They’re the object of countless films and inspirational montages; they promise adventure and self-discovery and, at the very least, endless plates of pasta that you don’t have to share. Solo trips can seem both endlessly appealing and wildly intimidating—but they don’t all need to be this grand gesture that ends with a Balinese liaison or a mortgage on a crumbling villa in Tuscany. Sometimes, you simply need a few days of peace to recharge alone. And for this, you’ll need the right Airbnb.
While the seasoned solo traveler may prefer a remote location off the grid (the better to read their Cheryl Strayed from), if you aren’t entirely comfortable with the full isolation, your inaugural trip alone should be to a city. From Kyoto to Paris; London to Buenos Aires, the best Airbnbs for solo travel include plenty of stylish studios and one-bedrooms that’ll make you feel right at home. We used guest-favorite stays bolstered by reviews to narrow down our list, resulting in 12 spots from around the world to suit every kind of traveler.
Situated in the middle of the lively East London borough of Hackney, this converted warehouse will make you feel right at home. It’s within walking distance of a number of pubs and markets (and no fewer than eight Michelin-starred restaurants, if that’s more your speed)—so you’ll never be far from something to do. If you’d rather stay in, you’ll find a stacked bookshelf and sunny kitchen with which to occupy yourself.
This spacious one-bedroom in the heart of Lisbon is sparsely decorated, relying instead on a stunning canvas of frescoes in nearly every room of the house—you’ll feel more like you’re staying in a gallery than a vacation rental. The award-winning design is the brainchild of architect José Adrião, preserving elements from the original 19th-century space with a few key modern touches (the living room comes with an HDTV). A small balcony just off the bedroom overlooks the busy street below.
This renovated 1950s homesteader cabin is the ultimate desert getaway. Starting with the decor: Earth tones, Southwestern touches, and a mishmash of natural materials and fabrics abound, creating an on-theme setting. Use it as your home base (Joshua Tree National Park is around half an hour away, and the town is just 15 minutes away) or stay put and spread out in the vast outdoor space. You can enjoy sunrises, sunsets, assorted wildlife appearances, and stargazing right from the patio.
Hermosa Casa Junto a la Muralla
The colorful city of Campeche offers an under-the-radar alternative to hotspots like Mexico City and Oaxaca, making it a good option for solo travelers looking for a slower pace. This unique space can only help in your quest to unwind: The private pool is ideal for a post-sightseeing dip, to be followed by a lazy evening spent reading by the fire pit, sipping a glass of local Xtabentún. Both the kitchen and the bedroom open up to a private patio, so you can fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of the outdoors.
Whitewashed floorboards, aqua blue paint, a thatched-roof patio with views of the glittering Aegean below… it doesn’t get more Cycladic than this. The (relatively) under-the-radar island of Serifos is a favorite for low-key travelers hoping for pristine beaches without the crowds of Mykonos and Milos. This tiny home is in the main town, just a five-minute walk from the bus stop for convenience and equally easy to reach if you’ve rented a car for your stay. The small kitchen is practical—plan to eat most of your meals at a local taverna—and there are lots of little pockets to stretch out in, from the covered balcony to the inside daybed.
Whether it’s your first trip to the City of Light or you’re a seasoned pro at navigating the Métro at this point, to get a truly local feel for Paris you should stay in an Airbnb. This one is in the trendy Oberkampf neighborhood, steps away from bustling restaurants and buzzy bars, and while it’s a jewel box of an apartment, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Start your day with a Nespresso coffee and pain au chocolat, then settle into the dining nook with a bottle of wine from your neighborhood caviste and watch the sky turn pink each evening against the Haussmann buildings.
A three-hour drive from the city, this rustic home located in New York’s Catskill Mountains is as much an architectural feat as it is a serene hideaway. It consists of two octagonal structures built hillside, with an open, hexagonal floor plan that features soaring ceilings, two skylights in the bedroom, and heaps of exposed woodwork. You’ll need a car to get to the nearest town, as this property is fully remote; but if you’re seeking a quiet space to unplug or work on a project, that’s kind of the point. Winter visitors will love the wood-burning stove, and if you need some fresh air, take a stroll across the 23 acres of meadows, forest, and fruit trees that surround the house.
Hilltop Sanctuary with Yoga Deck
Situated between Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo and only 10 minutes from the beach, this stunning spot is designed for relaxation at every turn. Mountain and ocean views come as a package deal, which you can take in from the outdoor soaking tub, yoga deck, or living room. If you’ve chosen Costa Rica for its rich nature offerings, you’ll love that you can order fresh, local ingredients daily from the nearby market for delivery to the house—and you should, because how often do you have the chance to whip up a meal from a kitchen overlooking the sea?
If you’re coming to Buenos Aires for the art scene, this light-filled studio can double as your very own artist’s loft. A giant table has plenty of space for your own work (and the open kitchen will definitely come in handy for cooking at home if and when you decide to stay in). Outdoors, a small balcony is perched above a flowering patio, for a peaceful start to each morning and end to each day.
Immerse yourself in Vienna’s rich cultural past by staying in an Art Deco Palais right in the city’s most historical district. Steps away from the city center, this cozy apartment is well-equipped with a full kitchen, spacious living area, and even a tiny balcony that looks out onto the greenery of a nearby park and lines of old buildings. Reviewers note it’s super easy to access from the airport—a plus, if this is your first time in the Austrian capital.
Peaceful, clean, and brimming with historical sites, Kyoto is a great option for solo travelers who prefer to spend their trip exploring—and this Airbnb, which is just a 10-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji temple, puts you right in the middle of it all. The 100-year-old renovated machiya is now an architectural dream: Clean lines, cool concrete, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows offering courtyard views make this a true minimalist gem. The home is equipped with Aesop bath products, and if you’re planning a longer stint, you’ll love the quiet work station for getting through your to-do list.
Perched cliffside with sweeping views of the West Philippine Sea is your very own personal treehouse. You’ll be above the trees, with unobstructed sunsets to accompany your evening glass of wine sipped on the patio. The home is solar-powered, and there is a Starlink Internet connection (although guests are encouraged to lean into the remote location and unplug completely with provided books). If you feel yourself going a bit stir-crazy, follow the graveled pathway to the sea below for a quick dip and change of scenery.
Original Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/best-airbnbs-for-solo-travel
