As we try to become more responsible travelers and leave a positive impact, we wondering if it is still ok to book with Airbnb?

Admittedly, we loved staying at Airbnbs for the comfort and the low price. On top of that, we often had the chance to get to know the locals. Today there are more than 4 million listings on Airbnb worldwide. What started as an example of the sharing economy quickly became commercialized, with new rooms everywhere. With the commercialization and tremendous growth, the character and use changed drastically. The evolution of Airbnb has even entirely changed neighborhoods and impacted the daily lives of many.

The bright side of Airbnb:

Not everything is black or white. While we understand the issues arising from Airbnb, there are definitely some advantages and upsides.
For one, Airbnb has acknowledged the arising problems and has committed to improving the situation, especially in areas suffering from over-tourism.
According to Airbnb’s study (studies can be read a million different ways), 31%-96% of Airbnb experiences occur outside the main tourist areas. Of course, there are enormous implications where Airbnb gets too commercialized, but in many places, it offers an easy tap into tourism for locals.

By booking an AirBnB owned by a local, you provide a revenue stream because profits from AirBnBs go directly to the host.
On top of that, unlike tourists visiting hotels, Airbnb guests are more likely to spend money with local stores. Therefore minimizing the tourism leakages and directly impacting the local economy.

Getting to know the locals

The perfect Airbnb is an exciting place to stay and contact locals. Local hosts can provide insight and knowledge of hidden gems and stories. According to Airbnb, 61 percent of recommendations are by a single host. This makes up for an incredible number of 1 Million unique experiences local Airbnb hosts provide.

Can we still use Airbnb as a responsible traveler?

We’d say: yes! Airbnb can be a great experience, not just for you but also for the host. However, as with many things, making conscious decisions is vital.
Make sure to check out our guide on how to choose an Airbnb responsibly.

Related Articles

Related

Traveling should be a joyful adventure, not a stressful ordeal. But let’s face it—lugging around the wrong suitcase can turn your dream trip into a logistical nightmare.

That’s why finding the perfect carry-on is essential. Whether you’re hopping on a plane for a quick weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, the right carry-on can make all the difference. Let’s dive into how you can find one that fits your style, needs, and budget.

What Makes a Great Carry-On?

Choosing the right carry-on is all about balance. You want something spacious but compact, lightweight but sturdy, stylish but practical. Think of your suitcase as your travel companion—it should work with you, not against you.

Here are my top carry on suitcases

Travel Smarter: Pro Packing Tips

To get the most out of your carry-on, try these simple packing hacks:

• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
• Packing Cubes: These keep your items organized and make it easy to grab what you need.
• Layer Liquids Smartly: Place your liquids bag in an outer pocket or at the top for easy security access.

Packing for a trip can feel like a delicate balancing act, and having the right luggage really makes all the difference. Have you ever struggled with those bulky rolling suitcases or found it frustrating trying to fit your carry-on into the overhead bin? If so, under-seat luggage without wheels might just become your new travel companion. These bags are compact, lightweight, and incredibly practical, making your journeys simpler while keeping all your essentials right where you need them.

In this guide, I’ll help you choose the perfect bag, explain why leaving the wheels behind could transform the way you travel, and highlight the top 10 under-seat carry-on bags available right now.

Let’s make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable together!

Why Under-Seat Luggage Without Wheels Might Be Your Next Travel Upgrade

Traveling can be chaotic, especially when juggling heavy bags and navigating crowded airports. Opting for under-seat luggage without wheels can transform your experience by offering a practical, stress-free alternative. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Light as a Feather: Without the extra weight of wheels and a telescoping handle, these bags are noticeably lighter. This means less strain on your shoulders and arms, making them ideal for quick trips or as an additional carry-on.
2. Doubles as a Comfortable Footrest: For shorter travelers, under-seat luggage can serve a dual purpose—giving your feet a place to rest during long flights. This added comfort is a surprising yet welcome perk for improving your in-flight experience.
3. Eliminate Overhead Bin Woes: No need to battle for overhead compartment space. With under-seat luggage, you can keep your essentials at arm’s reach, giving you faster access to your items during the flight and a quicker exit once you land.

What to Look For in Under-Seat Luggage

Here are the best under seat luggages with wheels

How to Pick the Right Under-Seat Luggage

Consider the following when choosing your under-seat luggage:

1. Travel Frequency: Frequent travelers may benefit from durable, lightweight options like the Travelpro Maxlite 5.
2. Budget: Affordable choices like the Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On offer great value without compromising quality.
3. Style Preferences: If aesthetics are important, options like the DELSEY Paris Rolling Under-Seat Tote provide a stylish look.

