Why am I qualified to write this [Smackdown]? You know I am biased.
Because I am sitting in an AirBnB overlooking the beach in Lagos, Portugal (which is the most southern area of Portugal).
And I will be sitting here for the summer.
Plus, our family owns 3 short-term rentals that are marketed through VRBO and AirBnB.
So that makes me highly qualified to share my opinion.
You don’t have all day to read my poetic waxing about the pros and cons of each.
So I am going to get right to it.
If an AirBnB is an apple….
Then an All Inclusive Resort is an apple pie.
Yes, they both taste like apple…..but they are so different that there is no comparison.
An AirBnB is for those that want to experience living like the locals.
An All-Inclusive Resort is for those that want to relax and live like royalty.
So, if you want to shop for groceries, cook your own food, lug your own chairs and umbrella to the beach, pay extra for any entertainment or activies, and make decisions on what to do all day/night – then rock the AirBnB.
If you want to have maids and butlers at your beck and call, incredible food choices available 24×7, and to narrow your decision-making process down to – which drink at which body of water – then an All Inclusive is what you want.
I like them both.
But when I am burnt out from the daily grind and just need to unwind, I head for an All-Inclusive.
If I am bored and want to experience an area where I might someday choose to live, I choose an AirBNB.
Notice I have not talked about booking a typical hotel room……that is for work trips – and has no place here. Ewww, gross.
btw….I am headed over to the Iberostar Algarve to get my All-Inclusive fix once I get tired of shopping, cooking, making my own bed, and deciding which of the 434 things I should do today.
BTW….Here’s a checklist of things I ask before booking an AirBnB or VRBO:
- Is the wifi high-speed so you can stream vids? Does the TV service include any channels – in English?
- Is there air conditioning?
- Is there enough toilet paper? (not kidding)
- Is there enough bedding/pillows? (more bedding = more wash = more expense, so often not provided unless requested)
- Is the hot water working at all taps?
- How noisy is the area at night?
- How far is the closest grocery store (walking and driving)?
Oh, and bring a pair of heavy wool socks, as most short-term rentals have tile floors, which can be cold and sandy and sticky after a few days.
We have found most AirBnB Hosts are very responsive – they really want good reviews – just be sure you ask a lot of questions before booking.
“I will keep a seat at the swim-up bar warm for ya”
~Jake
P.S. FYI – the latest from the Gubmint: “Americans will be able to renew their passports securely online, saving time from having to wait and the effort and cost required to print, go to a post office, and use a paper check.”
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