My #1 Resource For An Incredible 2023 Travel Experience
Most people I talk with about this have never used (or even heard of) it
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful.”
A popular Anthony Bourdain (RIP) quote but one that absolutely embodies this post.
One of my most fervent wishes for travel (both for myself and for others) post-lockdowns (I won’t say post-pandemic because, well, we are still in it) and getting back out into the world is for people traveling to approach it less as bucket list-Instagram photo-check box and having a slow, local experience.
When I’ve approached travel slower, as in not rushing from thing to thing and taking the picture and moving on, but connecting with the people who live in the destination I am just visiting (whether for a week or a month or more), it becomes more of an opportunity; to provide depth and appreciation for the traveler and for the locals, I connect with. Travel becomes a richer experience (more positive, I think) for all involved.
Supporting the local community through engaging respectfully and curiously, buying local, and connecting with the area’s culture and all its wonder and beauty is just magic.
I know a lot of people who want to do this. But they are not sure where to begin.
I have had a lot of people ask me how I’ve engaged, and created lasting friendships with so many locals in the places I’ve been visiting in the last 4 years.
They ask how I’ve had so many cool experiences, found the restaurants, excursions, hidden spots in nature, and amazing destinations that are far from the over-run, needlessly expensive tourist spots.
My most expansive and wonderful resource has been:
Airbnb Experiences
What is an Airbnb Experience? Well, as defined by Airbnb - it’s an activity that goes beyond the typical tour or class, designed and led by locals all over the world. Hosts show off their city, craft, cause, or culture with a unique experience.
I will say a lot of folks who reach out to me have never even used Airbnb for accommodation, never mind Airbnb Experiences so there is a bit of a learning curve but honestly, once you start using these resources, it opens a whole new world for you! You just need an Airbnb account (free!) and you can get started.
Airbnb Experiences are LEGIT. Travel magazines, like Conde Nast Traveler, have yearly articles on the best experiences around the world - like this one for 2022.
My first Airbnb Experiences
I started my Airbnb Experience journey while I was traveling from country to country in 2019 (you can read a bit about those destinations here) living at least a month in each place. It was in my 5th country, Portugal, that I had my very first Airbnb Experience. I was staying in an apartment in Lisbon for a month but planned several days exploring Porto, a charming seaside city an easy train ride away from Lisbon. It was also the first time in my travel that I successfully managed train schedules all by myself (celebrate the wins!). I stayed in the most wonderful and charming Airbnb in Porto. Honestly, it is one of my favorite apartments ever and the host was just the best. I will say that my experience has been that Europeans really lean into being a “host” and provide a lot more for the guest in the way of little extras (I had coffee, waters, wine, and snacks all waiting for me in Porto!). Hosts in Europe are also really helpful in recommendations and guidance for local travel or even booking taxis for you (which my host in Italy is so kind to do for me all the time - of course with plenty of notice and gratitude. It is not an on-demand service).
I booked my first experience with Rafael in Porto for a local wine tasting. As wine is my business, I am not a novice but I appreciate all kinds of wine experiences and I was keen to dive into local wines. It turned out that I was the only one on this experience and Rafael was an excellent host! We tasted through several wines, while Rafael talked about how to taste wine properly. We had some delicious cheeses and meats and a lovely conversation. I really enjoyed this experience and Rafael has really made a name for himself with his wine tastings - he was studying for his wine certification at the time but since we met, and during the pandemic, he created a very successful online experience that became extremely popular around the world. We have kept in touch with Instagram and I love watching his progress and his passion for wine and giving great experiences. I booked another Airbnb experience while in Porto for a day in the Duoro Valley, which is a World Heritage site, wine country, and the home of Port wine making. The experience included transportation to the Duoro (with wonderful stops to take in the stunning beauty), visits to two different Port makers, a boat ride (stunning!!) on the Douro River, and lunch with wine at a very locals, non-touristy restaurant. This experience was beyond my expectations and incredible value for all provided. My host was wonderful and my group that day was filled with lovely people.
Since then, I have booked many Airbnb experiences that have gone beyond my expectations, been introduced to things and places I would have never been able to find on my own, made life-long friends with the hosts and other attendees, and have just had them open my world. I will be writing about my other experiences in separate posts because they are too good to keep to myself but I’ve had epic experiences in South Africa - all over Italy - Denmark - Spain - the US and more.
There is so much opportunity for connection and discovery with an Airbnb Experience. Just like anything (and everything) knowing how to navigate the experiences and choose the right one for your needs and desires is something that is learned. Going into these experiences without entitlement is also very important. What I mean is to have the right expectations for what you will be experiencing and if that isn’t clear, ASK questions. I find that top hosts of experiences are very good at describing, in the listing, what to expect with their experience, what is not provided, and a general expectation of behavior (be kind; be curious; have a good attitude). If that is not clear in the listing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the host before booking your experience and get clarity. A few general rules on group activities I highly recommend: don’t be late - don’t be a jerk - share the space and be inclusive - give praise and tip appropriately and generously. Actually, these are just good rules for travel and life overall, don’t you think?
Have you used Airbnb Experiences? How have they gone for you? Let me know in the comments!
Do you have questions on how to begin using Airbnb Experiences during your travel, or even in your local area at home? Please reach out, I’m happy to offer guidance.