How the Shared Economy is Making Travel Affordable

The advent of the internet has forever changed the way we travel, for the better.  People are connecting and sharing like never before, although some may over share but that is for a different blog.The shared economy is helping the world expand and live more comfortably by using assets that people already own.

The greatest thing to come out of the internet age is the idea of a shared economy.  A shared economy is what startups like Uber and Airbnb are built upon.  Shared economy has created a whole new source of revenue for so many people that it has helped the world economy greatly.

Start ups are being created daily that utilize the principles of a shared economy and many are related to the travel industry.  Many of these startups are making travel affordable again so much more of our world’s population can explore.

Hospitality 

Gone are the days of staying in dirtbag fleas ridden motels while traveling and instead are being replaced by shared economy ventures. Couchsurfing is at the forefront of this shared economy, where people can offer up an extra room or couch to weary travelers in exchange for them being offered the same thing in return.   

Apartments

AirBnb and VRBO are at the forefront of the sharing of your living space in exchange for cold hard cash.  The idea is simple, you have an extra room or a whole house and you wish to make some extra income.  So you rent out your living situation for a reasonable rate and the company takes all responsibility for damages etc.  This is my favorite option when traveling because you stay local, travel local and experience the city like a local.  Your experience seems much more real and grounded instead of the sterile environment of a hotel or hostel. 

Don’t Eat Alone

One of the worst aspects of traveling solo is dining alone and this shared economy startup is fixing that.  This website hooks up travelers with locals who wish to host new friends.  The locals cook you a home cooked meal, you get great company and some cuisine that is entirely authentic. 

No More Taxis

The grand daddies of the shared economy Uber and Lyft are game changers for sure.  Taxi’s are notorious for ripping of travelers and with the invention of taxi type services, the ripoffs are at least digital now.  haha, no but seriously, these apps have saved my so much money and frustration that i’ll continue to praise them.  Just download the app, fill out some basic info and put in your credit card and you are ready to ride. If you are a first time rider try these promo codes for free rides.  

Uber: RO0VEF

Lyft: Adam1973

Shared car

ZipCar is a neat tool for travel, cause sometimes you just need your own car.  Signup online and have use of your own little car waiting at many locations around town.  
Another alternative is FlightCar. FlightCar lets people parking at airports rent their vehicles to other travelers. All cars are insured up to a million dollars, and users are verified and checked out ahead of time. If you are a traveler, this option lets you make some extra money for future travel.

Hopefully these new shared economy apps and websites help you travel with ease and less frustration. 

Check out the full article on NomadicMatt

Photos courtesy of  TheHuffingtonPost, sidehustlenation