Our Airbnb Disaster: How to Sidestep a Major Blunder

Traveling the world is filled with exciting adventures, but sometimes, things don’t go as planned. This is the story of our Airbnb disaster in Athens, Greece, and our valuable lessons learned. We’re here to share our missteps so you can avoid making the same mistakes in your own travels!

The Calm Before the Storm

As we approached our month-long stay in Athens, we were blissfully unaware of the challenge that awaited us. The excitement of exploring a new city was quickly overshadowed by the realization that we would depend on reliable internet for our work. Little did we know, this would become a critical issue.

Our Fatal Error: Choosing the Wrong Airbnb

Before booking, we reached out to our host, confident that he had confirmed the availability of high-speed internet. He assured us it was “the best in the area.” Trusting his word, we sealed the deal, but we soon discovered that not all promises are kept. Panic set in when we arrived and found the internet connection to be atrocious.

The Stress Level Was Off the Charts

I (Ross) was in full panic mode. The thought of not being able to work or earn money for a month was terrifying. Bek tried to remain calm amidst the chaos, but it was clear we needed a solution—fast! Our plans for a fun and stress-free month were hanging by a thread.

The Search for a New Workspace

Finding alternative arrangements for work turned out to be more difficult than we anticipated. Despite our determination, it seemed that every co-working space we contacted was either closed on weekends or charging exorbitant fees. Frustrated but not defeated, we knew we needed to think outside the box.

A Ray of Hope: Creative Solutions

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After several unsuccessful attempts, we decided to get resourceful and started calling up real estate agents in search of available office space. Eventually, we hit the jackpot! We found an affordable option that would allow me to work effectively during the month.

The Commute Challenge

The bright side? We only had to pay around €160 for the entire month, a price far less than expected. The downside was the lengthy commute. It required me to take two trains each day, often departing at the crack of dawn to get to my temporary office in time.

Embracing Solitude for Productivity

During my time in the office, I often found myself alone, but the rapid internet connection made it all worthwhile. I was able to focus on my work and maintain my teaching schedule, which was a huge relief after the initial panic. Sometimes, solitude can lead to great productivity!

Our Gracious Host: A Worthy Mention

We want to emphasize that our Airbnb host was incredibly kind throughout this ordeal. The situation with the internet was unfortunate, but it certainly wasn’t due to his negligence. He genuinely wanted us to have a pleasant stay, and we appreciated his approach.

Lessons Learned for Future Stays

Looking back, we realize how vital effective communication is before booking an Airbnb. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of asking the right questions! Future stays have a much higher success rate when we inquire about internet speed, property layout, and additional amenities.

Key Questions to Ask Your Host

When booking your next Airbnb, try to prioritize what matters most to you. Whether you need multiple rooms for a family or a workspace with fast internet, don’t hesitate to ask these crucial questions before committing. A little preparation can go a long way!

A Game Changer: Speed Tests

In our effort to avoid repeating this experience, we innovatively arranged speed tests with hosts for our upcoming trips. This has ensured that the properties we choose will meet our online work needs. Being proactive is key in the travel game!

Finding Joy in the Journey

Despite the frustrations we encountered, we managed to turn things around. Not only did I regain my work rhythm, but I even ramped up my teaching schedule, alleviating some financial concerns. The silver lining here is unmistakable.

Discussing Airbnb Wins

We remain huge fans of Airbnb for our long-term stays, mainly because of the discounts available for bookings over 28 days. The platform facilitates affordable accommodations and unique experiences worldwide, provided you do your homework first.

Final Thoughts and Adventure Ahead

As we prepare for our next five months of travel, we feel much better equipped to tackle any challenges. Our Athens experience taught us invaluable lessons about bookings, communication, and adaptability, allowing us to move forward with confidence.

In the end, every travel mishap can be turned into a valuable lesson. By sharing our Airbnb disaster, we hope to enhance your travels and help you avoid similar pitfalls. So remember: Communicate, inquire, and choose wisely! Bon voyage!



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44 COMMENTS

  19. Woww guys well done on fixing the problem
    And you're lucky yo get that office though it's a bit of a trip every day.
    You're doing amazing job guys👍👍👍
    Enjoy your trip in Athens
    And keep up the great work
    Full view and like from us 👍👍👍
    Have a great day
    Cheers

  21. Hi Ross and Bek -we've all ended up in B&B's with bad internet – especially in some of the more remote locations. Few suggestions for future – always read the reviews first . Another good way is we have an Ipad that you can put a sim in and then we buy a pay as you go sim and can hot spot and upload from that . Or if we have to we create videos then you can upload in local libraries etc. Chris & Marianne 👍🌴

  23. YIKES!! Guys this is such an easy mistake to make! We are currently looking at getting a place in KL for a month and slow internet is a BIG concern for us… Good to know that you can actually check with the host before you go. Haha tbh we hadn't thought about messaging the host first, that's a great idea guys! Glad you fixed the problem, super resourceful!

  29. Omg we command you guys! Perseverance is all.
    Good for you ! And thank you for sharing this info, most people overlook these things. We had to leave a few times when we couldn’t get internet or even cell phone service.

  41. You're not alone.
    An Airbnb experience in Dubai turned out to be a nightmare for me. Booked it, and on calling the owner, who couldn't converse in English with me, managed to somehow let me know that the site was close to Downtown DXB and had water, electricity, wifi etc. I was terrified when he pointed out that there was water, I mean, it goes without saying, right? At least, it should. Get there, turns out to be a small outhouse in a traditional Syrian house, on the OUTSKIRTS of Dubai. For some reference, it's in a place called Naif, and the taxi driver didn't even know where the given address was, and it took us 2 HOURS to get there. Reaching the outhouse, the door had been feasted upon by termites, inside was a FAN, and, well, there was a tap, a dusty bed, and a dingy washroom that I saw once and decided not to visit. To add to all this, there was no WiFi, no TV, no telephone, nothing. I decided that, for my health, it was better to leave early. Worst Airbnb experience. I now use miles and points to book hotel rooms for cheap prices. It helps.

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