Since Airbnblaunched in 2008, I’ve stayed at 76 locations, including a Bengaluru hideaway shared with the property’s owners; many properly managed apartments inColombo, the city I now consider home; unique Tbilisi residences; and aBangkoka homestay that featured a breakfast I still dream about
I’ve had opportunities I never would have had without this platform. I’ve also made a few friends, as some hosts have become lifelong companions.
Not every experience has been positive – some were so dirty that I had to leave quickly, others made me feel uncomfortable, and many were too expensive. Additionally, the large number of properties rented out as Airbnbs, rather than being used for regular housing, in cities that attract a lot of tourists can push up living costs for residents. Because of this, I now use the platform less frequently than before.
Nevertheless, as someone who frequently travels alone, Airbnbs can be secure, cozy, and often provide a variety of helpful suggestions from the host. Unlike many hotels, they give a glimpse into less-recognized neighborhoods. Areas where locals gather in hidden bars, street art is vibrant on the walls, and intriguing galleries await discovery.
If you, like me, want to truly understand a location, rather than visiting the usual spots that are crowded with tourists, using Airbnb can make a big difference.
Here’s what I pay attention to as afemale travelling aloneto guarantee a seamless and unforgettable experience – for all the appropriate reasons.
Check the listings for information that aligns with your preferences
Read more:I’m an introvert, here’s how I get through group holidays
Being an enthusiastic admirer of art in every form, I frequently choose residences that have plenty of artwork on the walls, unique design elements, and distinctive furniture. This way, I believe the host’s preferences match mine, and they are likely to offer numerous excellent suggestions for me to explore. Additionally, it implies that the neighborhood where the apartment is located is probably near the attractions I would like to visit.
This approach has helped me discover some of my top Airbnb experiences. Always look closely at the photos in the listing for hints connected to your passions and interests. The host could have bookshelves filled with literature, surfing gear displayed on the walls, or artwork that indicates the place is welcoming to the LGBT+ community.
Focus on accommodations located on the first floor and higher
When staying in a city, I consistently prefer flats and apartments over large homes on the ground floor. It’s not just about cost. Homes on the ground floor usually have multiple entry points, and often feature two doors and numerous windows, which can make me feel less secure.
A house I reserved in the Dominican Republic had a few windows that were unable to be secured. Fortunately, for that trip, I was accompanied by a friend, but if I had been staying by myself, I would have felt uneasy at night.
Now, whenever I travel alone, I reserve apartments located on the ground floor, unless I’m staying in a special off-grid cabin, or a place where being isolated is the main feature.
Read more:A city split in two: how I became enamored with the lively Istanbul
Travel off season
As a lone traveler, I don’t share the cost of lodging with anyone else, which can make it expensive. To address this, and because I dislike tourist areas, I never go to a place during the busy season when hosts charge more. Keep in mind that weekend rates are also higher.
For instance, if I’m heading to Madrid, I’ll choose August when the city experiences extreme heat, and many tourists will be at the beach instead.
This usually means cheaper Airbnb prices and more of the city to enjoy alone. You could even end up staying in a place you once thought was out of your budget.
Be cautious of secure locks
In today’s rental market, many check-ins no longer require the host to meet you in person as they used to, so it’s likely that the door will have a digital keypad lock. Although I appreciate the convenience of being able to check in from anywhere, I don’t find these digital code entry systems completely secure, which is why I always check if there’s an additional inner bolt to secure the door.
If I don’t spot one in the pictures, I’ll contact the host prior to making a reservation. I genuinely believe this should be a standard requirement by Airbnb, as it wouldn’t be complicated to put into place, and it would help solo travelers rest a bit easier.
Pick shared homes carefully
I feel conflicted about shared Airbnbs.On one side, I’ve had some amazing experiences staying at hosts’ homes that made me feel very welcomed and secure, and they shared a lot of useful information and advice I wouldn’t have found on my own. On the other hand, I experienced a frightening situation with a male host, which has made me decide not to stay with one again.