Tips to Maximize Your Under-Seat Luggage

• Efficient Packing: Use packing cubes to organize and maximize space.
• Essential Accessibility: Keep items like electronics and travel documents in easily reachable compartments.
• Clothing Management: Rolling clothes can minimize wrinkles and save space.

What to Look For in the perfect carry-on

The best carry-on totes for women

If you want a carry-on that’s both stylish and practical, a tote might be your perfect match. Here’s when a tote really shines:

When Is a Tote the Right Carry-On for You?

– Short Trips or Weekend Getaways: Spacious enough for essentials without overpacking.

– Business Travel: Easy access to your laptop, documents, and chargers.

– Quick Essentials Access: Grab travel documents, toiletries, or snacks without digging.

– Stylish Versatility: Doubles as a chic bag for meetings, dinners, or exploring.

– Light Packing: Perfect for under-seat storage on short flights.

The best under seat luggage for women

For travelers who prioritize convenience and quick access to their essentials, an underseat carry-on is a practical and stress-free option.

When Is an Underseat Carry-On Right for You? 

If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-access carry-on that fits neatly under the seat in front of you, an underseat carry-on might be your best choice. Here’s when it’s the perfect fit:

– Short Flights or Quick Trips: Ideal for packing just the essentials for a weekend getaway or an overnight stay.

– Avoiding Overhead Bin Hassle: Skip the struggle of overhead storage and keep your belongings close.

– Business Travel: Perfect for laptops, documents, and toiletries you’ll need on hand during the flight.

– Staying Organized: Multiple compartments make it easy to access your items mid-flight.

– Compact Packing: Great for light packers who want to avoid large, bulky luggage.

The best carry-on suitcases for women

For travelers who value organization, protection, and smooth transport, a carry-on suitcase is a reliable and stylish choice.

When Is a Carry-On Suitcase Right for You?

If you want a carry-on that offers structure, durability, and plenty of space, a carry-on suitcase might be exactly what you need. Here’s when a suitcase works best:

– Longer Trips or Multi-Day Getaways: Perfect for packing several outfits and travel essentials without needing a larger checked bag.

– Business Travel: Keeps clothes wrinkle-free and provides dedicated compartments for shoes, toiletries, and electronics.

– Effortless Mobility: Spinner wheels and a sturdy handle make navigating airports and hotels a breeze.

– Durability: Hard-shell options protect fragile items, while soft-shell designs offer flexibility for tight spaces.

– Overhead Bin Use: Designed to fit airline size restrictions for easy storage in overhead compartments.

The best carry-on backpacks for women

For travelers who value flexibility, ease of movement, and a practical design, a carry-on backpack is a comfortable and reliable choice.

When Is a Carry-On Backpack Right for You?

If you want a carry-on that’s versatile, lightweight, and hands-free, a carry-on backpack might be your best option. Here’s when a backpack is the perfect travel companion:

– Active or Adventure Travel: Ideal for those navigating uneven terrain, stairs, or city streets.

– Hands-Free Convenience: Keep your hands free for tickets, snacks, or navigating busy airports.

– Organization On-the-Go: Multiple compartments for laptops, chargers, clothes, and toiletries keep everything in its place.

– Short or Minimalist Trips: Great for light packers who prefer to skip wheels and overhead bins.

– Comfortable Carry: Ergonomic straps and padded backs make it easy to carry, even when fully packed.

Packing Tips for carry-on luggage

6. Use Compression Bags for Bulkier Items

For jackets or thick sweaters, compression bags can reduce their volume significantly. These are especially useful for winter travel or trips requiring heavier clothing.

7. Keep Essentials in a Separate Pouch

Create a small “essentials” pouch for items like lip balm, hand sanitizer, snacks, and a charging cable. Having these items in a single, easily accessible spot can save you time and hassle during your journey.

8. Limit Liquids to the Basics

Avoid overpacking toiletries by sticking to travel-sized essentials. Use refillable containers for shampoo, lotion, and other liquids to stay within TSA guidelines while reducing waste.

9. Invest in a Lightweight Toiletry Bag

Choose a toiletry bag with multiple compartments to keep items organized and prevent spills. Hanging toiletry bags are particularly useful in small hotel bathrooms.

10. Pack Strategically for Security Checks

Keep items you’ll need at security, like electronics and liquids, near the top of your bag for quick access. This will help you breeze through the process and avoid repacking chaos.