AirBnb for culture and a full experience, how to find the right spot.

I am not the only travel writer or person that is in love with AirBnB. We host and are travelers.
As for hosting, our only problem is getting travelers as AirBnB is so popular. Last week , I switched on the can book same day permission.
I got up in the middle of the night and my ipad was blinking. We had a guest coming the next afternoon. Awesome. We keep our two Guests rooms ready, so nothing to do but check the fridge (we offer a light breakie). Anyway, they checked in for two nights and now are staying four. Airbnb makes is very easy to extend a reservation by either party. I do not think they will be booking a fifth night as they do have to fly back to Germany.
Our guests are travelers that enjoy exploring. We are fortunate if we meet them a few times during their trips, I have had the same experience when we are the travelers.
I came across this article about how to find your perfect apartment thru AirBnB. I will write later about how just a small few that book a whole home or apartment have given this a bad name. BUT, in general it is great, you can rent a room, shared room or a whole place to yourself.
Please enjoy this guest article by Stefan: How to Find the Best AirBnB Apartment.

Next up, We are AirBnbing it to Los Angeles (Hollywood) The big challenge is we are not taking our car. We will be there for two nights. Will write about our adventures upon our return.

AirBnB: first time for everything!

I am going up to San Jose,Ca. for a few days (and hopefully will be able to get the articles together to start to post about our trip to Mexico...
( I have gotten some of my Trip Advisor reviews completed)

But as a family we host students and rent rooms to both local and international students.. We love to meet new people and exchange cultures.. As students they abide by the house rules.. a bit different then just renting out a room to a stranger...

I have mentioned several times that we always stay in a Bed and Breakfast.. this time I am traveling alone.. and do not want to pay the cost of a hotel and parking on top of that... So I decided to give AirBnB a try..

I first went to their site and saw what was available in the area.. Impressive and some not so much... I saw a room that was perfect for $75 a night.. they did add on a AirBnB fee and a cleaning fee.. Even with those.. very cheap... But when I went to make the reservation.. the host texted me that the room would not be available that evening.. AirBnb pulled up a list of others in the area.. I found one that is nicer and less expensive.. just a few blocks away from where I need to be....

The hosts email me asking me to give a time that I can check in... and that they will see me when I arrive..

Only issue so far.. when registering.. (this is a good thing and makes it safe for the hosts as well) they ask for two forms if I.D. I did scan my drivers license but then they wanted access to either my email or Linkedin or (maybe Facebook)
I wasn't comfortable with that.. but as my Linkedin for my travel writing is limited, I gave them access..
My concern is access to other peoples emails and information.. So I would suggest a separate travel email.. We have had this for years.. and works great... also assures that no reservations get lost in the family e-box..

I leave day after tomorrow.. and will post on Monday night how the experience has gone!..