Airbnb Etiquette: What Every Traveler Should Know

We spent a good part of last month bouncing between Airbnbs for vacation and my son's golf tournaments, and after living out of a suitcase and settling into two very different homes, I realized this month's travel etiquette blog practically wrote itself.

When you book a short-term rental, it can be easy to think, "I've paid for it, it's mine to enjoy." But the truth is, you're stepping into someone else's space. Each home comes with its own set of expectations, and knowing those in advance makes for a much smoother stay for you and your host.

Read the rules

Once you book, many hosts send a follow-up message with house-specific rules that go beyond what you saw on the listing. In both homes we stayed in, there was a no-shoes policy. Since I'm not a big fan of walking around barefoot, I was so glad I had read that detail ahead of time and tossed in some comfy house shoes.

Respect the space

Even though you're on vacation, many short-term rentals have guidelines around guests, noise, and quiet hours. Respecting these isn't just good etiquette, it's part of being a thoughtful neighbor. Hosts are often sharing their home with you in a community they care about, so treat those around you with care.

Don't assume it's an open door

Unless you've arranged otherwise, check-in and check-out times are firm. At one of our stops, I arrived just a few minutes after check-in and ran into the cleaner, who was still finishing up. The place looked fantastic, and I appreciated that they were being thorough. It was a good reminder that these spaces aren't sitting empty and just waiting for us.

Be the kind of guest you'd want

Whether you're there two nights or two weeks, aim to treat the home like it belongs to a friend. That means wiping down counters and not bringing home food or supplies. Yes, even if there's a cute welcome snack basket, it's for your stay, not your suitcase. Cooking in an Airbnb is one of my favorite travel rituals. Exploring a new grocery store, creating a meal, and sitting down together at the table. It feels like home in the best way. Just remember: clean as you go and clear out the fridge before you leave.

Let the host help

A lightbulb goes out. The wifi isn't cooperating. It happens. Homes, just like hotels, aren't perfect, and small hiccups are bound to happen. If something isn't working quite right, let your host know. Every time I've reached out, the response has been quick and kind. Most hosts truly want your stay to go well and would much rather have the chance to make it right in the moment than read about the issue later in a review.

Here's your sign

Many hosts leave helpful hints—sometimes in a house manual, sometimes taped to the fridge. These can include everything from where to put the trash to how to use the coffee maker. Take a minute to look around and you'll feel right at home.

When it's over

Before you leave, check for any Airbnb check-out instructions. You might be asked to start the dishwasher, take out the trash, or strip the beds. The expectations at a vacation rental are different than at a hotel. There isn't a full housekeeping staff ready to reset the space the moment you leave. And while it might feel like the cost of your stay should cover everything, including the mess you leave behind, most of that money goes to the property owner. The cleaning crew gets just a small portion and is often working on a tight schedule. A few thoughtful steps can make their job easier and earn you some good travel karma.

Share honest (and helpful) reviews

Your feedback helps future guests and hosts. If you had a perfect stay or if there was an issue that got resolved quickly, include those details. When you are writing your review, keep your expectations realistic. There are limits to the experience you will have. It's a rental, not an upscale retreat. A little perspective goes a long way in helping everyone have a better experience.