Below is an extensive list of all the tools and resources I use for running my vacation rental properties and Airbnbs. I wouldn’t be able to operate without them.
Some of these links* will pay me for referring you to them, but none will charge you more than if you went directly. Some will even give you discount if you go through my referral. So if you plan on using any of these resources please could you help me and support this site by clicking to them through my links.
As ever, I only include resources I use myself or have researched and plan to use for an upcoming project.
This page is a work in progress and I will add new resources as-and-when I find ones that I think will be invaluable to you.
Airbnb*
The most well known vacation rental website. Best for ease of use and popularity. Also works with YourPorter for automated messages (see below) which makes it a winner for me. Using the above link will get you a $25 travel credit.
American Home Shield
I find having a home warranty useful for my Airbnb rental, but would also give thought to just saving the fee to use when problems arise. However, this year my ice maker and water dispenser has broken twice on my fridge, my toilet has blocked once, my washing machine broken once and my dishwasher has broken twice. So this year I am definitely glad I had the warranty in place. I didn’t renew it though, and am crossing my fingers I made the right choice
Bluehost*
A website builder that is very simple to use – I use it for this website. A website for your vacation rental outside of platforms like Airbnb is a really useful thing to have. I will be publishing a complete guide to marketing your vacation rental property soon.
TransferWise*
Obviously this one is only relevant if you host remotely, like I do. My vacation rental is in St Pete Florida, but I now live in the UK and so I use this to convert pounds to dollars and vice versa.
TransferWise is by far the cheapest way I’ve found for currency exchange so I definitely recommend it. If you use the link above, your first transfer is commission free.
Fiverr*
A really good e-task website. I recommend Fiverr for jobs like photo-editing, professionally written copy for your listing, and help producing guest books and floor plans. Fiverr is also what I will be using when I eventually get around to hiring a virtual assistant.
Hootsuite
Automatically posts to twitter/instagram etc. I’ve scheduled a selection of tweets and photos of my Airbnb and the surrounding area to be posted every Friday. The idea is to increase clicks through to my Airbnb listing, which will increase its ranking.
PayPal
How guests pay me for items from my mini bar, using the PayMe feature.
Prime*
Useful for getting cleaning supplies and stock for the mini bar delivered to my door (or to my cleaner’s house, who lives opposite) in bulk whenever needed. Clicking on this link will give you a 30 day free trial.
Schlage Keypad Lock*
How I ensure the simplest check-in process for my guests, and easy access for cleaners and gardeners. If you have a different type of door or set up, take a look at my guide to help you pick the right Airbnb lock (with videos).
Google Voice
A US local phone number which gets forwarded to my phone when I’m in the UK.
TaskRabbit*
For any help I need with physical tasks. If I need help building Ikea furniture, clearing the garden, stripping wall paper (or whatever) I get local help using TaskRabbit.
VRBO
Another vacation rental website, best for longer term vacation renters. All the ‘snow birds’ that have stayed at my rental have used VRBO and they tend to pay a bit more. It isn’t as easy to use as Airbnb and isn’t integrated with YourPorter, but I keep a listing there anyway.
Venmo
How I pay my cleaner and gardener (with no fees).
YourPorter*
I use this for automation for Airbnb messages. If you use this link you will get $20 off* your annual subscription. See my complete Airbnb communication strategy here.
3 Feel at Home SIM
My UK phone number which, thanks to its Feel at Home feature, has no roaming charges when I am in the US.