With all travel comes finding accommodations, and one of the best ways to have a unique stay is to book via a service like Airbnb. While hotels can feel posh and offer luxe amenities, the rooms function equally across national chains. On the other hand, Airbnbs often provide a one-of-a-kind stay curated by thoughtful hosts.

However, one caveat that comes with each unique Airbnb property is that the standards at one location differ from the other. For example, while one property welcomes all pets, another may only allow documented service animals, which is why reading through the listing is essential.

While some descriptions get lengthy, there could be vital things you’re missing simply because you don’t know where to look. So, to ensure that you’re compliant while also aware of obscurities, here’s what to look for in every Airbnb listing, according to hosts and frequent guests.

Reviews reveal the pros and cons.

The overwhelming majority of experts suggest looking at reviews from prior stays. Airbnb shows a star designation for each property, which calculates an average based on previous ratings, but be sure to delve into the actual words of former guests. You never know what you’ll find — good or bad.

“Look for consistency in the reviews,” says Elliott Beenk, an Airbnb host in Los Angeles. “There will always be the random upset traveler. However, if multiple people are complaining about the same cold shower or broken AC, this may be something you should ask about before booking.” Reviews may also contain positive information about the property that the host hasn’t listed, such as how the sunrise hits the landscape or its proximity to the best coffee in town.

Scouring reviews is also a smart way to gauge the temperament and responsiveness of the host. Brittany Merriman is a blogger and travel specialists who often books Airbnb stays for a month — which makes finding a great host especially important to her. “Pay particular attention to reviews that mention an issue with the apartment,” she says. “If there was an issue, how did the host react?” Of course, problems can arise with any property, but how quickly and effectively a host remedied the situation is important to note. Often, guests will include this in their feedback, and hosts can also leave responses on reviews. “If the host didn’t react in a favorable or timely manner, I move on to another Airbnb listing,” says Merriman.

WiFi may be nonexistent or slow.

Some folks book Airbnbs for a weekend getaway and only need WiFi to scroll social media. Others need a strong internet connection to ensure that their midweek Zoom call isn’t cut short. So, if WiFi is a must, the first thing to do is see if your location has it, as some do not. Having internet access is an expectation in North America. However, it’s not uncommon for apartments in Europe and Asia to go without. “We have stayed in Airbnbs where we didn’t check that there was WiFi, and it turned out there wasn’t,” says Celeste Klassen, a freelance writer who frequently travels throughout Portugal and Bulgaria.

Also, be aware that just because an Airbnb has WiFi doesn’t mean that you can stream your favorite show, check emails, and conduct an online meeting all at once. “Ensure the WiFi is strong enough for how you plan to use it,” travel blogger Hanna Ashcraft tells Apartment Therapy. “Reading emails is different from streaming Netflix.” The Airbnb app allows hosts to check their WiFi speed and add the results to their listing page, which helps guests determine whether or not the internet can handle their particular needs.

Cameras could be on the property.

For the safety of guests and hosts alike, Airbnb has rules about cameras — the main ones being that they have to be disclosed and visible. “Outdoor security cameras are common and allowed and may even aid in your check-in,” says Beenk. In addition, many hosts use devices, such as doorbell cameras, to make sure that folks arrive safely and to count the number of guests on site.

However, Airbnb is very clear in its policies on cameras and recording devices inside and doesn’t allow hosts to monitor private spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and central areas (such as a living room) used for sleeping. Beenk says, “Indoor cameras in private spaces are against Airbnb’s terms of service, illegal in several states, all-around creepy, and should be reported immediately.”

Kitchens may not be well stocked.

Access to cooking areas can vary with Airbnbs. If you book a whole house rental, chances are there should be a kitchen. However, with shared accommodations, you may only have access to a shared kitchen or a bare-bones kitchenette with just the essentials. Plus, just because a home has a place to prepare food doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the cookware and utensils to make a gourmet meal.

Ashcraft prefers to book an entire house to use the kitchen unabashedly, and she faithfully double-checks the appliance list to plan accordingly. “I’ve been put in a pickle when there was no oven, but I had hoped to throw in a frozen pizza or cook something else,” she recalls. “Another time, there was no way to make coffee.” The filter function at the top of the Airbnb page allows you to curate a list of accommodations that includes kitchen facilities.

Cancellations may cost you.

When booking your Airbnb, check to see when — and especially if — you can cancel your reservation without a penalty or fee. Especially in today’s climate, unexpected changes can cause a last-minute cancellation. Each Airbnb owner sets their policy on refunds, ranging from reimbursing day-of cancellations to allowing no refunds whatsoever.

“It is extremely important to pay attention to the cancellation policy,” says Mollie Krengel, who often books Airbnbs for women’s retreats. “At the beginning of COVID, I lost a lot of money to Airbnb due to their cancellation policies. I will always pay closer attention to this moving forward.” For some properties, there is an option to get a nonrefundable booking at a lower price, but only make that selection if you are 100 percent certain about your trip.

Parking could be off-site.

Read information about where to park, especially if you are booking an urban location. Many cities don’t allow on-street parking unless you have a permit, or you may have to move your car on street sweeping days. Luca Sforza, who photographs Airbnb rentals in Seattle, has noticed a variety of parking situations. “Street parking is very tough, and parking lots can be expensive and sometimes several blocks from the rental,” he says. Of course, a complimentary parking garage or dedicated space is always helpful as accommodation costs can skyrocket if you need to factor in additional funds for parking.

Property-specific rules are in the fine print.

Again, unlike the consistency of booking a chain hotel everywhere you go, each Airbnb has its own set of ground rules. For example, you may be sharing common areas with other guests, and there may be additional instructions about quiet hours or bringing your own towels deeply embedded in the details of the listing. As far as hosts and Airbnb are concerned, if it’s outlined in the listing, you are accountable for the information.

Jennifer Smith is a current Airbnb host who encourages guests to familiarize themselves with the property before arrival. “Read through the additional rules where hosts can add their own specific rules for their properties like signing a rental agreement or requiring a security deposit,” she says. Then, scour the listing to find details, such as when to check in and check out, to avoid having to query your host. “Most of the questions that I receive can be answered by either reading through the listing or the additional materials that are sent to them after booking,” Smith says.

With a bit of research, you can confidently book your stay and enjoy the uniqueness that comes with booking an Airbnb property.

As the summer sun beckons, it is time to start planning a proper summer vacation with the family and friends. Whether you want to make an easy trip to a tropical paradise or to plan a multiple hopping a bustling city, or a serene mountain retreat to reach your final destination once.

William Hall, Vice -President of Marketing and Digital, RCI EMEM, India and APAC, suggested some essentials which each traveller needs to have this summer vacation to make the most of the travel and create unforgettable memories –

1. Choose destinations wisely and plan your travel in advance: Shortlisting a destination thoughtfully and planning your travel effectively are key to saving time, money, and ensuring safety. Popular tourist spots can be overly crowded, leading to less enjoyable experiences. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer a more tranquil and relaxing vacation. Consider places with cooler temperatures or opportunities for water activities to enhance your summer travel experience. By making informed choices, you can make the most of your journey while avoiding common pitfalls associated with busy tourist areas.
2. Keep yourself hydrated: Water is universally known to be essential, yet we often forget to drink enough of it. During summers, it’s crucial to keep your body hydrated and eat well to avoid losing out on any location due to dehydration, fatigue, or other health issues. Proper hydration and nutrition can enhance overall mood and improve the travel experience.
3. Packing Essentials: Creating a checklist beforehand saves time and money by preventing the need to purchase necessities while on the go. ensuring you have all the essentials for a stress-free trip, including medications, travel documents, and chargers, to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. Moreover, packing comfortable and breathable fabrics is crucial to avoid discomfort during your journey. Remember to include summer travel essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and scarves in your packing list.
4. Travel First Aid Kit: Having a well-stocked first aid kit can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are prepared for any medical situation that may arise during your travels. In addition to your regular medications, it’s important to carry certain common medicines and supplements when planning a summer trip. Multivitamins, fiber supplements, and other sources of instant energy are must-haves in your travel medicine kit to replace all the minerals and salts that you may lose during travelling in India in the summer.
5. Travel Early: It is suggested to travel early during summers because it can help you if you wish to do outdoor activities. The cooler temperatures in the morning and evening make it easier to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, or exploring. Additionally, travelling early can reduce the risk of exhaustion from the hot weather. Planning the perfect summer trip requires preparation and excitement, and with the right mindset and planning, you can make the most of your time at your destination. Starting your day early can also give you more time to explore and experience all that your destination has to offer.

Travelling is the best way to learn and experience new cultures, places, people, and cuisines. The tips mentioned for summer travel will help you plan a safe trip. So, pack your bags and get ready for the adventure you’ve been waiting for!

Backache after a long car ride? Sore neck from trying to sleep on a plane? Try these tips before the next time you head out of town.

I love taking vacations, but travel has an uncanny way of making me feel old. I inevitably pull a muscle trying to lift my bag into the plane’s overhead bin. My lower back aches during long car rides. My neck throbs after a short airplane nap.

It’s not surprising that travel causes pain and, sometimes, injury. “You’re out of your norm, you’re changing your patterns,” said Dr. D.J. Kennedy, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. You’re doing things like pulling a 30-pound suitcase for what feels like six miles as you sprint to catch your connecting flight, which is probably not something your body has trained for.

With summer travel approaching prepandemic levels in the United States, I’m sure I’m not alone in experiencing — and wondering what can be done to ease — travel-induced aches and pains. So for this week’s newsletter, in part because I have a cross-country flight in a few days, I talked to a physical therapist and two physicians to get advice.

Make travel plans with your body in mind

When you’re planning a vacation, keep your body’s strengths and limitations in mind, Dr. Kennedy suggested. If sitting in a car for long periods tends to hurt your back, a weeklong road trip might not be your best option.

That said, if you really want to take the trip that might make your body unhappy, you can take steps to prepare for it in advance. If you have arthritis in your knee and walking is painful, you can still go on a walking tour, but you might want to see a physical therapist or physical medicine doctor in the months leading up to the trip to improve your range of motion and endurance, Dr. Kennedy said. Or, he added, you might think about getting a shot to reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to bring any doctor-recommended pain medications with you in case you need them, too, he said.

Limit the weight you must bear

When it comes to handling luggage, the best approach is to pack lightly so your bags aren’t heavy. But that’s simply not possible for some people (including me). Thankfully, there are ways to make heavy luggage more manageable.

Dr. Kennedy said that roller bags are less likely to cause injury and pain than bags you must carry by hand or on your shoulder. He prefers bags that move on four wheels rather than two, because moving them requires less effort. The big pushcarts you can rent from the airport can also be helpful for moving luggage, he said.

If you need to carry a bag on your body, a backpack is the best option, said Dr. Deborah Venesy, a physician in the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health in Ohio, and she said you should use both straps to distribute the weight evenly. Colleen Louw, a physical therapist based in Iowa and a spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association, added that backpacks should hang evenly in the middle of the back — not down against the low back — and that straps should be adjusted to make it easy to take the backpack on and off.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you struggle to lift your luggage, Dr. Kennedy said. (He is a former competitive powerlifter, but said he has a shoulder injury and often asks for help lifting his bags into the plane’s overhead compartment.)

If sitting causes pain, take movement and stretching breaks

An hour or so into every car or plane ride, the side of my back starts aching, and that’s in part because bodies aren’t meant to stay stationary. “Movement is essential to keep blood flowing to your muscles and joints to help prevent stiffness and pain,” Ms. Louw explained. Ideally, you’ll want to stand up and walk around at least once every hour if you’re feeling pain, Dr. Kennedy advised. If you have trouble remembering to do this, set a timer or drink lots of water so you need frequent bathroom breaks, he suggested. (Dr. Venesy said she prefers aisle seats so she can get up regularly.)

As for how to sit, Ms. Louw said that sitting upright, or with a slight recline, is generally the best position for the spine. Dr. Venesy added that rolling up a sweatshirt or fleece and resting it behind your lower back could also provide pain-relieving lumbar support.

