How to Find the Perfect Airbnb for Your Next Adventure (Without Losing Your Mind!)
Let’s be real—traveling is incredible, but finding the perfect place to stay? That can be a whole different adventure! Whether it’s a dreamy beach bungalow in Bali, a chic apartment in Paris, or a mountain cabin in the Swiss Alps, there’s a perfect Airbnb waiting for you. The trick is knowing how to find it without losing your sanity or blowing your budget.
Over the years (and across 48 countries!), We’ve learned a few tricks for scoring amazing Airbnb stays, and we’re spilling the tea so you can, too. So, let’s dive in!
1. Know What You Want
Before you even start scrolling through the endless listings, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Are you craving a cozy city apartment close to all the action, or a secluded cabin where you can completely unplug? Need a kitchen to whip up meals, or is Wi-Fi your number one non-negotiable? Make a list of your must-haves—this will save you hours of scrolling through listings that just aren’t right.
For example, when we were looking for a place in Bali, we knew we wanted a villa with a private pool (because, why not?), wifi, a kitchen, and something within our budget of around $1200 a month. Having those specifics in mind helped narrow down the options big time.
2. Use Filters Like a Pro
Airbnb’s filters are your best friend. Seriously. Don’t just type in your destination and scroll through the madness—use those filters to zero in on what you want. Here are a few I always tweak:
- Entire place: Unless you’re cool with sharing spaces, make sure to select this to avoid surprises.
- Price range: Be realistic about your budget but don’t be afraid to browse at the higher end—you might find a deal or a place worth splurging on!
- Amenities: Want a pool? A kitchen? Pet-friendly? Make sure to tick those off.
- Superhost status: Superhosts tend to have a proven track record of great stays and better communication, so it’s worth checking that box!
3. Read the Reviews (Like, Actually Read Them)
I cannot stress this enough: always read the reviews! And I don’t just mean skimming the first one. Take a deep dive and see what people are saying about cleanliness, location, and the host’s communication. If the words “noisy neighbors” or “mysterious bugs” pop up multiple times, that’s your cue to move along. A listing with zero reviews isn’t necessarily an no-go, but look to see if the host has other listings and read those reviews. Reach out to the host and ask questions if you’re uncertain.
Pro tip: Pay extra attention to reviews from travelers who seem similar to you. If you’re a digital nomad, for example, look for reviews from people who mention things like strong Wi-Fi or quiet workspaces.
4. Check the Location Carefully
Sometimes an Airbnb will list itself as being “minutes from the city center”—but those minutes might be by car, not foot. Always check the map and even cross-reference with Google Maps to make sure you’re actually staying in the area you want.
In Bali, for instance, a villa can look dreamy, but if it’s an hour from the nearest café or beach, you might not be living your best tropical life. Location, location, location—it matters.
5. Message the Host
Don’t be shy! If you have any questions or specific needs, shoot the host a quick message. A lot of times, the listing might not have all the information, or maybe you’re wondering about something specific, like early check-in or late checkout. A friendly conversation can give you peace of mind—and sometimes even score you a better deal or a free perk!
Plus, the host’s response time and tone can tell you a lot about how your stay might go. If they’re quick and friendly, you’re likely in good hands.
6. Book in Advance—But Not Too Far!
Here’s the thing: booking way in advance can sometimes mean paying top dollar because hosts know you’re planning ahead. On the flip side, waiting until the last minute could leave you scrambling. I’ve found the sweet spot is booking about 3-4 weeks in advance for short trips, and 2-3 months for longer stays.
If you’re feeling adventurous, sometimes last-minute deals can really pay off. We’ve snagged some amazing villas for less just by booking last minute because hosts drop prices to fill vacancies.
7. Take Advantage of Airbnb’s ‘Collections’
If you’re in the mood for something a little extra, check out Airbnb’s “Collections” feature. It groups listings into categories like “work trips,” “family-friendly,” or “romantic getaways.” These curated lists are a great shortcut when you’re looking for something specific.
For us, finding a family-friendly Airbnb for a recent family trip was a game-changer. Knowing the place has safety features, plenty of space, and even a pool to keep them entertained gives us peace of mind (and a chance to relax!).
8. Always Double Check the Fine Print
This one might not be the most fun part of the search, but it’s important. Make sure you’re clear on the cancellation policy, any extra fees (cleaning fees can sneak up on you!), and house rules. Read the entire listing, maybe even a few times so you’re clear on everything. It’s not uncommon for international Airbnb’s to exclude things like electricity, clean bedding, or even cooking gas. These extra charges can add up, so do your research. Some places have super strict rules, and you don’t want to accidentally get stuck with a non-refundable booking or loads of extra fees.
9. Consider Off-Peak Travel
We’ve scored some of our best Airbnbs simply by traveling in the off-season. Not only do you get lower rates, but popular listings that are usually booked solid become available. Plus, fewer tourists mean you’ll enjoy a more authentic experience. Win-win!
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Yep, you can totally negotiate on Airbnb! This works best for longer stays (anything over a week or two). If the place is sitting empty, a host might be willing to give you a discount just to fill it. We’ve saved hundreds by politely asking if there’s room to adjust the rate, especially if we’re booking for a month or longer.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect Airbnb doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. With a bit of planning, some strategic filters, and a good eye for reviews, you can score a place that checks all your boxes. Trust me, there’s no better feeling than stepping into an amazing Airbnb and knowing you’ve found a hidden gem (and didn’t blow your budget!).
So, what’s your best Airbnb find? Drop a comment and let me know!
