Location
What was traveling like before Airbnb? In a matter of 10 days, I stayed in 5 different Airbnbs in 3 different European countries. I didn’t book anything in advance – got to a city and a day or two before I wanted to leave I searched for another Airbnb in another city & I have to say booking everything and planning as I went couldn’t have worked out any better.
Below are my tips for booking Airbnb abroad PLUS a few of the places I stayed in France, Italy, & London:
1.Location, Location, Location
This is #1 for a reason. Check the proximity to the sites you want to see, restaurants, and public transportation. Although Airbnb doesn’t give you the exact address before you book it shows you the area within a 2-3 block radius. Since I was in Europe over the summer & the weather was decent I made sure all the Airbnb’s I stayed at were walking distance to major sites I wanted to see. Walking is the best way to see most of the cities anyway, so take advantage of it!
2. Female Hosts
I only stayed on one “single room” Airbnb, and I specifically sought out a female host. Just felt more comfortable that way and I couldn’t have had a better experience. She was the coolest chick I hung out with her the whole time I was in London and I still keep in contact with her!
3. Read Reviews
This is pretty obvious but read the reviews and look at the photos provided. This minimizes the risk of being disappointed by the property once you show up.
4. Download the Airbnb App
Download the Airbnb mobile app for iOS and Android. Instead of having to print anything or open up your email to get any of your info, open the app and all your information is right there! You’ll be able to check your messages instantly through the app (like FB messages) & you can also book through the app which is super convenient.
5. Communicate with the owner
Make sure you have a point of contact with your host (another great reason to download the Airbnb App) if you have any issues finding your Airbnb or you have any questions for your host before you arrive. Whatsapp is also a great app to have on your phone specifically if you are going abroad. Make sure to get WhatsApp info from Airbnb hosts!
If you are looking for recommendations for the city you are traveling to, your host is the best person to ask. It is their hometown after all. Most of my hosts shared their favorite restaurant recs and “non-touristy” things to do without me even asking!
(View from AirBnB in Nice, France)
My Airbnb in Paris was so cute and only a 3 minute walk to the Champ-de-Mars – need I say more?! I couldn’t have asked for a more centralized location. It was walking distance to tons of great restaurants, markets, shopping, and museums. It was only about a 10-minute walk to Saint Germain, my favorite area in Paris. This pace was perfect for one person, and the building is beautiful. The only downside, no elevator! So if you have large luggage get ready to climb 4 flights of stairs.
My Airbnb in Nice was incredible! So incredible, I didn’t want to leave. Again, lots of stairs to climb and no elevator but seriously the view… more than worth it. Overlook the Cote d’Azur and Old Town while sipping a glass of Rose on the balcony. Again, this place was in a fantastic location- walking distance to tons of bars and restaurants & not too far from the train station if you’re looking to take a day trip to Monaco (highly recommend) or any other town around Nice!
Take a look at the rest of the places I stayed. All of them were fantastic, and the locations were unbeatable!