Whether you’re a frequent Airbnb guest or just starting to use the platform, one question you may have is whether or not you can or should cook your own meals during your stay. With full access to a kitchen in many Airbnb listings, cooking is certainly an option – but is it always the best one?
There are pros and cons to cooking your own food that are worth considering before your next Airbnb stay. Factors like the length of your trip, your budget, the kitchen amenities provided, and your own cooking skills and preferences should all play a role in deciding what’s right for you.
Quick Answers:
Can you cook in an Airbnb? Yes, most Airbnb listings provide full access to a kitchen for cooking. However, always check listing details to confirm kitchen access and amenities before booking.
Should you cook in an Airbnb? It depends on the length of stay, your budget, the kitchen amenities provided, and your own cooking skills/preferences. Cooking can save money but requires time and effort.
What should you bring to cook in an Airbnb? Bring your own knives, spices, oils, and any specialty cooking tools you may need. Check with the host to see what is already provided in the kitchen.
Is cooking expected in an Airbnb? No, hosts cannot require guests to cook. Providing kitchen access is customary, but ordering takeout or dining out is always an option.
The Pros of Cooking in an Airbnb
Cooking your own meals while staying in an Airbnb has some great benefits that can enhance your travel experience:
Saves Money
One of the biggest perks of cooking is the potential cost savings, especially on longer stays. The average restaurant meal costs $15-$20 per person. Preparing a few meals yourself can quickly add up to big savings for you and your travel companions. Even just cooking breakfast before heading out for the day can make a significant dent in your food budget.
Access to Home Comforts
Cooking allows you to prepare some of your favorite meals from home even while traveling. Following aspecial diet is also much easier when you can control ingredients and preparation. The ability to cook provides a nice dose of normalcy amid the excitement of new experiences.
Experience Local Flavors
Visiting a local market for fresh, seasonal ingredients is a wonderful way to connect with local culture. Cooking regional specialties with local finds offers an authentic taste of your destination. Plus, you get to skip tourist trap restaurants.
More Relaxed Pace
Dining out for every meal can feel rushed and tiring, especially when traveling with family. Cooking gives you flexibility to eat on your own schedule. Enjoy peaceful meals prepared just how you like.
The Cons of Cooking in an Airbnb
While cooking has its perks, there are also some downsides to consider:
Requires Time and Effort
Cooking takes significant time and energy – from grocery shopping and prepping to cleaning up. When factoring in this time commitment, any cost savings may be negated. Cooking multiple meals can quickly cut into sightseeing.
Kitchen Amenities Vary
Airbnb kitchens come equipped with different appliances, cookware, tools, etc. Lack of amenities like a well-stocked pantry makes cooking more difficult. Hosts aren’t required to provide more than basics.
Less Opportunity to Sample Local Cuisine
If you cook most of your meals, you’ll miss out on experiencing the local restaurant scene. Part of the cultural immersion comes from dining out. Stick to just a few home-cooked meals.
Cleanup Hassle
You’re responsible for leaving the kitchen tidy. This means washing dishes, taking out trash, wiping counters, etc. Kitchen rules vary so read house manuals carefully. Extra cleaning is a chore on vacation.
Key Factors to Consider
Weigh the following factors when deciding whether or not cooking is right for your Airbnb stay:
Length of Stay
For short stays of a few days, dining out may make the most sense to maximize sightseeing. A week or longer lends itself well to preparing some meals in between restaurant visits. Time scarcity on short trips makes cooking less practical.
Group Size
If you’re traveling solo, cooking full meals may be excessive. But for a larger group or family, home-cooked meals can provide big savings versus dining out for every meal. Share the cooking duties for less burden.
Kitchen Amenities
Browse listing photos carefully to determine if the kitchen seems well-equipped for cooking. Things like pots and pans, utensils, appliances, pantry staples, and cooking oils impact cooking abilities.
Dietary Needs
Those with food allergies/intolerances or special diets can especially benefit from access to a kitchen. Tailor meals to your needs by controlling ingredients. Check local grocery options.
Personal Cooking/Cleaning Preferences
Assess your skills, interests, and willingness to cook and clean while on vacation. Cooking lovers will embrace a kitchen, while others may opt to dine out.
Tips for a Great Airbnb Cooking Experience
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to cook during your Airbnb stay, utilize the following tips:
Bring Essentials from Home
Come equipped with any speciality ingredients, herbs/spices, knives, or tools you know you’ll need. Don’t plan complex meals assuming the kitchen will have everything.
Ask About Amenities
Reach out to the host before arrival to clarify what’s available. Ask about must-haves like pots and pans, baking sheets, coffee maker, etc. to determine if you need to pack any.
Shop Like a Local
Skip the expensive, touristy grocery stores. Google nearby markets and specialty food shops. Shop local produce stands and bakeries for deals and freshness.
Get Creative with Storage/Tools
Even modest kitchens can work with some creativity. Use paper plates if dishware is lacking. Foil packets or sandwiches eliminate many dishes. Improvise where you can.
Clean as You Go
Quickly wiping counters and loading the dishwasher as you cook saves clean-up time. Take out trash frequently too. Check house rules on recycling and composting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves money on meals | Time-consuming to cook/clean |
| Enjoy home comforts and special diets | Varying kitchen amenities |
| Experience local flavors | Less opportunity to sample local cuisine |
| More relaxed pace | Cleanup hassle |
Conclusion
Whether or not to cook during your Airbnb stay should be decided based on the length of your trip, group size, kitchen amenities, and your own interests. While home-cooked meals offer convenience and potential cost savings, the prep and clean-up can detract from vacation time. Those on shorter trips or wanting to fully experience local dining may opt to eat out more. Carefully assess the kitchen facilities along with your own needs and travel style to determine if cooking some or most meals strikes the right balance. With the proper expectations and preparations, cooking in an Airbnb can be an enjoyable way to personalize your travel experience.