🎙️ Episode Title: 15 Best Airbnb Alternatives in 2025 for Ethical, Eco & Unique Stays
Are you tired of overpriced Airbnbs, endless cleaning fees, and cookie-cutter apartments? In this episode, I explore 15 of the best Airbnb alternatives in 2025 — from eco-friendly guesthouses to house swaps, digital nomad coliving spaces, and pet-sitting opportunities that let you stay for free.
These platforms are perfect for travellers looking to avoid the big platforms, support local communities, and travel more consciously — without sacrificing comfort, connection, or creativity. Whether you're a budget backpacker, a remote worker, or just someone who wants their stay to mean more, there's something here for you.
I break these down into easy-to-follow categories so you can find what fits your style of travel best:
🌱 Eco & Ethical Platforms – like Fairbnb, Socialbnb, and Ecobnb, which support local communities or prioritise sustainability.
🏡 Swap & Share-Based Travel – including Kindred, Holiday Swap, Trusted House Sitters, and Couchsurfing for travellers who want to trade space, time, or pet care for a place to stay.
🧳 Digital Nomad & Remote Work-Friendly Rentals – like Nomad House and Blueground, designed for long stays and laptop lifestyles.
🏕️ Boutique & Curated Stays – like Canopy & Stars, Landfolk, and Coolstays, featuring unique accommodations like treehouses, cabins, lighthouses, and countryside escapes.
🏖️ More Traditional Alternatives – like Homestay, Stayz, and HomeAway (now part of Vrbo), which offer familiar vacation rentals in homes around the world.
Along the way, I share some of my personal experiences, travel hacks, and tips for booking safely, finding verified listings, and avoiding hidden fees. This episode is packed with insight for those who want to travel smarter, spend less, and connect more deeply with places and people.
✅ Great for: solo travelers, digital nomads, couples, slow travelers, and anyone seeking a different kind of stay
🛑 Avoid if: you’re all about resort life and convenience at all costs (no shame — just not the vibe here!)
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
- “Are there alternatives to Airbnb that are actually good?”
- “How do I travel without paying hundreds a night for a place to sleep?”
- “What are the best sustainable and ethical accommodation options out there?”
- ...this episode is for you.
💬 Got a favourite Airbnb alternative? Message me or leave a comment — I’d love to hear your recommendations.
☕ Enjoying the podcast? Support it by buying me a coffee or leaving a 5-star review.
Thanks for listening — and here’s to better, smarter, more meaningful travel in 2025 and beyond.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Winging It + Why This Episode Matters
01:20 – The Airbnb Problem: Cost, Impact & Traveller Frustrations
02:30 – What to Expect: 15 Alternatives for Conscious, Smart Travel
03:00 – Not Anti-Airbnb, But Why We Need Options
03:50 – Exploring Categories of Alternatives
04:25 – Fairbnb: Ethical Stays Supporting Local Projects
04:55 – Socialbnb: Stay with NGOs & Community Enterprises
05:20 – Ecobnb: Certified Green, Sustainable Accommodation
05:50 – Kindred: House Swapping for Slow, Community Travel
06:15 – Trusted House Sitters: Free Stays for Pet & Home Care
06:45 – Couchsurfing: The Original Cultural Exchange Platform
07:15 – Nomad House: Coliving for Remote Workers
07:45 – Blueground: Long-Term Urban Stays for Nomads & Expats
08:20 – Landfolk: Minimal Cabins & Nature Retreats
08:50 – Sawday’s & Canopy & Stars: Unique, Character-Filled Stays
09:20 – Coolstays: Castles, Treehouses & Instagrammable Escapes
09:50 – Homestay: Stay with Locals for Authentic Connection
10:25 – HomeAway (Now Vrbo): Classic Vacation Rentals
10:50 – Stayz: Australia’s Trusted Vacation Platform
11:15 – Pros & Cons of Each Category
12:20 – Tips for Booking Safely with New Platforms
13:25 – My Picks: Kindred, Socialbnb, Ecobnb & House Sitting
14:00 – A Heartfelt Story from the Langtang Valley, Nepal
14:30 – Final Thoughts + How to Support the Podcast
--------------------------------------------------------------
Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/
Winging It Travel Podcast - Website
Please leave a review and a 5-star rating wherever you get your podcasts!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Winging It Travel Podcast Credits
Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
Contact me - [email protected]
Social Media - follow me on:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
--------------------------------------------------------------
Support My Podcast - Memberships
Patreon - Here
Buy Me A Coffee - Here
Affiliate Links
If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.
Book Flights with Skyscanner - Here
Use Revolut Travel Card - Here
Book Your E-Sim With GigSky - Here
Book Hostels With Hostelworld - Here
Booking.com - Here
Book Experiences With Viator - Here
Discovery Car Hire - Here
Book Buses With Busbud - Here
Book Trains With Trainline - Here
Travel Insurance with SafetyWing - Here
Book Flights With Expedia Canada - Here
Buy my Digital Travel Planner - Here
--------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!
Cheers, James.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
