked Indian meals
To go along with getting a home-stay like experience, some airbnb hosts will provide snacks or meals for their guests. Some may include it with the cost of stay, and some may request a little bit extra for it.
Not all airbnb hosts offer you cooked food. If this is something you’re interested in, you’ll want to keep a watch out for it. Some may even be interested in offering you some cooking lessons in exchange for you showing them how to make some food from your home country.
Can you save money by staying at an airbnb in India?
In many countries, airbnb can be a can be one of the best ways to save money on a trip.
In India, that’s not necessarily the case.
You still may be able to find a cheaper guesthouse if you just show up in a city and walk around in search of one.
This is likely because the cheapest guesthouses aren’t online on a platform like airbnb.
But when you combine the pricing and the value that you can receive for what you are paying, an airbnb in India can likely satisfy you well! Consider that you’re getting more out of your money.
And no matter what, if you’re traveling from a western country, like the US, UK, or Canada, the average price of an airbnb is far cheaper than what you’d find in your home country.
Now here are some more quick tips to think about when searching through India’s airbnb listings
Remember that standards are different
You’re traveling in a developing country. The normal way of life is different. Make sure to keep your expectations in check to avoid disappointment!
India can be hot
How well can you adapt to the heat? You’ll want to think about whether you need an air conditioning unit or if you’ll be fine with a fan. India can be hot, and not all places will offer air conditioning. If you think you’re someone who will be miserable from just a fan, you might want to only book an airbnb that comes with AC.
Internet or wifi may be spotty
Internet in India can be slow.
And even if your host has what’s said to be good wifi, it may not always be consistent.
That said, for the most part, if your host says there’s good internet, you will likely find that it will work at good speeds most of the time. Just don’t get too frustrated when you’re kicked off now and then.
If you are looking through airbnb profiles and happen to stumble upon a profile in which the host says they work from home… there’s a good chance that place has really good wifi! You might want to jump on that. 😉
India is a tropical environment
No matter how clean a place is, you may come across a creepy crawler. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of being in a tropical climate. Don’t freak out too much. 😉
And try to avoid eating in your room. You don’t want to give bugs a reason to be attracted to where you sleep!
You may have a different shower experience
Taking a shower in India may be different from taking a shower back home. It may be the water pressure, or it may be the water temperature. Be prepared to be flexible.
Airbnb listings in India: Home vs guesthouse vs budget hotel vs villa
You will find all kinds of listings on airbnb in India.
There are a fair bit of guesthouses, budget hotels, and vacation rentals that use airbnb as a way to get additional business. There are beach huts too.
But if you’re looking for that personal touch that is more like a homestay because you’re looking for a true cultural experience, you can also find that on airbnb in India.
The best way to figure out what you want out of an airbnb is really to browse through different listings.
So get started on finding your perfect airbnb in India! Search for homes here.
And if you’ve never used airbnb before, be sure to sign up here for that travel credit!
Here are more tips on how to use airbnb.
HAPPY AIRBNB TRAVELS IN INDIA!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling