Have you ever wondered how to select an Airbnb?
If an Airbnb listing does not hit the basics, I look no further.
For example, air conditioning, wifi and a personal bathroom are necessities, not luxuries.
3 Question To Ask
1. Do I want to rent a car?
No. I never “want” to rent a car. All I do at home is drive. I do not live within walking distance of a single thing. I certainly don’t want that while on vacation. I want to be within walking distance of all the things, especially delicious food and the beach.
Examples:
Turks and Caicos
I rented an Airbnb in Turtle Cove just a short walk from the white sand, a cutesy cafe with colorful fruit smoothies and the restaurant, Sharkbite, for cocktails with a fin-tastic view.
Rome
I booked an Airbnb right across the street from the Vatican.
Florence
I happened upon an artsy Airbnb just a few steps away from the Duomo. A few steps the opposite direction were countless bellissima Italian restaurants that served my staples: pasta and Prosecco.
2. Do I want to wake up with a view?
Yes. The answer to this question is always yes. I spend a lot more time in my cozy rental than I think I do or may be willing to admit.
Examples:
Turks and Caicos
Opening the curtains to see the yachts sail out for the day and wrapping up the day with a chilled glass of wine and a stunning sunset. This is the definition of winning, if you ask me.
Waking up, pouring a cup of steaming hot coffee and wandering out to the hammock, barefoot, without a care in the world. Glancing beyond the pool and spying a lizard creep up from the lagoon as the roosters “cock-a-doodle-doo.”
3. Is breakfast included?
All I have to say is, I love breakfast and so does my best friend who I travel with 90% of the time.
Examples:
A family style breakfast on the screened porch where we made friends with the cutest English couple. Scrambles, fresh fruit, French toast, banana bread, all the things. We looked forward to brunch with our new British friends every single morning.
A gourmet frittata with goat cheese, onions and balsamic with a side of garden fresh plums made just for you by an Italian TV Chef. Does it get any better than this?
Netherlands
The cutest mama of two knocking on our door with a plate full of delicate, homemade crepes, topped with chocolate chips. Needless to say, in the dead of winter, we curled up under the cozy comforter, flicked on a rom-com and devoured the sweet treat.
Do yourself a favor, book yourself an Airbnb.
It’s more than a rental, it’s an experience.
Hannah Rene Brown 