When choosing your Airbnb, use a critical eye. Not all Airbnbs are created equal.

Airbnb at its best is an incredible tour for connecting travelers with a home away from home. In order to have your best experience, you need to do some work:

Read Reviews

Looks can be deceiving. Make sure you scroll down past all those pretty pictures and see what folks have to say. How was their check-in experience? What was the interaction with the host like during their stay? How was the location?

Google Maps The Location

Type in “Chicago” on Airbnb and you’ll have everything from a downtown loft to a house in suburbs 40 minutes away. If you look carefully, you can find a map on the listing with a “general” area the home is located at. Google the neighborhood, look at the location rating of the home, and check the transportation options if you aren’t renting a car. The last thing you want to do is not be able to get the lockbox open at 1:00 AM in a sketchy area. Or in my case, in the middle of an open-range cattle field in Idaho.

Check The Amenities

Need WiFi? You can filter that in your search. Can’t survive without a coffee machine? Add that to your search. Never assume. Especially if you’re planning on working from home.

Remember That You Aren’t In A Hotel

The best part of Airbnb is that you’re in a home, and someone has put their personal touch on everything. You want a comfortable stay on your trip – but just remember – Airbnb is part of the adventure! Choosing an Airbnb is choosing to live like a local. So don’t be snooty when you don’t have room service!