AirBnb is my main boo. Of all the trips I’ve done over the years, only a select few have been with hotels. The rest have almost always been through AirBnb, and for good reason.
There’s a few tactics I like to use to select the best ones, which I’ll discuss in a bit. But in general, AirBnb is fantastic for value, unique experiences, and meeting new people (hosts). We also love to utilize AirBnb Experiences when traveling to a new destination, as it gets us out of the crowds and into a more authentic story of the place. Needless to say, I’m a massive fan of this platform.
It was requested that I list some of my all time favorite AirBnbs I’ve ever stayed in. I’m stoked to share my list, even though it was tough to narrow it down!
Before I share, I thought I’d give you a few tips and tricks I use in order to find the best AirBnbs in the area I’m traveling to:
Use Filters
Once you’ve selected your dates and destination, I like to play with a few filters to narrow my search (the far right bubble at the top). If I’m looking for something a little more luxurious or by-the-book quality, I like to filter with Plus, which is AirBnb’s sub-category of guarantee quality places. They have real people go and check out these places to ensure it qualifies as Plus. It’s also useful to search by price range.
Superhosts are reputable and experienced hosts and are generally a great filter to check.
A particular favorite filter of mine is Unique Stays. This is where you can find the coolest, most delightfully weird tipis, caves, farms, treehouses and tiny houses to name a few. I’ve had some of my best trips using these filters, and always meet the friendliest hosts with a like-minded love for quirky adventure.
Always Check Reviews
This one is big. I generally don’t book places with zero reviews or reviews under 4.7. In the cases where I do book new places (aka no reviews), I double check the host’s profile. Do they own other places where there are reviews? Have they been verified with a government ID and other means? If the answer to these are yes then I’m OK giving a new place a try if options are slim. But be weary if those question’s answers are no, as there are scammers who post fake places. You can always check with AirBnb customer service first before booking.
Be Flexible With Dates
If you are looking at a general month or even completely open to when you want to travel, leave dates out and see your options in a particular area using the above filters. This also helps to see what time of year is best for prices. Sometimes I plan entire trips based off one unique AirBnb or Experience, and unsurprisingly the best ones book out far in advance. So it’s best to be flexible if you want those top places.
Set Priorities
As a photographer, I love places with views. Some of my favorite photos are from the AirBnbs I stay at. So when scrolling through photos, I look for gardens, terraces, etc. It’s also imperative it’s in convenient location, so I look at the map and description to see where the place resides in relation to whatever we’re there to see. When choosing an AirBnb, think about your top 3 amenities it must have and use filters when necessary.
Hope these help when choosing your next AirBnb!
All places are hyperlinked and includes my personal photos of each place. The criteria I’m using to judge these top 10 includes the host, amenities/gifts, views, location and simply overall memorable experience.
It’s also important to note that majority of these places are in Europe, as that’s where I’ve traveled using AirBnb the most. But not to worry! I have a feeling this won’t be my last AirBnb favorites list.
Now, without further ado, a list of my top 10 AirBnbs I have personally stayed in — signed and sealed with my utmost approval (you can probably find some my reviews on the actual listing by either myself or Ryan hehe). Be sure to hang until the end for some deserving honorable mentions.
10. This Cozy Mountain View Apartment in Lake Bled, Slovenia
Our first trip to Eastern Europe was so memorable mainly due to this place. We weren’t greeted by the hosts directly because they were out of town, but we were welcomed by her father, who handed us a bottle of local Slovenian wine (SO DELICIOUS) with a big smile and lots of tips around the area. Not only does this place have incredible views of the mountains and lake, but it’s tastefully decorated (always bonus points) AND costed us, at the time, $60 a night.
You can read more about my trip to Lake Bled here.
9. This Incredible Guest House in Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
I stayed here on assignment for VisitBritain when working with Carly Rowena, and it remains one of my favorite, ridiculously cozy places I’ve stayed. There’s something so comforting about having your host right next door, greeting you with their local accent, smiling and enthusiastically showing you around. Everything about the Bluebell Cottage was exactly what you’d picture a Scottish Highland getaway to look like.
You can read more about my trip to Glencoe here.
8. This Quirky Terrace Flat in Antibes, France
Did I mention I LOVE terraces? This place in a quaint town 20 minutes from Nice, France was no exception. We did a girl’s trip here to wine taste in the birth place of rose, and this was such a brilliant little home base for us. It’s quirky, amazingly located and you just can’t beat wine and charcuterie on the terrace at sunset.
7. This Adorable B&B in the Salzkammergut Region of Austria
I embarked on my first planned solo trip to see Hallstatt, Austria, but ended up booking a B&B in the nearby town of Fuschl, which ended up being one of the best decisions ever. Not only does this traditional chalet have one of the best views of the crystal blue lake, but it’s also owned by two of the loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Austrian-raised, I had delicious breakfast and dinner with Munky and Christiana each day. We swapped life stories and made me feel like family. If you’re going to the Salzkammergut region of Austria, look no further than this sweet place.
You can read more about my trip to Austria here.
