[SwiftyBug]

And on top of that there's nothing in renting an AirBnB that provides a "local" experience. It's an ego-based illusion of experiencing the local life at best.

[joshlemer]

If not AirBnB to have a local experience, then what?

[badpun]

Move there and live for a couple of months, or, better yet, a couple of years. You can't have a "local experience" without being a local.

[joshlemer]

Sounds a bit elitist to me to be honest. Only a tiny percent of people can afford to do this, considering career, financial, and family obligations.

[badpun]

I guess. But, having an "authentic local experience" is a pinnacle of first world needs, so not getting it ever is not really a big deal for anyone.

[barbazoo]

Many small cities we visit have apartments (Airbnb's) near the city center where it's walkable whereas hotels/motels are often in less walkable parts of the city. For me that makes for a more "local" experience.