To me, it’s their biggest selling point in addition to the option of long-term stays!
Outside of boutique hotels and villas around the world, the only way to find unique accommodation is through AirBnB. To me, it’s their biggest selling point in addition to the option of long-term stays! In 2022 AirbnB was my first choice when I began my digital nomad journey by traveling to 4 countries long term and testing out different cities. Ultimately, a big part in the decision of which city came down to my personal lifestyle preferences and the selection of AirBnB’s available. I could go for ones that were a little luxe, tropical getaways, stylish and affordable (my sweet spot!), or the eccentric and themed. Regardless, I enjoyed having my own space to settle into, making the destinations feel even more like home.
There’s a great selection of properties to choose from on AirBnB - some better than others, some subjectively better than others! It’s where personal style comes into play! At a hotel you’re stuck with common colors and patterns that don’t offend, but with AirBnB all bets are off! I specifically chose (this) AirBnB in Medellin because I loved the pink cabinet detail, pink tiles, glass partition room divider, and stone walls. Where else could I find something like this? All of those touches made me feel more relaxed, further welcoming me into the space. The deliberateness is appreciated, as the host and designer knew that it would attract exactly who needed to be there!
So many of us look for something different when we venture out for vacation.
And no doubt - you can find cities that offer up some interesting architecture, but I’d say the locations that bring you closer to nature are where this platform shines! Check out the cabins and lakefront tabs, the beach one, and amazing views to see what unique stay you could be enjoying around the world. Literally - anywhere around the world! Browse them all for an hour or so and you may have just come up with the next few spots for your family vacations, honeymoon spots, and girls trips. I’m a travel agent and to be honest, if I could book AirBnB’s, I would! Using my agent resources I’ve come across some amazing villa rentals with full service staff, beachfront, crazy views, you name it - but you know it comes with a big price to match. Not completely unattainable, but most people aren’t able to come up with that kind of cash. AirBnB puts those trips like I mentioned before more in reach of a wider range of customers.
My 23rd birthday trip was out to a cabin in Suches, GA and mannnn, the view was crazy! Seeing the detail of the mountain the morning after the drive up was something else. There was a creek behind the property and everything felt peaceful. It had a couple neighboring cabins, but I don’t recall seeing any other people. The screened porch and remote feel made my stay feel private nonetheless. It was my first time in a cabin and it left such a good mark I’d go back anytime. I love that AirBnB created this opportunity for hosts with beautiful spaces like these to share with us!
My favorite AirBnB’s so far, hands down, were in Nairobi.
I made a booking in Westlands at Capital M Apartments as a base to explore the city on not one, but two occasions! The luxury feel and services provided by my first hosts enticed me to hit that reserve button with no regrets or falter surrounding the price. I mention this because it wasn’t in my pattern of super affordable picks. The views were PRICELESS, and I didn’t need much convincing to choose a place with a green velvet sofa and cute, jewel toned ottomans to match. And it gets better - listen, being able to order food from the select menu they have arranged for you is a nice touch. And so is having the host assist in arranging your transportation from the airport. Those were some AirBnB firsts!
I ended up returning to Nairobi because I loved my experience, and after a mishap in trying to save a lil coin at a more budget-friendly option, I landed right back in my happy place there. I simply couldn’t have it any other way! I got lucky by finding an opening, and my next host was even more gracious! He utilized the service of the sweet building staff to help me out, and even had a cleaner hired to come in 2-3 times a week. Plus, the refreshing ambience and interior decoration of his listing was nice too. So that was security, personal service, and great hospitality all included in the fee for a stay there. I don’t think it gets much better than that! Take a tour of it in my youtube video below:
Finding the best, most colorful, or authentically styled AirBnB’s aren’t always the easiest though, as they rarely have many openings for bookings. It’s best to search early and take advantage of a forgiving cancellation policy if you’re looking for one of these. When you see the “Rare Find” sticker you’ll know that it’s one of those and you’ll have to jump on it. Have fun searching and I hope you find places that make you feel all warm inside when you get there!
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