6. This Artist’s Stunning Home in Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain
Oh man. When we booked a group trip to this Balearic Island to escape our first cold English winter, we did not expect our mouths to drop when walked into this stunning AirBnb. First off, when visiting Mallorca, Valldemossa is a must to stroll through if not stay in. Nestled in the island’s mountains 15 minutes from the capital of Palma, it is one of the most picturesque towns I’ve photographed. Every street is a warm-colored cobblestone, and each tenant living in the city sets their potted plants right outside their door, so the streets are lined with plants. This AirBnb is right in the center, and is clearly designed by artists and architects. If you ever come to Mallorca with a group of 6 or less, book this place. And of course, it has the view.
You can read more about my trip to Mallorca here.
5. This Traditional White Home In Mykonos, Greece
Ahhh Mykonos. Home of the most epic sunsets and beautifully pure white buildings. Staying in one of them was one of many highlights of this getaway, with yet again an amazing ocean-view terrace. The entryway was one of my favorite aspects (pictured), and was so characteristic to that Greek style we all know and love. It has spectacular views all to yourself and the most pleasant walk down to the city center. Funny behind-the-scenes story about this one — we left the window open the whole day during mosquito season, and when I started to fall asleep there was one that kept buzzing in my ear for the ENTIRE NIGHT and I didn’t fall asleep until 6AM because of it. When seeking refuge in Meghan’s room, it followed me, and we were so damn delusional by that point we just started dumb laughing for at least 30 minutes. So yeah, don’t leave the windows open. But even then, this remains one of my top favorite places I’ve stayed and for good reason.
You can read more about my trip to Mykonos here.
4. This Incredible Ocean View Apartment In Polignano A Mare, Italy
First of all, the best time to visit any Mediterranean destination- in my humble opinion - is in early October. The crowds are minimal, the weather and water is still warm but it isn’t blazing hot. It’s seriously my favorite month to travel. That opinion was solidified after a girl’s trip to one of my favorite parts of Italy, Polignano a Mare in the Puglia region. Waking up in this place for 3 mornings was a straight dream. It had not one, not two, but THREE epic terrace viewpoints throughout the place, where one of them had only a small railing that blocked you from a hundred foot drop straight into the ocean. The location was extremely central with a ton of bars and restaurants within feet of the front door, but by far the best part of this place was the rooftop at sunset. Complete with an outdoor shower!
Stay tuned for a travel journal entry on this trip!
3. This Unique Eco-Friendly Lakeside Home in the Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
What a treat this place was, and in such a wild location! Ponta Delgada is one of many stunning islands in the Azores, and isn’t nearly as popular to tourists as it should be (and we like to keep it that way). I’m passionate about finding unique places that resemble a glamping experience, and this listing freaking nailed it. Owned and built by a lovely local named Andre, it was a fully-equipped, eco-friendly home just steps from a perfectly reflective lake. The host also left us the BEST gift basket we’ve ever received out of all the places we’ve stayed, complete with bread from the bakery down the street and heaps of local snacks and wine. The sight provides kayaks and bikes to get around, and is incredibly affordable for what you get. Definitely stay here if you visit Ponta Delgada; it’s just the perfect nature getaway.
Stay tuned for a travel journal entry on this trip!
2. This Absolute Oasis in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
I know this throws off the whole European theme, but this place deserves a top 2 spot on my list for obvious reasons. When you browse AirBnb in Bali, you’re going to be hit with some of the most incredible homes for ridiculously cheap. While we would’ve been happy with a lot of places in Ubud, this gem was so, so beautiful and seriously memorable. There’s an actual garden inside the quarters that opens up to the kitchen with an infinity pool that overlooks the Balinese jungle. We booked it with 2 other couples, and it totaled out to about $60/night/couple. The host was the kindest woman who helped us with vespa woes and local tips. When you go to Ubud, stay here and you’ll never want to leave (I cried leaving this place and I’ve never done that before).
You can read more about my trip to Bali here.
1. This Glamping Paradise in Madeira, Portugal
Finally, topping at the number one AirBnb I’ve had the pleasure of staying in thus far in my travels: the heaven that is Canto Das Fontes. I have to admit, I was not the first to stay here in our England friend group. Our dear friends Anna and Andrew stayed there first, and after their reports there was basically a ripple effect among all of us and each couple went to stay at different times throughout the year. We were the second after Anna and Andrew, and it was one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had. The property encompasses 2 tipis and 1 yurt. We stayed in the yurt, which had its own outdoor kitchen, shower and compost toilet (the tipis share a kitchen space and bathroom). It’s a little hike straight up a mountain which overlooks the sea. There’s wild herbs growing EVERYWHERE that we used in our home cooked dinners, and hundreds of bananas and other fresh fruits on the trees. There’s a common space tipi where you can start a fire and interact with others that are staying, a hammock and a fresh-water infinity pool. Oh, and it literally has its OWN waterfall as a backdrop. There are no words or photos that could possibly do this place any justice; I just can’t wait until we can return again.
You can read more about my trip to Madeira here.
There you have it! I hope this list inspires you to book your next trip.
Here are some honorable mentions:
Prague, Czech Republic
Bergen, Norway
Riomaggiore, Italy
Venice Beach, California