In the holiday booking market as elsewhere, it’s an irony that a firm that began as a market disruptor has become so dominant that it is now synonymous in some people’s minds with excesses, such as illegal rentals, overtourism and housing crises. Even as Airbnb perhaps massages its reputation by helping out those struck by the Los Angeles wildfires, its customers and those of that other top dog (Booking.com) are increasingly turning to smaller platforms perceived to offer quality and be community-friendly. Here’s a rundown.
1. Coolstays
Certified carbon neutral, Cool Stays “showcases unique and unusual places to stay across the UK, Europe and worldwide” with everything from yurts to aircraft conversions on its 3,000-strong list of quirky rental properties that are unlikely to be part of the local housing market.
2. Ecobnb
On Ecobnb, a sustainable travel blog now turned accommodation listing, travellers will find about 3,000 rentals across nearly 60 countries. With a focus on transparent eco-credentials, from energy use and renewables to water management, local supply chains and reduced product miles, the site gives users the peace of mind that comes with knowing their holiday won’t break the planet.
3. Fairbnb
Riffing off of its bigger competitors name, Fairbnb offers 50% of its commission fee on its 2069 listings to local projects in what it calls “community-powered tourism”. It also only lists places owned and lived in by actual local residents, consciously rejecting big real estate investors with the aim of promoting a circular economy model.
4. Kindred
Like predecessors such as Digsville, Kindred turns housing into a currency without any money changing hands. It’s a great way to reduce waste by using existing housing and resources that would otherwise lie fallow while an owner is away. Here would-be holidaymakers or digital nomads can simply arrange to swap their home with another approved “host” and the swap doesn’t even have to be simultaneous as a credit system exists. In fact, before a user can even access another home, they must first host someone themselves.
5. Landfolk
Like an Airbnb for the outdoors enthusiast, Landfolk offers mainly Scandinavian properties that are hosted by owners passionate about the quality of their property, as well as nature, forest bathing and fresh air. From huts deep in the woods to fishing cabins on quiet coves, the offer supports businesses in the countryside with what it calls “fair fees and terms” and is bound to please those with a dream to leave the hustle and bustle behind.
6. Socialbnb
Socialbnb puts would-be do-gooders in touch with the people and places they can serve. Its creators “believe that travel can make the world a better place.
Instead of harming the environment and exploiting local cultures, we want to create travel experiences that truly support local communities.” By engaging with projects that offer rooms to rent, its users have raised over €110,000 for more than 400 projects so far.
