First Solo Trip

On my first solo trip to Europe, I decided to book Airbnbs for some of my lodgings. To be honest, I was excited about those possibilities, but also a little concerned at the same time. I had stayed at vacation rentals in the past, but I had never stayed in one solo. Would it be safe to do so as a solo female traveler?

 

Before I booked, I did a ton of research. I asked Google: “What are the top tips for staying in an Airbnb by yourself.” I got all kinds of suggestions. The number one tip was to make sure I did my research. It recommended that I:

• Always choose places that have at least a couple dozen reviews.
• Only refer to the most recent reviews for accuracy.
• Choose places in safe areas.
• Contact the host to ask questions, etc. before booking.

I spent hours, days, and weeks pouring over the listings on the app and finally made my selections. I stayed in five vacation rentals on that first trip and was relieved that all of that hard work had paid off because each one was wonderful.
So, what factors did I consider when making those choices? Here’s my list of criteria that will help any traveler (solo or not) choose the best vacation rental for their next travel adventure.

Safety is Imperative

Safety should be your top priority when choosing an Airbnb. Look for Airbnbs in safe neighborhoods. If you’re unsure if it’s a safe neighborhood, read the listing’s reviews or do some research online about the area. The apartment or house should also have good safety measures. Ask the host if that is not made clear in the listing. Secure locks and well-lit hallways and entryways are imperative.

Cleanliness is Crucial

Let’s just get real. No one wants to stay in a filthy place and end up bringing bed bugs back home with you. This is why reading the reviews is paramount. If you get to the place and it’s not cleaned to your satisfaction, reach out to Airbnb directly or to the host and see if the situation can be rectified. If it can’t, you may need to find another place to stay. Be prepared for a backup plan for each of your destinations, just in case.  

 

Various Types of Rental Options

Don't forget to consider your own personal preferences when choosing an Airbnb. Do you prefer a private room or a shared space? Do you want to stay in an apartment or a house? There are many different types of Airbnbs out there, and you can tailor your search from the beginning to suit your needs.

In the beginning, I assumed that I would only want to stay in a place that I had all to myself. However, on my first trip, I stayed in two places where I was renting a room and bathroom in a family’s apartment or home. I actually ended up really loving that experience. Granted, I did not have the access to the kitchen to cook food, but I was only there for one night so it didn’t matter. I loved the homey feeling of staying at a place like this. I thoroughly enjoyed the care and concern showed to me by the people I stayed with. And in Paris and Amsterdam (where I stayed), the shared space was much more affordable than getting a place all to myself.

 

Location, Location, Location

Of course, we’ve already discussed the fact that your Airbnb rental should be in a safe area, so we won’t go into that here. Another aspect of location is the Airbnb’s proximity to the things you want to do. Is it near the attractions you want to see? Is it close to public transportation? Having long commutes just to see the top sites on your list can really break a vacation. Do a little Google research to make sure you’re choosing a place in an ideal location. Remember that one of the reasons the Airbnb rental could be extremely inexpensive is because it is in a less-than-desirable location away from tourist hot spots. 

 

When I was choosing an Airbnb on a trip to Budapest, I absolutely wanted to find a place that was near the airport bus. I was arriving in Budapest close to midnight and would be leaving before 6am on the day of my departure. I did not want to have to navigate my way through a new city in the middle of the night just to get from the bus to the Airbnb. I conducted a little research and found out where the airport bus stopped, then searched that area for Airbnb rentals. When I found one that I thought would work, I reached out to the host to verify. The host confirmed that it was indeed just around the corner from the airport bus stop. I booked immediately; and was super happy I did. The location suited my needs perfectly. 

Read Recent Reviews

As has already been mentioned, reading reviews from recent guests is crucial when choosing an Airbnb. Look for reviews that provide detailed information about the property, host, and neighborhood. Be wary of reviews that seem too good to be true or only offer vague information because they may have been written by friends of the host and have a biased view that they’re trying to push. If more than one guest mentions a particular issue with the property, believe it! Ask the host if it has bee resolved. And if not, and you can't live with this issue during your stay, move on. 

I was also advised to only consider Airbnbs that had at least a couple dozen reviews. With a brand new listing you have nothing to go on. While that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as a solo traveler you need more guarantee that the place you are staying is legit. So, I would highly recommend that you only book places that have a solid 24+ views and positive reviews.  

Note: Also, remember to be considerate of others and also leave an honest review after each of your stays. This process helps everyone have a better experience in vacation rentals, and helps the hosts know what things to fix.

Host Communication

Always reach out to the host before you book. If they take forever to respond (before they have your money),  just imagine how crummy the communication will be after they have your cash. Good communication with your host is essential when traveling solo. Not only should they be quick to respond, but it’s also wonderful to find a host who has your back and will help you out if needed. I’ve had several experiences with hosts who have gone out of their way to help me when I was staying in their rental and I definitely appreciated it.

Money, Money, Money

Of course, price is a big factor when considering a vacation rental. Some places just won’t make sense to rent as a solo traveler because you don’t have the luxury of splitting up the cost with someone else. Others, on the other hand, will be fabulously priced. The aforementioned Airbnb in Budapest, for instance, had two levels with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, huge bathroom and was in a safe and hip area and I only paid about $50 USD a night! That was an amazing price. In contrast, I have looked for Airbnbs in the United States that can soar well over $500 a night for the same type of place which are only doable if you have multiple people staying who can split up the price. 

Along with the base price, be sure to always look at the total price with the Airbnb fees, cleaning fees, and taxes added in. Keep in mind that in off season, some Airbnb hosts may consider lowering some of those fees, so it doesn’t hurt to send a message and ask.

