Ayeee, Lunatics!
As some of you know, I love my travels and I do solo traveling most of the time. Even though once in a while I may go with a friend, I prefer to go solo. And, that’s a different type of adventure all on its own that will get its own post! I guarantee you…
Anyhoo! I put together my criteria to hopefully help you plan your travels. This might be useful especially if you’re traveling by yourself.
Photos
As a visual person, photos definitely help me in choosing an unit on Airbnb. It takes me about 3 seconds, yes! 3 seconds before I say “Yes, I want to explore more” or “Heck no! I’m not staying there!”
I’m not talking about photos of the street or things that are happening in town or very beautiful sceneries. I’m talking about the photos that will give me details about the unit both inside and out. Making sure that I have what I need comes from what I see in those pictures.
Decorations are nice, but if an unit looks like it’s too crowded with crap, I’m not taking it. I prefer units that have a lighter, white and cream color scheme in their decoration with maybe a hint or a pop of color here and there. Nothing too intrusive or too overwhelming. When I go on vacation, the last thing I want is to be overwhelmed with too much sensory stuff. I want to enjoy peace and serenity while I’m at that place.
I have stayed at some apartments that felt like home and I have stayed at other apartments where I wish time went by really fast. I can tell when the owners put all the effort into both decorating and making it a comfortable place place for their guests.
So photos are a big thing and I am always looking at the details. It’s the little things; it’s what’s inside the drawers. I look to see if there is a bathtub. If so, does the bathtub look dingy or dirty, or is the bathroom showing mold? I have seen some pictures that totally are cringe.
Vibe
Again, from the photos I get a vibe. Depending on how the unit is decorated or how it looks on the outside, I get a vibe. The unit doesn’t have to be decorated with expensive stuff, it just has to be clean.
I believe in energies and I can see them through images, especially images on the outside of the unit will let me know whether or not I want to stay. Is there lighting on the outside? Are there stairs? How will that work for me and my luggage? Is there parking nearby? What does the neighborhood look like? Like I said, it’s the vibe for me.
Amenities
We are almost at the midway point and for me these are definitely non negotiables, period. I must, must, must have a kitchen, free parking on site and wifi.
A kitchen allows me to cook my own meals keep me as close to living my Keto/Low Carb lifestyle. It’s not foolproof or a 100% on point, but it works and it also saves me money. Plus, I like my own coffee, so if there is a drip coffee maker, it’s a win!
Parking is a thing. You will read below why. Wi-fi is a must. I like to stay in touch with my kids and grandkids back home and I am an online nomad – have been for a long time. So, having access to my email and other things online is extremely important.
Other things are definitely plus depending on how long I’m staying or traveling. For example, if I travel anywhere between 7 to 12 days, I check washer and dryer in the AirBnB filters so I don’t have to pack too many clothes and recycle what I brought in with me.
Go on and read the other post on the things I do to make my trip homey or as homey as I can. There, you’ll understand my logic behind drying clothes when I’m traveling.
A pool or access to the beach, depending on where I’m traveling, is a definite plus. It’s not a requirement though.
Parking
More often than not, I usually rent a car to get around and traveling. I don’t necessarily use public transportation unless I know I will be in a big city like Washington DC where I am very familiar with the metro system. New York City is also next door to where I live so I know the subway system as well and I know the parking system.
However, when I’m traveling, I prefer to have the freedom of driving myself around using my GPS to get to places i need to go to I want to vis so, having parking on site is really important for me. I prefer a parking spot near the unit as is the case with many condos, but something nearby and free is also okay.
Safety
As a solo female traveler, you can imagine how important safety is for me. I want to make sure that if I have an emergency, I can reach a hospital close enough that I can either drive myself to or call an ambulance.
Also not knowing necessarily where I am always presents a risk and there is always a possibility of something going wrong. Even though, [knock on wood], I have never felt unsafe anywhere I’ve gone to so far.
So, I look for places where I can see where there’s plenty of light and I try not to go out by myself too late at night. When and if I do, however, I am on alert all the time to make sure there are no strangers near me doing anything that could cause me harm.
Location
When I’m looking at an Airbnb, I try to look at how close it is to the airport which is super important. Honestly, I don’t want to have to drive for hours after I land before I get to my final destination. I try to stay within an hour or so from the airport in most cases.
I also look for three staples stores. Of course, I do! One of them is a local supermarket, or worst case scenario, the local Walmart. The next one is the closest pharmacy or drug store because 90% of the time, I always leave something behind at home that I need while away. And finally, the third staple store is the local coffee shop or again, worst case scenario, Starbucks. I have to have my coffee and I have to keep my sense of sanity. Especially, if there isn’t a drip coffee pot at the Airbnb, it’s important that I get my coffee somewhere.
Reviews
Oh the dreaded reviews!! Once I have selected an Airbnb that I like, I go to reviews. I try not to go by the ratings, but anything 4.5 and above is definitely a plus! However, I prefer to read what other people are saying about their experience staying at that Airbnb. Some reviews are glowing remarks and others will me all I need to know about the unit or the neighborhood that may influence my decision to book it.
I also suggest that when you stay at an AirBnB, you do the same. Leave a review and be as honest as possible so that other travelers can get a feel for what they’re getting into. Especially, if there are any type of pests, what the local scene looks like if you’re in a busy area, what things may make the experience a little challenging to stay at the place. Reviews are helpful! You have to read through them to make your decision though.
Cost
Finally, my budget for an AirBnB per night is anywhere between 150 to $200 a night as long as most or all of the amenities I’m looking for are available, the location is right, the space has a good vibe and I have all the things that I need.
It might sound pricey for some people and for others, it may be super inexpensive. However, compared to a hotel stay, especially the chain of hotels where I am an honors member, there are some added costs for parking, breakfast, in Wi-Fi that add up to the nightly rate. So for me, this makes sense.
I’m able to keep my Keto and Low Carb lifestyle as much as possible when I’m away from home. For the cost, I’d rather cook my own meals as much as I can then have to pay for all three services in addition to the nightly rate.
Go search!
I hope these points will help you when making your decision to book an Airbnb or VRBO unit. They’re the same concept. I know it’s not all the same for everybody especially when it comes to travelling solo, but this is what works for me. I want to make sure that for the money I’m spending, I’m getting the best and that I’m staying within budget. Because you know… travelling CAN get pricey after a few days!
With this said, don’t forget to check the post on the things I make I do to make my stay as homey as possible so you understand how do I travel and how do I do the things I do!
Until next time, Lunatics!
Keep living life and traveling lightly ever after!
