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Michela Fantinel

Michela is a passionate traveller and outdoor enthusiast who has travelled solo for +35 years between Italy, Australia, South East Asia and more countries. Through her adventures and knowledge, she has been inspiring and helping women over 50 to travel solo and independently. Michela is the founder and editor-in-chief of Rocky Travel & Tours For Over 50.

17 Comments

  1. Jo
    February 1, 2015 @ 8:44 pm

    I heard many good things about Airbnb but have never really booked through them. I need to check this out for my next destination.

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 1, 2015 @ 11:02 pm

      Yes I definitely would have a go, Jo! Staying with an Airbnb host is a great way to make friends and discover the place through the eyes of a local! Thanks for stopping by! 😉

      Reply

  2. Kathy Marris
    February 1, 2015 @ 11:21 pm

    Hi Michela, I was interested to read this article on booking via Airbnb as I have a B&B room that I have listed with this website. From a host’s point of view I have had some fabulous people from all around the world stay at our house. It has been a wonderful experience meeting new and interesting people. I would not hesitate in using Airbnb when I travel.

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 2, 2015 @ 10:29 am

      Hi Kathy, thanks for sharing your Airbnb host’s point of view! I hope your link you shared is bringing some new leads and guests too! 😉

      Reply

  3. Ryan Biddulph
    February 5, 2015 @ 4:09 am

    Michaela great tips about reviews! People can help you cash in on their experience if you’ll just read and process their reviews. If 70% or more folks give some AirBnB spot glowing reviews it’s probably an awesome, awesome spot. If however you find a number of folks – like 30 to 40 percent – who trash a place you may be in for a terrible surprise if you go ahead with the booking. Be smart. Buy into a place with a ton of awesome reviews.Thanks Michaela for the helpful post!

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 5, 2015 @ 6:36 pm

      Absolutely agree! Good Reviews are essential for any Airbnb stay. Even the most stunning photos wouldn’t me want to book a place, that has too many bad reviews!

      Reply

  4. Renuka
    February 5, 2015 @ 7:34 am

    Great tips! I am yet to experience my first Airbnb stay. These suggestions should come handy whenever I choose my next stay. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 5, 2015 @ 6:31 pm

      Thanks Renuka! You will love Airbnb, whenever you choose to go.If you want, you can make use of the link to the airbnb coupon code to get 25 USD discount on your first booking! 😉

      Reply

  5. sally munt
    February 6, 2015 @ 11:21 am

    Very informative post! I have stayed in Airbnb a few times now and I love it! It is great for cities where hostels can be the same cost if not more!

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 6, 2015 @ 4:43 pm

      Hi Sally, yes Airbnb is a great way of staying on a budget and while meeting locals. I think everyone who loves to travel alone should consider it in their solo adventures!

      Reply

  6. Sorin
    February 7, 2015 @ 9:31 am

    People are still thinking that Airbnb is like booking; searching for a private accomodation. But as you said, the coolest thing why we stay via airbnb is to meet new people! This was the main reason why I rent my apartment in Yangon on airbnb!

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      February 7, 2015 @ 11:16 am

      Yes, Airbnb is all about staying with locals! However there are also house rental agents in the Airbnb listings, that’s wyh you need to make your research first to identify the suitable hosts, who are locals!

      Reply

  7. Sergio Felix
    March 7, 2015 @ 4:44 pm

    Hello Michela, I think most of these tips are within common sense but for instance, I’d have never thought about contacting the host first before paying for my reservation so that’s a great tip! Another thing I hadn’t thought about was getting in touch with the host to see if I could get a better deal or even double check we’re a good fit. I have an Airbnb account but I haven’t used it yet, I was looking for a place to crash in San Diego for an Internet Marketing conference that is happening there soon and even though I did find a few near by places, the majority were not that affordable. Pricing was really near to hotels in the area so I’m still looking around. Anyway, thanks for the great tips, I’ll have these in consideration whenever I decide to have my first Airbnb experience! Sergio Felix

    Reply

    • Rocky Travel - Solo Travel Over 50
      March 7, 2015 @ 4:56 pm

      Hi Sergio, that’s the great thing about Airbnb. You can interact with your potential host and see if it’s a good match and also handle the price, when travelling alone, you may get a better price. I have sent my invitation to join Airbnb if you haven’t used it yet, you get 25USD off your first booking! Best of luck with your Airbnb Stay and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

  8. John Bui
    March 9, 2015 @ 4:54 am

    Great post! I look forward to reading all your post with a caffe and learning new things! Thank you for sharing this amazing info which is difficult to find!

    Reply

  9. Anne
    August 29, 2017 @ 3:24 pm

    Loved your blog and couldn’t agree more with all your hints. Having spent 19 days Airbnb in Ireland all very different set ups I need to write about them soon. Nearly home to Australia! On return I have decided to list on site my luxury coastal retreat as feel Airbnb is definitely ok. I will keep other sites as well as they have been great for 6 years. Thanks for your encouragement of the system.

    Reply

  10. Mike
    September 26, 2020 @ 12:09 am

    Great post Michela. Mike here from Melbourne, Australia. We are an Airbnb Management Agency and operate many properties for investors that wish to be an Airbnb host, but don’t want to spend the time doing it themselves. I really like how you mention that this is a home experience. Many guests when searching for a place to stay are looking for this as an alternative to traditional Hotels. It’s also a great idea to reach out to your host when you find somewhere to stay to ask any questions. You will find most hosts friendly and have plenty of knowledge about their area that they can help you with during your stay. Such as, where is the best pizza place, what’s the easiest way to visit somewhere or even a place you should visit that you didn’t consider or know about.

    Reply

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