You can rent a room in The Merrion Hotel for a cool €7k a month
You can rent a room in The Merrion Hotel for a cool €7k a month

IMAGE

The IMAGE staffers on the spring accessories they’re shopping for this season
The IMAGE staffers on the spring accessories they’re shopping for this season

Sarah Gill

Venting, oversharing, or straight up trauma dumping — when does confiding in friends turn toxic?
Venting, oversharing, or straight up trauma dumping — when does confiding in friends turn toxic?

Sarah Gill

Real Weddings: Aoife and Brendan tied the knot at a Tudor-style house in Co Carlow
Real Weddings: Aoife and Brendan tied the knot at a Tudor-style house in Co Carlow

Shayna Sappington

This modern farmhouse in Enniskerry is on the market for €945,000
This modern farmhouse in Enniskerry is on the market for €945,000

Sarah Finnan

3 ways to style your trusty adidas Sambas
3 ways to style your trusty adidas Sambas

Sarah Finnan

The best off-the-shoulder tops and jumpers to elevate any look
The best off-the-shoulder tops and jumpers to elevate any look

Sarah Gill

This charming Enniskerry farmhouse with gorgeous grounds is on the market for €2.5 million
This charming Enniskerry farmhouse with gorgeous grounds is on the market for €2.5 million

Sarah Finnan

What to eat this weekend: Fish n’ courgette chips with homemade tartar sauce
What to eat this weekend: Fish n’ courgette chips with homemade tartar sauce

Meg Walker

How to quit the cycle of feeling bad from social media
How to quit the cycle of feeling bad from social media

Niamh Ennis

Image / Editorial

Perfect Escapes: The Best Airbnb Properties To Visit This Year


By Niamh ODonoghue
09th Jan 2017
Perfect Escapes: The Best Airbnb Properties To Visit This Year

Travel has drastically changed, and it has become a whole lot easier and cheaper to travel to far-off destinations; especially if you’re doing it right.

Thinking outside the box when it comes to your holiday accommodation can vastly enhance your overall travel experience. Airbnb is just one service that allows travellers to submerge their senses in the culture, as well as cutting expenses and giving them the freedom to come and go.

The beauty with Airbnb is that you get the opportunity to stay in some of the most amazing destinations around the world – normally someone’s home – at a lower cost than booking through a hotel/travel agents. What’s more, Airbnb connects people from all over the world, and chances are if you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb property, you’ve made a friend for life.

If you’re planning your 2017 getaway, here are five of Airbnb properties on our wanderlust list, and where in the world you can find them.

This Cube House in the centre of Rotterdam

cube-house

Embrace your inner Scandinavian designer with a stay this futuristic cube home in the centre of Rotterdam. The house can sleep four adults and with three floors, comes complete with pretty much everything to make your stay feel like home.

Price per night: €140

This Mushroom Dome Cabin in Aptos, California

dome

You’ll be away with the fairies in this magical private retreat’surrounded by lush forest near Santa Cruz, California. Also known as “The Hummingbird Haven” by owners?Kitty And Michael. The dome sleeps 3 adults and is surrounded by ten acres of Californian land to explore. While you won’t find any fancy amenities like you would in city-center properties, anything this little slice of heaven does lack totally makes up for it with its gorgeous scenery?and serenity.

Price per night: €112

This Seashell House in?Isla Mujeres,?Mexico

b4bc6418_original

Looking like something that came straight from a Wes Anderson set, this unique property is an absolute treat for anyone looking to stay in Mexico. The interiors are equally as impressive as the houses’ facade and kind of resembles a Caribbean’mecca with lots of clean palettes of white, aqua, and mango. Additionally, as well as all the regular amenities, guests can also enjoy use of their own private pool throughout their stay, and the property is located a stones-throw away from the nearest beach. The whimsical architecture makes this property one of the most sought-after listing on Airbnb.

Price per night €292

This Treehouse in Bali, Indonesia

screen-shot-2017-01-09-at-15-07-24

It’s only a three-minute?walk from the nearest beach, it comes with its own private pool, veranda and gardens, and you’re basically guaranteed beautiful weather. This little piece of Balian paradise is perfect for two people or a solo traveller looking to enjoy some quiet and relaxation. The treehouse comes equipt with everything you need for a quick stay and judging by the happy reviewers on Airbnb and the low cost, we reckon it will book out well before the summer.

Price per night: €77

This Mountaintop Dream, Malibu, California

307a5575-c3a4-4b21-8127-a37875ec1239

If a private escape is what you’re looking for then you won’t get much more private than this (or prettier, or quieter).?Perched on a private bluff and surrounded by pristine nature and wildlife, the ‘Airstream’ boasts infinite ocean views, quietness and style. Although this property comes with a higher price-tag, the sense of freedom and night-sky views would be totally worth it. The Airstream is also a favourite with models and singers like Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift. Ideal for hikers and outdoor adventurers.

price per night: €391

Having recently returned from a trip to the states using Airbnb with three Airbnb virgins, I can confidently say that their stay far exceeded their expectations. While this is not to say that every Airbnb property will be perfect, it’s worth your while researching the property that you’re planning to visit?and to contact the owners with any questions?or worries.