Airbnb and Booking are the go-to giants in the accommodation world, but a new wave of smaller platforms offer a refreshing alternative.

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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But what if it is broken? In recent years, these default platforms have faced mounting criticism for their impact on housing markets and communities on a global scale. One of the primary concerns is how these platforms have inadvertently facilitated illegal subletting, with tenants renting out properties in violation of local regulations. This creates legal risks for all parties involved — meaning that lodgers may not really have any legitimate claims if anything were to befall them during a stay, which undermines trust in the sharing economy model.

Another significant issue is these platforms’ role in driving up local rental prices and contributing to housing shortages. As property owners realize that they can earn more from short-term tourists than long-term residents, many have converted traditional rental properties into full-time vacation rentals. This has particularly affected popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and New York, where entire neighborhoods have seen a dramatic reduction in available housing for local residents.

But you could also be getting the short end of the stick. Shady pricing and transparencypractices like hidden fees and dynamic pricing will surprise you at check out — whether on the site or at the property. You might also get a nasty shock at the listing, as guests frequently report discrepancies between photographs and reality, inaccurate amenity lists, or misleading location information. This has led to growing frustration among travelers who find themselves paying more than expected with less bang for their buck.

Enter the alternatives. Smaller websites are now offering carefully curated listings, from owner-run B&Bs to home swaps and rentals, and offering solutions to issues frequent travelers may be invested in.

FOR COMMUNITY FOCUSED PLATFORMS-

#1- FAIRBNB: This is a cooperative short-term rental platform originating in Venice that revolutionizes the home-sharing concept. Fairbnb exclusively lists properties owned and inhabited by local residents, and demonstrates its commitment to social impact by directing 50% of all booking commissions to community projects selected by the hosts. With approximately 2k listings across 10 European countries, their recent fairUP initiative promotes experiences that support underrepresented local businesses.

AVAILABLE IN: You can find properties on Fairbnb when you travel to Italy, Belgium, France, Spain, Croatia, Portugal, UK, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.

#2- SOCIALBNB: Born from a student initiative in Cologne, Germany, Socialbnb creates meaningful connections between travelers and social and ecological projects worldwide. The platform enables these projects to generate sustainable income through room rentals while offering travelers unique, immersive experiences. Their network encompasses over 400 accommodations globally.

AVAILABLE IN: Socialbnb lists properties in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia — including Spain, Ecuador, Thailand and Italy.

FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS ACCOMMODATION-

#1- ECOBNB: Evolving from an award-winning green travel blog, Ecobnb now showcases approximately 3k sustainable accommodations across more than 55 countries. The listed properties must meet 10 rigorous sustainability criteria, including organic produce usage, wastewater recycling, and renewable energy implementation. Their curated selection of independent B&Bs and self-catering properties, primarily in rural areas, actively supports local suppliers and experience providers.

AVAILABLE IN: Their destinations include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The countries that are within their roster are Greece, Denmark, Croatia and Australia.

FOR OFFBEAT STAYS-

#1- GLAMPING HUB: Reimagining outdoor accommodation, Glamping Hub specializes in luxury camping and sustainable tourism. Their platform features over 30k unique stays that cater to diverse preferences, from pet-friendly listings to eco-retreats and romantic getaways — perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers seeking distinctive outdoor experiences.

AVAILABLE IN: Their destinations include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Some of their properties can be found in Morocco, Portugal, Thailand and France.

#2- OUTDOORSY: This is a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting RV owners with outdoor enthusiasts. The platform offers an extensive selection of recreational vehicles, including vintage Airstreams, toy haulers, and various motorhome classes. Notable features include no membership fees, comprehensive insurance coverage, and well-maintained vehicles.

AVAILABLE IN: Outdoorsy is exclusively available in North America.

#3- KINDRED: This platform is perfect for people who have always wanted to reenact The Holiday. Kindred is a modern home-swapping platform with 80k properties, predominantly (around 90%) primary residences. Kindred addresses traditional concerns people would have with this model through rigorous host vetting, mandatory hosting requirements before swapping, consistent cleaning standards, and round-the-clock support.

AVAILABLE IN:Their destinations include North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. They’re available in countries like Spain, UK, Canada, and Mexico.

FOR PROFESSIONAL EXTENDED STAYS-

#1- VESTA HOSPITALITY: Vesta is an upscale serviced rental provider that specializes in bespoke vacations and long-term accommodations. Their properties combine the spaciousness of luxury apartments with boutique hotel services, offering superior value compared to traditional hotel bookings.

AVAILABLE IN: Thinking of a staycation? Vesta offers properties across Egypt, in Cairo, Gouna, and Soma Bay. You can also find a lone property in Dubai.

#2- BLUEGROUND: A global leader in furnished apartments with flexible terms, Blueground operates the world’s largest network of its kind. Their portfolio includes 25k apartments across 46 cities, complemented by an 18k partner network. This platform is ideal for remote workers and extended-stay travelers seeking monthly or even yearly accommodation.

AVAILABLE IN: Their destinations include North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. You can stay in Sao Paulo, Istanbul, Athens, Riyadh, and Tokyo.

FOR SPECIALIZED LIVING APARTMENTS-

#1- BIRDNEST: Why“settle when you can settle in? BirdNest offers fully equipped, beautifully designed spaces for a night, a week, or even a year, all on your own terms. This innovative living solution bridges hotel conveniences with home comfort. Each property features cleaning and laundry services, dedicated workspaces, and 24/7 security. Plus, with the BirdNest app, you can check in, pay rent, and even unlock your door digitally, no middlemen.

AVAILABLE IN: They’re available all across Egypt in Gouna, New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, Uptown Cairo, Marassi, and Fouka Bay.

FOR CURATED EXPERIENCES-

#1- LEMONSPACES: This hospitality concept elevates the rental experience through fully serviced, stylishly furnished homes across Egypt. Rooted in the tradition of Ikram El Deif (guest hospitality) and blended with smart rental solutions, they offer hassle-free, personalized services, seamless communication, and regular upgrades.

AVAILABLE IN: You can find them all over Egypt, including Zamalek, Downtown, New Cairo, Garden City, Maadi, North Coast, and Gouna.

#2- SONDER: Sonder is a contemporary hospitality brand operating in 40+ cities across 10 countries, with approximately 9k units worldwide. It combines hotel reliability with home rental character through tech-enabled spaces and mobile-first service delivery. Their platform has served over 1 mn guests, offering streamlined check-in, maintenance requests, and local recommendations through their mobile app.

AVAILABLE IN: Dubai, North America, and Europe. You can find them in major cities in Europe like Rome, Paris, Glasgow, and London.

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