Stretching can also be useful. One good stretch to do while sitting is a spine twist, where you put both hands on one leg and gently twist your upper body in the same direction, then repeat on the other side, Dr. Venesy said. A good seated stretch for the low back and hips is a figure four stretch, where you rest your right heel on your left knee and lean forward, and vice versa, she added. Dr. Kennedy said that it may feel good to stand up and do a slight back bend, too. (If you’re in pain from standing for a long time, the opposite could ease your pain — leaning into a forward fold, he said.)

If you experience leg cramps while sitting, try pumping your ankles — alternately pointing and then flexing your feet — with your knees bent and extended, Ms. Louw suggested.

Prevent neck pain by reading or watching tablets at eye level and using a neck pillow

If you’re anything like me, you look down a lot during flights or as a car passenger — at your phone, a tablet or a book. But this position can cause neck pain, Dr. Kennedy said. It’s far better to bring things closer to eye level. Some airplanes now have devices that allow you to hang your phone or tablet on the back of the seat in front of you, he said, and you can also buy accessories that will do this for you (or even fashion one out of a sickness bag).

If you think you’ll doze off in the plane or car, you may also want to invest in a neck pillow. Dr. Kennedy prefers designs that are thinner in the back than on the sides, because they don’t pitch the head forward too much when you lean against the seat.

I’m not going to be able to put all these suggestions into practice for my upcoming trip — I’m sure my suitcase will be just under the maximum weight limit, as usual — but I’ll certainly make some changes to my travel habits.

With the emergence of hybrid work, employees choose to work while being on holiday. This phenomenon is called bleisure travel.

Imagine being on a beach, spending your leisure time alone or with your family. You’re enjoying the spectacular ocean view and eating some good food. But you also brought your laptop, and you’re attending to some work emails. You’ve chosen to do some work despite being on holiday.

With companies shifting to a hybrid work model, more and more employees are finding new ways to take leisure time while working. Because the way we work is changing, employees are also adapting and changing how they take some time off. Regardless of whether the formal boundaries between work and rest are blurred, employees feel that working while being on holiday is okay. This combination of work and holiday is known as “bleisure” travel.

What is bleisure travel?

“Bleisure” is a portmanteau of “business” and “leisure.” Originally, bleisure travel referred to when business people extended their work travels to sightseeing.

However, with the ongoing shift to remote work, the definition of bleisure travel has also changed. Work-from-home employees now take their work from anywhere else they choose.

Choosing to go on a bleisure trip

Many people are choosing to work while being on holiday, particularly young workers. A new survey by SiteMinder revealed that more than a third of travellers are working on their next trip. About 45 to 49 per cent of them are Gen Z workers.

About 65 per cent of travellers from Thailand and 47 per cent from China are interested in adopting bleisure travel. However, Australians are not quite interested in taking a bleisure trip.

Only about 24 per cent of 800 Australian travellers surveyed in the study said they would work on their next holiday, which is amongst the lowest in the entire survey. Of this number, 45 per cent were aged 18 to 25.

Regarding macroeconomic factors, the survey revealed that Australian travellers had the highest number of respondents who said inflation had “no impact” on their travel decisions.

Is it a good idea to work while on holiday?

There’s nothing wrong with choosing to work during a holiday, especially if no one is forcing you to do so. A study by Wrike has shown that 36 per cent of men and 26 per cent of women enjoy their holiday more and even feel less stressed when they can stay connected and check in at work.

But another study by Harvard Business Review, which assessed the intrinsic motivation of employees who worked during time off, revealed that, on average, people who worked during certain weekends felt less intrinsic motivation for work. This result is because workers separated their time into time for work and time for rest, but because engaging in work during holidays or time off causes conflict between expectations and reality. As a consequence, they find their work less meaningful and less engaging.

So what should we do?

Working while being on holiday shouldn’t be the norm, but the exception. Suppose you plan to log on to work while you’re away, set limits. Set the expectations that there is a possibility that you won’t be able to work at all. It means your co-workers should be there for backup in case this happens.

In the end, working while on holiday can help ease the stress of not being connected to your computer for work, but it can also blur the line between work and rest. Set boundaries so that you don’t feel burnt out.