If you’re looking for a great new way to explore your vacation destination, then airbnb may be just the ticket.  The service allows locals to offer up personal accommodations to travelers.  Whether for business or pleasure, it’s nice to have a comfortable “homelike” alternative to the standard hotel atmosphere.  Lodging options range from a single room to an entire house, and anywhere in between, such as in-law quarters and guest houses.

Getting started on the site is simple.  Create an account providing standard registration information, such as an email address and basic profile, or just log in with your Facebook account.  After that you’re on your way to perusing exotic or functional locales.  Reservations are scheduled with a calendar showing availability.  They’ve also provided an iPhone App for planning on the go.

If you’ve got some room to spare and are interested in making some extra cash, airbnb has you covered there as well.  With your account and profile all set up, you can post listings for available space you’d like to rent out.  Photos are definitely going to draw more, and the right kind, of interest.  Having a complete profile is going to carry a lot more weight here in presenting yourself as welcoming and personable.

My experience using the service was excellent.  I, personally, am not into short jaunts, and would much prefer to live in interesting places for an extended period of time.  I like to get a feel for what it’s like to really live there, and airbnb comes pretty close to giving that experience.  Walking out in the morning, or retiring at night, there’s a much better feel for actually being part of the community, if for just a short time.  It also provides an opportunity for in depth exploration of regions that would fall outside of the typical “hotel” blocks.

Learn more about airbnb or jump in and get ready to explore at airbnb.com.