It has been a long time that we didn’t go for holiday together in a family. I believe, when I start working, I will get my family a holiday package so that we can spend few days if not a week, in Langkawi Island.

Picture: Langkawi (Cable car ride)

I love you mom! I love you dad! And all.

My personal experience

Everything is good. First visit was Amsterdam. I booked two apartments Bellinis’ apartment (host: Pasqual) and Art Hotel (host: Robert). My experience with Airbnb is great as both host is very helpful and friendly. As a guest, I was allowed to use anything to make myself feel at home.

Picture: Bellini’s apartment and Art Hotel (me) — Airbnb Amsterdam

I like the fact that I can enjoy a cup of coffee and tea any time. Since I love to cook, I was allowed to use the kitchen for making meal for breakfast and supper. If I were to stay in hotel, none of this would happened. I have visited Keukenhoff, the largest flower garden in the world with the help of Pasqual and also getting around the local area. Similar to Rob, the Art-Hotel is superb and posh! I even asked Rob, the host, to prepare a bouquet of flowers for my girlfriend (with printed greetings card).

I got to travel around Amsterdam and staying with Airbnb was a good decision.

Next, I went to Stockholm and I stayed at Johan’s apartment. During my stay, I only got the chance to talk with Johan (due to his errands) for couple of minutes but he provided me with essential informations. His apartment is very clean and cost – I feel like home. Moreover, few weeks ago, a friend of mine DM me on twitter that due to my review, she is going to stay there for her visit to Stockholm!

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My holiday was held on hold because I had an interview with Petronas in the middle of the holiday (I know, it’s killing the mood but everything is going well). The interview was held in London and I stayed at Rowan’s apartment and Gowen apartment — both are on Airbnb.

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After about 3 days staying in London, I went straight to the city of love, Paris. I stayed at Yvette’s apartment. It’s located at Montreuil, outside Paris. I skipped staying at the city centre to feel what was it like to be a local.

Yvette helped me a lot even long before my arrival especially getting to her apartment, helping me with the transportation info on my trip to Disneyland Paris and interesting areas in Paris.

I feel welcomed during my stay as I got the opportunity to ask should I have any doubt. The conversations that I had with Yvette and all of the hosts open an opportunity for me to learn more about the ins and outs of the city and cultures. Besides, socializing with people and creating new circle of friends.

Overall

I look no further when searching for a place to stay. It will always be Airbnb. No doubt for my coming up trip to Milan, Rome and Frankfurt. The difference now, I am going with my girlfriend’s family instead two of us. Second time experience for both of us, first time experience for her parents.

View my Airbnb profile and recommendations

Booking

My friend, Mardhiah recommended this site to me and the overall website experience is superb. The tagline travel like human, is really what determine whether you are an Airbnb type of person or not. I skipped the hotel booking as this is more of a personal touch.

Airbnb provides room of flexibility. I don’t want to worry about what time I should check in, check out, etc. The people who have put up their room/house/apartment for stay are not governed by red tape, so you could skip it (though some of the listing are managed by property management company, but 99% is not).

Features that I found useful?

• Contact the host – Prior to your stay, you could ask anything from the host.
• Review and description – Always helpful, especially with the reviews by people who stayed there before.
• Pictures of place that you wish to stay – What you see is what you will get.
• The flexibility of number of guest

Can it be trusted?

Until now, I am still worried when choosing where I should stay. But the above features somehow bridge the gap. If it is your first time maybe the tips below could be useful when booking through Airbnb.

• Look for reviews and the host profile. If none available, contact the host.
• After you have decided which accommodation, normally they would ask you about your travel details such as time of arrival, special needs, etc for them to plan for your arrival.
• Write down or print the map, address and phone number of the host. I use Google Street View to check out the place of stay.
• Write down emergency contact details of Airbnb and your travel insurance.
• Contact the host prior to your travel or a day before noting that it is confirmed.
• Contact the host once arrived at the airport or city centre.

Worried about paying full amount upfront?

No worries. The host will only get the payment 24 hours after you have checked-in (Read the FAQ). If anything happens, contact Airbnb straight away.

So?

Give it a go – http://www.airbnb.com. Even if you’re a local at that area, try to stay at one of the Airbnb host is a good step to see how it works.