The sharing economy has become a huge deal, and it is still growing. From lodging to car rentals, there is a peer-to-peer sharing platform for it all.
The best thing about peer-to-peer rentals? They are typically offered for much cheaper than the corporate alternatives. Additionally, many of the rentals acquired through the sharing economy offer something more than you might get from a big corporation. Whether that means a better view, a closer parking place, or a car with all the bells and whistles, this is a major bonus for you as a customer.
For these reasons, putting the ever-growing sharing economy to good use on your next vacation is something you should seriously consider. After all, who doesn’t appreciate paying less for a room with a bigger bed, or shelling out money for a rental car knowing they are helping out an individual instead of an enormous company that doesn’t know they exist?
So where should you take your money when you hit the road? Here are four of the very best peer-to-peer rental companies for travelers. Next time you’re ready to see a new part of the world, be sure to check them out.
Likely the most well known of the peer-to-peer rental companies, Airbnb (pronounced “AIR bee inn bee”) gives home owners the opportunity to rent out unused houses, apartments, and rooms to those looking for short-term rentals. Whether you need a room for a couple nights or an entire month, you are sure to find something on Airbnb.
Feeling nervous about renting from a stranger? No worries! Airbnb has set up a place for past customers to leave their review of a particular rental and renter. Be sure to read all reviews thoroughly to avoid unexpected surprises and you will be good to go!
Like Airbnb, Couchsurfing offers homeowners a chance to rent out unused space. However, Couchsurfing differs in that the space being rented is usually only a couch or bed. This means the homeowners are usually in the same house as the travelers.
For some this may seem like an awkward situation, but for others it is perfectly acceptable, and considering the fact that Couchsurfing is absolutely free, it is definitely something worth considering.
If you will be flying to your destination, you will likely need a rental car to get you from point A to point B. This is where Turo steps in.
This peer-to-peer car rental platform connects car owners with those in need of a rental car in cities all over the United States. This mean you can rent a car—which is likely sitting around unused most of the time anyway—for less money and from somebody who can really use the cash.
Turo is definitely set up to be a win-win situation for everyone involved, making it a truly wonderful business.
You know that rental car we mentioned above? Well, if you are visiting a big city, you will probably have trouble finding a place to park it. ParqEx has come on the scene for just this reason.
When using ParqEx, travelers just like you are able to choose from and rent a variety of convenient parking places all over the larger cities of the US. However, these parking spots aren’t just any parking spots. Instead, these parking places are owned by individuals—just like you and me—who simply don’t need to use the spot at the current moment.
Because these individuals own parking places in busy cities, they are able to share with those in need and make a bit of extra cash while they’re at it. This mean they get some spending money, you get an affordable and convenient parking spot, and the spot gets some much-needed use. What could be better than that?
Interested in learning more about how the sharing economy can help you? Please contact us today at ParqEx.