Most Important Amenities for YOU

One of the most important amenities I must have when I book an Airbnb is reliable Wi-Fi. I work when I travel and so if I didn’t have that access, then I'd have to go elsewhere. Most places will "say" they have Wi-Fi, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your host how reliable it is.

A kitchen is also a necessity for me when I choose an Airbnb. If I don’t have a kitchen, then I might as well just stay in a hotel. Another feature that is super convenient is having laundry facilities in the rental. I travel with only a small backpack and need to frequently wash my clothes during a trip. Laundry facilities sure make that process easier and will give me a break from washing in the sink.

Be Sure To Read the Entire Listing and Look at All the Pictures

On one trip to the Netherlands, I found an Airbnb that I thought looked terrific. It said that it had a private bathroom (which I do require in an Airbnb) and my own bedroom. It was its own private place—not shared at all. It didn’t have its own kitchen, but it did have a small kitchenette. At least that’s how the host marked the listing. But that was not in fact what the listing was.

Hours before I was supposed to leave on my trip, I had the thought to check the pictures again. Just as I feared, there was actually no pictures of this “private bathroom.” I read in more detail in the listing and the host had mentioned something about a “sanitation station.” What was a sanitation station? I head remembered reading this in the listing before I booked, but since my rental had a private bathroom, I didn't pay any attention because I assumed this detail did not apply to me. 

Nope. I was totally wrong. It most definitely applied to me. My “private bathroom” wasn’t a private bathroom in the traditional sense, but rather an outhouse with a place to wash my hands. I was furious and felt that I had been tricked by such a deceptive way of phrasing things. No one in the world would think that a private bathroom = an outdoor outhouse. Give me a break. 

Not to worry, I called Airbnb immediately and explained the situation and demanded a refund. I sure was glad I figured that all out before I arrived to the Netherlands and found out the truth in person and had to scramble to find a different place to stay.

So, the moral to this story? Always look at what the listing says and also examine all of the pictures. If anything is not shown (like the supposed bathroom or kitchen or whatever), then directly ask the host before you book to explain the inconsistency.

To Wrap It Up

Choosing the right Airbnb as a solo traveler definitely takes careful consideration. However, if you keep these above factors in mind, you can find an Airbnb that meets your needs, enhances your trip, and makes your solo travel experience unforgettable. This photo shows one lovely Airbnb I stayed in during my visit to Bruges, Belgium. I loved the views of the red clay tile roof houses surrounding my building. In this photo, I'm watching Monuments Men on my tablet in honor of the fact that I just visited the Bruges Madonna highlighted in the film. 

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Airbnb Solo Travel FAQ

Q1: Is it safe to stay alone in Airbnbs as a female solo traveler in Europe?

Absolutely, while concerns are natural, following safety guidelines can ensure a secure experience. Research well-reviewed listings, choose safe neighborhoods, and prioritize properties with good safety measures.

Q2: What tips did you follow when booking Airbnbs for your solo Europe trip?

Before booking, I researched extensively. The top tips included choosing places with multiple reviews, focusing on recent reviews for accuracy, opting for safe areas, and communicating with hosts for inquiries.

Q3: What criteria did you consider when selecting Airbnbs for your trip?

Several factors influenced my choices, applicable to all travelers. Criteria included safety, cleanliness, location, types of rental options, recent reviews, host communication, pricing, essential amenities, and careful reading of listings and pictures.

Q4: How can I ensure the safety of an Airbnb property?

Prioritize safety by selecting listings in secure neighborhoods and verifying safety measures with hosts. Adequate lighting, secure locks, and safe entryways are vital for a secure stay.

Q5: How important is cleanliness when choosing an Airbnb?

Cleanliness is crucial to a comfortable stay. Reading reviews is key, and if the property isn't clean upon arrival, contact Airbnb or the host for a resolution. Have backup plans for each destination.

Q6: What types of Airbnb rental options should I consider?

Consider your preferences when choosing between private rooms and shared spaces. Your choice can be based on your comfort and the experience you seek.

Q7: How important is the location of the Airbnb rental?

Location matters for convenience and access to attractions. Check if the Airbnb is near the places you want to visit and public transportation options. Be cautious of extremely inexpensive listings in less desirable locations.

Q8: What role do recent reviews play in selecting an Airbnb?

Recent reviews provide insights into the property, host, and neighborhood. Beware of overly positive or vague reviews, and consider multiple mentions of specific issues. Choose listings with a solid number of positive reviews.

Q9: How important is communication with the host?

Effective communication with hosts is crucial for a smooth experience. Prioritize hosts who are prompt, helpful, and attentive, as they can enhance your solo travel.

Q10: How can I manage my budget when booking an Airbnb?

Consider total costs, including base price, fees, and taxes. Some hosts might lower fees during off-seasons. Contact hosts to inquire and be prepared for any additional costs.

Q11: What are the essential amenities to consider when booking an Airbnb?

For working travelers, reliable Wi-Fi is a must. Kitchens and laundry facilities are also important. Inquire about Wi-Fi reliability and the availability of essential amenities.

Q12: How can I avoid discrepancies between the Airbnb listing and reality?

Thoroughly read the entire listing and carefully examine all provided pictures. If anything is missing or unclear, ask the host for clarification before booking to avoid surprises.

Q13: Can you share an experience where reading reviews was crucial?

Absolutely, reading reviews helps in making informed decisions. If multiple guests mention specific issues, take them seriously. To ensure legitimacy, consider listings with a substantial number of positive reviews.

Q14: How can I ensure a smooth Airbnb experience while traveling solo?

By considering safety, cleanliness, location, communication, reviews, personal preferences, and pricing, you can find an Airbnb that complements your solo travel experience.