Having utilised the rental platform for eighteen years, solo travel specialist Lydia Swinscoe offers nine indispensable recommendations for selecting the ideal accommodation when journeying independently. Since Airbnb's inception in 2008, Lydia has experienced 76 diverse properties worldwide, from a shared bolthole in Bengaluru with its owners to well-managed apartments in Colombo, her current home city, quirky residences in Tbilisi, and a memorable Bangkok homestay with unforgettable breakfasts. These stays have provided unique experiences and even led to lasting friendships with hosts.
Not All Stays Are Perfect
However, not every booking has been a success. Some properties were so unclean that early departure was necessary, others felt unsafe, and many were overpriced. Additionally, the proliferation of Airbnb listings in tourist-centric cities often exacerbates housing shortages for locals, prompting Lydia to use the platform less frequently nowadays. Nevertheless, for solo travellers, Airbnbs can offer safe, homely environments with valuable local insights from hosts, often revealing overlooked neighbourhoods brimming with authentic character.
Nine Essential Tips for Solo Travellers
1. Scan Listings for Personal Interest Clues
As an art enthusiast, Lydia prioritises homes displaying artwork, quirky designs, or distinctive furniture, assuming the host's tastes align with hers and that they will share excellent recommendations. This approach has led to some of her favourite stays. Look for visual hints in listing photos related to your hobbies, such as bookshelves, surf gear, or LGBT+-friendly art.
2. Prioritise First-Floor and Above Accommodations
For city stays, choose flats above ground level rather than ground-floor homes, which often have multiple entry points and windows that can compromise security. Lydia recalls a Dominican Republic stay with unlockable windows, which would have caused anxiety if solo. Exceptions include remote cabins where isolation is the objective.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Solo travel means bearing full accommodation costs, making it pricier. To mitigate expenses and avoid crowds, avoid high seasons and weekends when prices surge. For instance, visiting Madrid in August, despite the heat, often yields lower rates and fewer tourists, potentially allowing stays in otherwise unaffordable properties.
4. Verify Strong Locking Mechanisms
With many check-ins now digital via keypads, Lydia always checks for additional inner bolts on doors for enhanced security. If not visible in photos, message the host before booking. She advocates for Airbnb to mandate such features to improve solo traveller safety.
5. Exercise Caution with Shared Homes
Shared Airbnbs offer mixed experiences; some provide welcoming, informative stays, while others, like a concerning incident with a male host, highlight risks. Safety is paramount—if something feels off, leave immediately. Vet hosts by checking their rental history, reading reviews thoroughly, and examining reviews they've received as travellers.
6. Value Hosts Who Provide Guidebooks
Hosts who include detailed guidebooks in listings demonstrate genuine care for their property and locality. These guides often reveal local favourites that take time to discover independently. Hosts with guidebooks are frequently seasoned travellers themselves, ensuring well-considered accommodations.
7. Seek Properties with Kitchens or Kitchenettes
In destinations where nighttime safety is a concern, such as Quito's deserted old town, having a kitchen allows for cooking meals indoors. This provides flexibility and comfort, especially when delivery options are limited.
8. Favour Superhosts with Extensive Positive Reviews
Always scrutinise reviews before booking, particularly noting comments from solo female travellers regarding safety. Avoid new listings without reviews, as they undergo only automated vetting. Instead, opt for Superhosts with consistently excellent feedback.
9. Utilise Long-Stay Discounts
Lydia prefers extended stays to immerse herself in locations, often booking for a month. Many hosts offer discounts for long-term bookings, sometimes up to 30% off with waived cleaning fees. This is more common in less-visited cities like Timisoara in Romania or Lodz in Poland, rather than tourist hotspots like Paris or Rome.
Top Five Airbnb Picks for Solo Travellers
Old Tbilisian Solo, Tbilisi, Georgia: A compact apartment with fun design in Sololaki district, priced from £77 per night.
Piotrkowska Apartment, Lodz, Poland: A flawless studio in an underrated Polish city, priced from £51 per night.
Mid-Century Thai Home, Bangkok Yai, Thailand: A homely stay with an exceptionally friendly host, priced from £52 per night.
The Hollow, Colombo, Sri Lanka: A serene, design-focused sanctuary in central Colombo, priced from £56 per night.
Lordi 6, Naples, Italy: A tiny but charming apartment in Vomero with excellent food recommendations, priced from £123 per night.
