AirRented

Airbnb is a great way to travel on a budget and this will be a big appeal to young travellers. Most rental industries only cover people 21 and over (and some even over 25). But the good news is that you can book an Airbnb at 18. But (there’s always a but) there a few hoops to jump through first.

The pro’s of renting an Airbnb as an 18 year old is that you aren’t required to have a credit card. You can book a hotel at 18, but the hotel will often want a credit card on file to cover damages or additional charges.

With Airbnb, you just need a debit card on file to make the booking. This is much more attractive to a younger traveller who might not have access to credit funds.

Airbnb’s Official Stance on Age

Airbnb’s official rule is clear: you must be at least 18 years old to create an account and book an experience or stay.

The reason for this is down to legal stuff – contracts, liability etc. Airbnb wants to make sure everyone using their platform is legally capable of entering into agreements.

Why Some Hosts Might Be Hesitant

Even though Airbnb allows 18-year-olds to book, not all hosts are on board. Some might be a bit wary about renting to younger guests. It’s not personal, just a matter of concern. They might worry about:

• Immaturity: Some 18-year-olds aren’t exactly known for their responsible behaviour. Hosts might worry about noise complaints, mess, parties, or damage to their property.
• Inexperience: If you’re fresh out of high school, you might not have a ton of travel experience. Hosts might be concerned about you knowing the ropes of staying in someone else’s home.
• Liability: Even if you’re a model guest, accidents happen. Some hosts might be hesitant to take on the extra liability of renting to a younger guest.
• Risk: A host might be apprehensive or renting to groups of younger guests for the potential chance of greater mess or parties.

Tips for Finding 18+ Friendly Listings

Plenty of hosts are happy to welcome young travellers with open arms. Here are some tips to find them:

• Filter Your Search: Use Airbnb’s search filters to narrow down your options. Look for listings that specifically mention they’re open to guests 18 and older.
• Read the House Rules: Pay close attention to the host’s house rules. Some might have specific requirements for younger guests, like quiet hours or no parties.
• Communicate Clearly: When you message a host, be upfront about your age and travel plans. Reassure them that you’re responsible and respectful.
• Look for Reviews: Check out reviews from other young travellers. This can give you a good idea of whether a host is welcoming to 18+ guests.

How to Boost Your Booking Chances

Want to increase your chances of getting that booking approved? Here are a few extra tips:

• Complete Your Profile: Fill out your Airbnb profile with a friendly and appropriate photo (headshot, not a party photo), a detailed bio, and some information about your interests and hobbies. This helps hosts get to know you better and get a feel for your personality.
• Get Verified: Go through Airbnb’s verification process. This adds an extra layer of trust for hosts.
• Book in Advance: Don’t wait until the last minute to book, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Give hosts plenty of time to review your request.
• Be Flexible: If you’re flexible with your travel dates or location, you’ll have more options to choose from.
• Travel Solo: A host is likely to view a single 18-year-old house guest as less potential trouble than a group of teenagers.

What to Do if You Hit a Roadblock

Okay, so you’ve found the perfect listing, but the host isn’t responding, or they’ve declined your request. Here are a few things you can do:

• Message Other Hosts: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Reach out to a few different hosts in the area you’re interested in.
• Consider Alternative Accommodations: If you’re striking out on Airbnb, check out other platforms like Hostelworld or Couchsurfing. Booking.com also has a huge number of hostels ideal for younger travellers.

Summary

That’s the lowdown on renting an Airbnb at 18. It might take a bit more effort than booking a hotel, but with the right approach, you’ll be unlocking those travel dreams in no time.

Key takeaways

• You can book an Airbnb at 18, but some hosts might be hesitant.
• Use search filters, read house rules, and communicate clearly to find 18+ friendly listings.
• Complete your profile, get verified, and book in advance to boost your chances.
• If you hit a roadblock, don’t give up. Message other hosts or consider alternative accommodations.
• When you do get a booking, make sure you are a stellar guest, tidy and clean up after yourself throughout your stay and be polite. That first feedback from a host is super important for your options when it comes to trips you take with Airbnb in the future.