Navigating Airbnb Like a Pro

How to Feel Safe and at Home While Traveling

So, you’ve booked your dream holiday! Destination chosen, travel arranged, Pinterest board packed with outfit ideas—but where will you stay? With so many options, choosing accommodation can feel overwhelming. Enter Airbnb: a game-changer in how we travel.

With over 6 million listings in 100,000 cities across 191 countries, Airbnb offers endless possibilities, from cozy apartments to entire villas. But with all those choices, how do you find the perfect spot? Here’s how to navigate Airbnb like a pro and ensure you feel safe and at home during your stay.

1. Airbnb is More Than a Place to Sleep

Gone are the days when travel meant booking a cookie-cutter hotel room. Today, you can book anything from a chic city loft to a cabin in the woods, a tiny house by the beach, or even a converted airplane! The flexibility Airbnb offers allows you to choose accommodations that suit your travel style, budget, and sense of adventure.

I’ve booked all kinds of stays—from a farm cottage in rural Tasmania to a historic city apartment in Portugal—and each experience has been comfortable, safe, and exactly as described. Whether you’re traveling locally, domestically, or internationally, there’s something for everyone.

2. New and Improved Search Features

Airbnb’s search has become more intuitive and customizable. Use filters to narrow down your options by location, price range, and property type. You can now even filter for “unique stays,” such as treehouses, boats, or yurts, for that one-of-a-kind experience.

Need specific amenities like fast WiFi, a kitchen, or laundry facilities? Filters allow you to check for those too. There are also more detailed accessibility options, including wheelchair access and step-free entries, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and inclusive.

Pro Tip: Booking early gives you the best chance at snagging top-rated stays with great amenities at competitive prices!

3. Streamline Your List with the Heart Feature

Once your search results appear, it’s time to curate your top picks. Each listing has a small heart icon in the corner—click it to add properties to your wish list. This feature is ideal for creating a shortlist of potential accommodations and planning future trips.

Pro Tip: Organize saved lists by destination or occasion, like “Romantic Getaway” or “Work Trip.” Even if your current booking falls through, you’ll have backup options ready.

4. 3 Must-Have Elements in a Listing

• Photos: Look for clear, comprehensive photos. Are you seeing all the key spaces—bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas? Or is it just a highlight reel of pretty sunsets? Listings without clear photos of the essentials might be hiding something.

• The Overview: This is where hosts showcase their space and hospitality. You can often tell if a host is attentive, responsive, and invested in your experience by how they describe the property.

• Reviews: Reviews are golden. Not only do they tell you about the property, but they often offer insights into the host’s communication style, neighborhood vibe, and overall safety. Take time to read both the good and the bad.

5. Hosts: Your Airbnb Secret Weapon

A great host can elevate your stay. Many will greet you upon arrival, share local tips, or even stock the fridge with welcome treats. My Lisbon host, for example, left me traditional Portuguese tarts and Ginja (a cherry liqueur), while my New Zealand host helped me adjust plans when bad weather struck.

Airbnb also emphasizes its host verification process, ensuring that guests are staying with trustworthy individuals. The messaging system allows for seamless communication between guests and hosts, making it easier to coordinate your stay or get local recommendations.

6. Safety First

Safety is paramount, especially when staying in unfamiliar locations. Airbnb has introduced new safety protocols and insurance options for both hosts and guests. You can also check a host’s “Superhost” status, which indicates they consistently offer top-rated experiences.

Pro Tip: Before booking, read through the Trust and Safety section on Airbnb’s website. The platform also provides 24/7 customer support should you encounter any issues.

Trust your instincts. If something seems off—whether it’s the photos, the host’s tone, or even the price—move on. It’s better to stay somewhere you feel confident and secure from the start.

7. Airbnb’s Experiences: Dive Deeper Into Local Culture

Beyond accommodation, Airbnb offers Experiences, local activities hosted by knowledgeable residents. These range from cooking classes in Italy to wildlife safaris in South Africa. Whether it’s a surfing lesson, wine-tasting tour, or even a secret shopping trip, Experiences can add a personal touch to your travels.

When you book a stay, Airbnb will suggest Experiences tailored to your dates and location, making it easy to enhance your trip with authentic, off-the-beaten-path activities.

8. New Flexible Booking Options

Airbnb recently introduced more flexible booking policies to accommodate changing travel plans. With many listings now offering free cancellation or more lenient refund policies, you can book with peace of mind. If your plans shift, Airbnb’s app makes it easy to manage changes or find alternate stays.

Plus, their Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe categories offer handpicked, high-quality homes that are vetted for superior comfort and design. These are perfect if you’re looking for an elevated travel experience or a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

9. Solo Traveler Safety and Comfort

As a solo traveler, it’s vital to feel safe and supported. Airbnb is particularly great for solo trips because many hosts go out of their way to ensure you’re comfortable. Whether it’s providing local safety tips or offering extra amenities, I’ve always felt well taken care of when traveling alone.

10. Final Thoughts: Make Yourself at Home

Airbnb brings the world a little closer together, offering more than just a place to sleep—it’s a doorway to new cultures, friendships, and memories. With their expanding features and commitment to safety, booking accommodation can be both easy and enjoyable, leaving you free to focus on the fun parts of travel.

Whether you’re staying in a treehouse, a beach villa, or a chic city apartment, following these tips will ensure your trip is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. So go ahead, book that trip—and make yourself at home.