Security is always the top priority, so if you sense anything is wrong, leave and reserve a different location right away.
My top recommendations for evaluating hosts include checking how long they have been listing their property on the app (the longer, the better); carefully reading reviews; and also verifying if they have been reviewed by Airbnb hosts during their own trips.
Read more:Women traveling alone has become common – here’s why going it alone requires more courage
Guidebooks serve as a positive indicator
Hosts are not required to include a guidebook in their Airbnb listing, so when they do, it indicates they have a strong commitment to their property and the nearby area. The guidebook often highlights the host’s favorite spots and is usually packed with popular local attractions that could take a long time to discover as a visitor new to the location.
I’ve also observed that hosts who develop listings based on guidebooks are typically regular travelers (after reviewing the feedback they’ve gotten from Airbnb hosts), which means the way they prepare their homes for your visit is usually very carefully planned, and the stay includes all the essentials you might need.
Locations featuring kitchens or small kitchenettes are the ultimate prize
While traveling alone, I’ve sometimes found myself in a town or city where I didn’t feel very secure after sunset. Quito in Ecuador is one example, as the old town becomes empty once night falls. Although it’s now simpler to order food via delivery services than before, it’s not always easy or available in every location.
Because of this, I prefer to book Airbnbs that have a kitchen, so if I arrive and decide it’s not wise to go out by myself at night, I can prepare food and have a pleasant evening at home.
Be on the lookout for ‘superhosts’ who have many positive reviews
It’s obvious, but it’s always beneficial to take the time to carefully read through a listing’s reviews before making a reservation. For solo travelers, particularly women, it’s an unspoken guideline to indicate whether they felt secure traveling alone. Therefore, seek out accommodations with numerous positive reviews that highlight this aspect.
Occasionally, I have considered reserving a property that is newly listed on the platform before it has received any reviews, and I have experienced both positive and negative outcomes. Given the large number of options available, it’s not advisable to take such a risk, as new Airbnbs are only subject to automated verification. It’s wiser to seek out “superhosts” (highly rated and experienced hosts) who have excellent reviews.
Benefit from extended stay promotions
I enjoy traveling at a relaxed pace, frequently reserving an Airbnb for a full month to fully experience a location. Fortunately, numerous hosts appreciate guests who opt for this arrangement, as it reduces the workload associated with frequent check-ins and check-outs. As a result, it’s always beneficial to inquire about a long-term stay discount via direct messages if the listing doesn’t already mention one.
Occasionally, I’ve managed to get discounts of up to 30 percent from the original cost, along with free cleaning fees, just by reserving for a longer duration. This tends to happen more often in less popular cities, so leave Paris, Rome, and Florence aside and look into locations like Timisoara in Romania, orPoland’s Lodz.
My top five Airbnbs for solo travelers
Old Tbilisi Solo, Tbilisi, Georgia
Tucked away in a dilapidated mansion located in Tbilisi’s Sololaki neighborhood, I was captivated by the lively design and clever arrangement of this small apartment.
Price:from £77 a night.
Piotrkowska Apartment, Lodz, Poland
Unexplored Łódź impressed me at every step, and this perfect studio only enhanced the charm of the Polish city.
Price:from £51 a night.
Mid-20th century Thai residence, Bangkok Yai, Thailand
Cozy and featuring one of the most welcoming hosts I’ve encountered, I’m already looking forward to coming back to this delightful place.
Price:from £52 a night.
The Hollow, Colombo, Sri Lanka
This is one of Colombo’s latest Airbnbs, with the design-conscious host having successfully crafted a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city’s lively environment.
Price:from £56 a night
Lordi 6, Naples, Italy
It’s small, but this Naples accommodation delivers a lot. Located in the green Vomero area, this lovely apartment offers many excellent dining suggestions from the host.
Price:from £123 a night.
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