Airbnb: Travelling on a budget, meeting great people and those fluffy dogs – obvs

I am a strong-willed woman with a kind face. I’m not just bigging myself up, this is what Eirini told me when I was staying with her in Kos, Greece, last summer. Eirini likes reading about star signs, and she said that I display the typical characteristics of an Aquarius (this is my star sign, so this good). According to Eirini, Aquarians can be contrary and impatient (she had me pegged), but they also have great taste in music. So I’m just going to go with it.

You may have seen from my Instagram, Twitter and just general ramblings on this blog that I love to travel. I probably take it to slightly obsessive levels – I’m constantly researching my next trip, updating my list of where I want to go. My travel philosophy is travel more by spending less. So as much as I like nice hotels (and you’ll see some on here), I also love a little bed and breakfast, cheap and cheerful. Oh, and clean. If it means I can save money for another flight, I’m all for it.

And that’s why I love Airbnb. Airbnb isn’t a new site, but a lot of people haven’t used it yet – but you should. It’s basically a website showcasing spare rooms and flats around the world, so you can rent an apartment in Rome, a villa in Portugal or a bedroom in San Diego. It has totally changed the way I travel (especially useful on a Springsteen tour), and it helps me take less expensive trips more often.Most importantly though, I have met some effing great people along the way. There’s been Eirini mentioned above, and the sweetest lady called Rachel in Sorrento, who still emails me when she hears Bruce Springsteen on the radio. There was Jagath in Sri Lanka, who opened up his new house to guests to make money after his home was destroyed in the tsunami. And there was Pedro in Porto, who knew all the best bars and burgers in the city. Airbnb has given me the chance to meet incredible people, getting a local perspective on the city and country I’m visiting – and I bl**dy love that.

Most people might choose their Airbnb based how quirky it is – you can stay in a castle, on a boat, or on a farm. I’ve spent hours searching all the incredible places out there. Lighthouse? Why not. Converted brewery? OK then. Some people make decisions based on convenience, or price, or transport links. That would be the normal thing to do.

Or you could book a stay book somewhere because the Airbnb host owns two little fluffy dogs. That’s what I did in New York, one of the most cost effective cities for Airbnb because of the crazy expensive hotel costs.

Meet Rigby.

 

And Penny.

I was obviously excited about visiting New York – the food, the nightlife. But honestly? I was most excited about getting the chance to stay with these two little fluff balls.

Their owner is pretty great too. Brooke is a young cool New York resident who moved to the city a few years back. Their penthouse apartment is located in Williamsburg, it’s so handy for great bars, good food and subway links.

The only problem? Getting me out the door.

You can plan your next trip with Airbnb here. I am, natch.