Maybe you’re a master of finding the perfect centrally located apartment on Airbnb or Vrbo, but the short-term rental industry has more options than these two giants. Though you can book your stay almost anywhere in the world with Airbnb and Vrbo, some countries have their own popular versions of short-term booking applications where you can find more options.
Though Agoda supports listings in locations around the world, it specializes in Southeast Asia rentals. So if you’re looking to book your trip to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, or Cambodia with Agoda, you’ll probably find yourself surprised at how affordable accommodations are in this region. Also on this platform you can book trains, flights, buses, ferries, airport transfer, car rentals, and find recommendations for things to do, tours, and fun family-friendly activities.
Another up and coming application for short term rentals is Sonder, named for the feeling of realizing that all the other individuals you see in your life has a life as full as your own. Sonder sets itself apart from applications like Airbnb and Vrbo by providing over 9000 rental units around the world, all owned by Sonder. This takes away the third party in booking short term rentals, meaning it’s just you, the company and your rental.
Xiaozhu, or Little Pig B&B, is another unique rental platform that is specific to China. Because of China’s house sharing economy, Xiaozhu has collected listings across 400 cities in China as well as 252 overseas destinations. The app has around 50 million active users, and has headquarters in over 20 cities across China. The goal? To provide a more personalized and humanized stay for travelers. Unique stays have included accommodations in flower shops, theaters, bookstores, and more. But ordinary homestays are available as well, with landlords sharing their idle houses, rooms, sofas, and tents with temporary tenants and visitors.
Though Airbnb and Vrbo can offer everything from a small private room in a shared home or apartment to a villa, mansion, or penthouse, Plum Guide is a specialized platform for luxury short-term rentals. On this platform, listings are comprehensive guides to where you might stay. When you book, you’ll be made aware of the basics amenities, services, number of rooms and beds, etc. But you can also book special services at your accommodation such as a private chef or daily cleanings. Listings here also provide a local guide to tell you the best things to do, places to eat, and sights to see during your stay.
Featured Image: Oia, Santorini, Greece (Photo by Kirk Fisher)
