Accommodation sharing has become a very popular and economical alternative to hotels and travelers are flocking to them in droves. Numerous apps, such as Airbnb, connect guests with property owners looking to rent out a room, an apartment, condo, or even their whole house. These rentals can be found pretty much everywhere, from major cities to smaller, less crowded villages and are priced to fit any budget. A traveler can find facilities that allow them to prepare their own meals, do their own laundry and live like a local.
We rented a small apartment in Paris last year. Our host was welcoming, the place was clean and well stocked and it was in a neighbourhood within walking distance of many sites and even closer to a subway stop. There was an open air market on our street one morning allowing us to purchase fresh bread, fruits and vegetables along with prepared dishes that were loaded into our cupboards and fridge for consumption later that day and well into the next few.
Sounds fabulous, and it was, so much so that we will continue to explore accommodation sharing options whenever we travel. Our trip this year was supposed to include a 5 day stay in Madrid in an Airbnb hosted apartment and although we had to cancel the host, and the company, were very obliging with our refund request.
According to a Huffpost online article from the end of 2017 “Since its launch in 2008 Airbnb has amassed over 200 million listings in 192 countries,” and these figures are no doubt out of date. It is growing and will continue to do so and as a traveller I appreciate the alternative, but, this article is about pros and cons of accommodation sharing, and so far I have only discussed the benefits.
Airbnb in particular has been criticized for changing the neighbourhood dynamics as hosts purchase properties for rent that inflates the real estate market and reduces the rental options and potentially increases the cost of rentals for locals. There are also concerns around taxation, and conflicts between property rights and municipal and condo regulations regarding short term rentals. Also the taxes received from hotels help municipalities fund upgrades in tourism areas.
Although it is undoubtedly a small number exacerbated by the media, there have been issues around safety, harassment and property 
damage as well.
The sharing economy is growing and there is little doubt that short term rentals will continue. It offers a source of income for the homeowner and a chance to meet people from all over the world. It also represents efficiency and a reduction of costs for travelers, and an increase in cultural interaction. Airbnb argues that it helps to diversify tourism by promoting areas that are less travelled and thus reducing the overcrowding in tourist hotspots. These economic and social benefits no doubt help families and the community.
Recognizing the arguments for and against accommodation sharing is just part of being a responsible traveler. Do your part to support the local economy when you travel and ensure that you leave a destination better for you having been there.
All images found in Google Images.