AirBnB has introduced us to a whole new way of seeing the world and since launching in 2008 the home-sharing app has quickly become the trendiest way to travel.
With travel spots located in 191 countries and 34,000 cities, it’s never been easier to catch a glimpse of a different culture. Whether you’re looking to rent a city centre penthouse for a weekend, or a relaxing two week break in a villa, with a quick search of the database you’re sure to find something to suit.
Not only does the travel marketplace allow you to visit countries on a budget, but it also has the potential to provide you with a more unique and authentic experience, by living within the local community, as opposed to your usual tourist-centric hotel.
In order to give you a little travel inspiration, we’ve come up with a list of some of the most popular AirBnB destinations!
Paris
Paris is now the top AirBnB destination, with more than 40,000 properties listed on the site and millions of visitors choosing to spend their visit to the French capital in an AirBnB home. Listings vary between charming Parisian apartments and spacious houses on the outskirts of the city, fitting in with every budget and desired experience.
Paris is a city of culture and there are endless things to do, from sightseeing and museum trips, to testing out the local French cuisine. The best way to wind down after a day of visiting the city’s iconic landmarks and galleries, is by tasting some of the finest wines from the vineyards of France. Of course, it would be rude not to find a bit of time for shopping too!
Rio de Janiero
If you’re looking to venture a little further afield, Rio de Janiero is definitely one for your bucket list! The lively city has a huge number of properties on offer, giving you the opportunity to sleep in a tropical tree house in the heart of the rain forest, retreat to the beach for a break in a seafront cabin, or get stuck into city life. The city is buzzing more than ever in the wake of the 2016 Olympics, so what better time to visit the exuberant city?
Famed for it’s non-stop nightlife, flamboyant carnivals, vast white sandy beaches and lush national parks, there’s so much to do and see in this South American metropolis.
Take a cable car up to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain or the Cristo Redento statue to experience breathtaking views of the city below, kick back and enjoy the sunshine on Copacabana Beach or immerse yourself in the city’s nightclub scene for a trip to remember.
London
For a city break closer to home, London is your perfect choice! You may not have the guaranteed sunshine of other locations, but it’s a city packed full of sights and attractions, so you’re at no risk of finding yourself at a loss for things to do.
If you’re looking to learn a little about the city’s history, there are plenty of landmarks to check out including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, which you can visit on your own or as part of a tour. A trip on the London eye or to the top of the Shard offers uninterrupted views of the London’s prominent skyline, which looks even more impressive at night.
Of course, you can’t visit London without a trip to the West End, so be sure to book yourself in for a show during your trip!
Marrakech
The vibrant Moroccan city of Marrakech is a city steeped with culture and personality, offering an experience like no where else in the world. The bustling hove of culture is the perfect combination of old and new, made up of busy streets packed full of people, busy vendors and snake charmers, with the air thick with smell of heat and spices.
For an authentic Moroccan experience, you may want to spend your stay in a Riad – a traditional Moroccan house built around a small courtyard. There are plenty of them to choose from on AirBnB, varying from more basic accommodation, to luxury riads for a slightly higher cost.
During your trip be sure to pay a visit to the Marrakech Souks to grab yourself a bargain on Moroccan crafts, jewelry, fabrics and more. Djemaa el Fn is a popular city square full of market stalls by day and fortune tellers, snake charmers and dancers by night. While you’re there be sure to taste a bit of Moroccan cuisine. The food is rich and full of flavour, largely made up of tasty tajines, meat and fish dishes and cous cous.
Stockholm
Stockholm is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, made up of a stunning patchwork of fourteen islands stitched together with bridges and ferries. There’s water pretty much everywhere you look and where there’s not water, there’s lush greenery.
Stockholm is known for being quite a pricey place to visit, but that’s where AirBnB comes in so handy, as there are plenty of houses, apartments and even house boats to rent for as little as £25 a night.
Stockholm is one of the trendiest spots in Europe and there are plenty of attractions to visit in the city from Medieval castles and museums, to cool restaurants and nightclubs.
Cornwall
Sometimes the most beautiful places are right on you doorstep and Cornwall is the perfect destination for a peaceful break on the English coast. AirBnB is full of places to stay, including rustic cottages, quirky tree houses and even old gypsy wagons.
It goes without saying that while you’re down there you’ve got to sink your teeth into one of their famous Cornish pasty and of course a traditional cream tea or two. Apart from eating, however, there are plenty of places to visit, such as the Eden Project, Newquay Zoo and Lands End.
If you’re a surfer, Newquay will be your idea of a dream, with people travelling from all around the UK to ride the waves.
Bali
Wouldn’t it be great if you could jet away for little break in paradise without the hefty bill for a luxury hotel? Well look no further, as there are plenty of gorgeous AirBnB villas in Bali, that you can nab for an absolute bargain.
The Indonesian island is one of the most dreamy locations in the world, boasting idyllic white sandy beaches, tropical forests and beautiful waterfalls carved into the natural landscapes. It’s not all natural beauty, however, as the Indonesian island is full of art and culture, from local wood and stone carvings, to beautiful Hindu temples scattered around the island.
If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junky, Bali is definitely one for your bucket list, as there are non-stop adventures to have, from world-class surfing, to white water rafting. At the other end of the spectrum, the island is also known for being a world renowned yoga destination, so if you want a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, here’s your spot!
Amsterdam
How amazing would it be to spend a weekend on a house boat in the heart of Amsterdam? Well thanks to AirBnB you can do just that and it won’t leave you out of pocket either. Of course, there are also plenty of apartments and houses to rent around the city too, so if a floating home isn’t for you there are lots of other options.
Hop on a bike and explore what the city has to offer, from their renowned coffee shops and canals, to the museums and galleries, including the Van Gogh gallery and Anne Frank’s home. By night, Dam Square is one of the liveliest parts of the city, packed with busy restaurants and bars, so if you’re after a bit of nightlife be sure to head there. The Red Light District also springs to mind when you think of Amsterdam and though you may think of it as seedy, it’s certainly something you won’t see anywhere else.
