I travel a lot!  My accommodations are varied - friends, hotels, timeshare, and Airbnb.  Airbnb has received mixed reviews - but I am here to tell you that my experiences has been amazing.  I wouldn't hesitate to use them again and again.

Airbnb offers an unique experience that other types of accommodations do not provide.  You are staying in someone's home, usually with access to a kitchen, laundry, and sometimes additional amenities like bikes or boogie boards, etc.

You can rent a shared room, a private room, or an entire home or apartment.  Let me be clear - my comfort zone is in renting only an entire home or apartment.  I am not one that could rent a room in a house or a shared room.  That is not for me.

I find that staying in a home or apartment is much more comfortable for my type of traveling.  I get lots of extra perks, the ability to cook in or reheat leftovers and  I can do laundry - because I pack light. But, my favorite part may be that you are staying in a neighborhood.  This is the best part of any visit - getting to know the neighborhoods of a city.  Eat where the locals eat, shop where the locals shop.

I've even used Airbnb while in Europe for a stay in Florence.  It was very helpful to have a local connection to direct to me transportation, shopping, and dining options.

Beach Cottage Living Area

One of our best experiences was on a trip to Hawaii last December.  I was looking for something affordable - RIGHT?  It IS Hawaii!  It also needed to be a place that would be ok with my son and his family coming to visit - including my newborn granddaughter.  I didn't want to be stuck in a hotel room...boring!

Shared Patio

I scored a lovely beach cottage in Kailua that was just perfect!  The owner lives in the large main house and has two separate guest homes that she rents out.  The beach is located down a little path from the property.  The cottage was clean and had a small partial kitchen which worked fine for me. A pool, a barbeque and a lovely owner that gave me many recommendations made for a great stay. Kailua town is quaint and has lovely shops, a Whole Foods Market and terrific little local restaurants. All this for $200/night.  I couldn't beat that.  Relaxing sunshine, family time and the beach!

Bedroom

Shared Pool

See more of the Kailua Beach Cottage here


Everytime, I am greeted by lovely hosts that are full of local knowledge and recommendations.  I can wait to make reservations for my next adventure - who knows - it might include a stay with Airbnb.


eat. love. live well.