A crop of new websites promise unique spaces for your next trip -- offered by people opening up their homes. Think a private island in British Columbia, a treehouse in Vermont, or even a couch in some guy's living room in Cincinnati.
The sites allow you to search for listings in a city based on location, dates and budget. You can see how other travelers have rated hosts, view photos of the property, as well as contact the hosts in advance of booking with a credit or debit card. Since the terms and amenities vary, it's important to ask plenty of questions, as well as give hosts a good idea of who you are, because who they allow into their homes is entirely up to them. Here's a look at five leading rental sites:
