As the dominance of platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com continues to grow, a new wave of smaller, more community-focused alternatives is emerging. These platforms aim to address some of the issues created by larger booking sites, such as rising rents in tourist-heavy cities and the negative impact of mass tourism on local communities. Here are a few standout platforms that offer travelers more sustainable, socially responsible, and unique accommodation options.
Fairbnb
Fairbnb, which began in Venice, offers a direct challenge to Airbnb by focusing on community-based tourism. This cooperative platform only lists properties owned and lived in by local people, ensuring that the economic benefits stay within the community. In addition to providing travelers with authentic stays, Fairbnb donates 50% of its commission to local social projects. This initiative helps to fund community-driven causes such as homelessness support or environmental conservation. With around 2,000 listings across Europe, Fairbnb is gradually expanding its reach while ensuring that tourism is more equitable and sustainable.
Socialbnb
Born out of a student project in Cologne, Socialbnb connects travelers with social and ecological projects worldwide. The platform lists over 400 places to stay, each linked to a grassroots initiative. By staying in these accommodations, travelers not only experience local culture but also contribute to the funding of important community-driven projects. For example, you can book a stay at PitaSana, an organic farm in Spain, or at a restored water mill in Germany’s biosphere reserve. These stays offer travelers a unique chance to support sustainable and socially responsible initiatives while exploring new destinations.
Ecobnb
Ecobnb focuses on sustainable travel by listing accommodations that meet strict environmental standards. The platform offers over 3,000 eco-friendly places to stay across more than 55 countries. Properties listed on Ecobnb are required to meet ten sustainability criteria, including using organic produce, renewable energy, and wastewater recycling. Many of these accommodations are independently owned and emphasize local sourcing, ensuring that tourism benefits the surrounding community. Whether you’re staying in a bio-agriturismo in Italy or a sustainable cabin in the Alps, Ecobnb makes it easier for travelers to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying unique experiences.
Kindred
House swapping is gaining popularity as a more affordable and sustainable travel option, and Kindred is leading the charge in this area. With over 80,000 homes listed, 90% of which are primary residences, Kindred offers a platform for travelers to swap homes without the traditional pitfalls of inconsistent cleaning or lack of a 24/7 contact. The platform uses a credit system, allowing travelers to book a home swap without a direct exchange, although a service fee is applied. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of travel but also offers a more authentic experience, as travelers stay in real homes rather than tourist-oriented properties.
Landfolk
Landfolk, a Danish startup, emphasizes the connection between travel and nature. Drawing inspiration from the Scandinavian concept of friluftsliv, which translates to “living in the free air,” Landfolk offers properties that provide access to nature and outdoor activities. The platform features homes in scenic locations across Scandinavia, from cozy wooden houses overlooking fjords to traditional cottages in the forest. Hosts on Landfolk are encouraged to share local guides with guests, offering personalized recommendations for exploring the area. This focus on nature and local culture helps travelers experience destinations in a more meaningful and sustainable way.
Sawday’s and Canopy & Stars
Sawday’s, a well-known UK-based travel company, takes a responsible approach to tourism by limiting the number of listings in areas affected by overtourism. This helps mitigate the pressure on popular destinations while supporting sustainable and community-focused businesses. Sawday’s owns Canopy & Stars, a collection of glamping sites, and offers properties that give back to local communities. For instance, stays at Wilderness Wood in East Sussex fund community access to woodland craft and adventure programs. Sawday’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability is also reflected in its “Community Champion” listings, which direct funds to social causes.
Coolstays
Coolstays is a platform dedicated to offering unique and off-the-beaten-path accommodations. From converted grain stores to rail carriages, Coolstays features a diverse range of properties across Europe. The platform allows travelers to filter their search for eco-friendly accommodations, such as off-grid cabins or converted historical buildings. By focusing on properties that have minimal impact on local housing stock and the environment, Coolstays encourages travelers to support sustainable tourism while staying in distinctive and memorable places.
These alternative platforms provide an opportunity for travelers to explore the world in a more responsible and meaningful way. By supporting local communities, promoting sustainability, and offering unique experiences, they offer a refreshing break from the mainstream accommodation giants. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly stays, community-driven initiatives, or unique homes, these platforms are paving the way for a more conscious approach to travel.
