Since Airbnb launched in 2008, a seasoned solo traveller has stayed in 76 properties worldwide, from a Bengaluru bolthole shared with owners to a Bangkok homestay with a memorable breakfast. While many stays have been safe and homely, offering local insights, some have been unclean, unsafe, or overpriced. Drawing on her experiences, she shares key tips for women travelling alone.
One strategy is to choose listings with art, quirky design, or standout furniture, as it often signals aligned tastes and better local recommendations. For city stays, she recommends flats above ground level rather than ground-floor homes, which can have multiple entry points and feel less secure. A past booking in the Dominican Republic had windows that wouldn’t lock, highlighting the safety issue.
To save money and avoid crowds, she avoids high season and weekends. For example, visiting Madrid in August, when it’s very hot and many tourists head to the beach, can mean lower rates and more space. She also checks for an inner bolt on doors with digital keypad locks, messaging hosts if one isn’t visible in photos, as digital entry alone may feel insecure.
Shared Airbnbs have given mixed results: some hosts have been welcoming and safe, while others less so. Overall, she finds that Airbnbs can offer a deeper local experience than hotels, but solo female travellers should vet properties carefully.
