Take these steps to ensure you know what you’re getting before clicking the reserve button on that cute mountain cottage or condo by the sea

From Hobbit-inspired abodes to secluded treehouses to beachfront cottages, travelers can live out their fantasy vacation at an Airbnb rental. However, a dream retreat can easily turn into a nightmare when your chosen property falls short of expectations. The last Airbnb I checked into was an adorable yurt tucked deep inside a rainforest on Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island). The property itself was clean and quaint, but the road leading to the yurt was unpaved and nearly impassable in a rented convertible. Located at an elevation of 3,000 feet, it was a lot colder than I expected, and the yurt itself was not heated or soundproof, which meant three sleepless nights of hearing singing coqui frogs, crowing roosters, and distant sounds of gunshots. Horror stories from other Airbnb users have run the gamut from moldy bathrooms and unsafe neighborhoods to aggressive hosts, neighbors, or even pets.

“Most of the complaints we receive about Airbnb come from travelers who have a misunderstanding about what Airbnb is and what it isn’t,” says Michelle Couch-Friedman, executive director at Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps mediate consumer complaints. “Airbnb does not manage any of the properties it lists, nor have these properties been inspected by Airbnb,” she says. That means it’s up to consumers to do their own due diligence and properly vet the lodging and the host before booking. I asked eight frequent Airbnb users for their best advice on how to do that. Here are some of their tips.

Read the Listing

This might seem like a given, but people are often so charmed by a property’s photos that they overlook essential details in the listing. When you’re searching for accommodations, Airbnb pulls up a mix of results that include entire houses, private rooms, hotel rooms, and shared rooms. “You should carefully check what type of place you are booking before actually booking,” says Dymphe Mensink, a travel blogger and Airbnb superuser. That way, you won’t accidentally book a shared rental space when you were looking for a place of your own. In addition to reading about the amenities and check-in and check-out times, you should also make sure you understand what the cleaning fee covers. When travel blogger Trysta Barwig first started using Airbnb, she assumed it was just like a hotel. “I found out that wasn’t the case after being charged a cleaning fee for not doing dishes,” she says. In fact, the host determines what’s included in the cleaning fees, and some have additional requirements, such as dumping dirty linens in the washer or putting away the dishes before departure; failure to do so can incur an extra fee. “Read the entire listing to avoid these types of issues,” Barwig says.

Don’t Skim Over the Cancellation Policy

Travelers should pay particular attention to the cancellation policy, which is set by the host. “There are Airbnb listings where you can cancel last minute, while there are others you can’t cancel at all. And sometimes you only get a refund for a percentage of your booking costs,” says Mensink. Couch-Friedman cautions that the listing is a legally binding contract. “Failing to review or completely understand the cancellation policy of an individual property is not a foundation to break the contract,” she says. “In my experience, especially during the pandemic, the one thing travelers overlook and then regret later is the cancellation policy.”

Go Through the Reviews

Reviews can help provide a fuller picture of the neighborhood, the quality of the amenities, the accessibility of hosts, and any other potential red flags. Travel blogger Michelle Chang relies heavily on reviews when she chooses a place to stay on Airbnb. She looks for things that a host might not include in their description, such as street noise and strength of Wi-Fi. A listing with only a few reviews can be a red flag. “The one time I didn’t follow my own advice and booked a place with a solitary review that lacked any real feedback, the place turned out to be extremely sketchy,” says Chang. “I made sure my own review on Airbnb would be more helpful to future travelers and tactfully ward them off.” Look for consistency in the reviews. “It’s normal to have an off review or two,” says family travel blogger Kristy Esparza. “But if several reviewers comment on something that would bother me, I move on.” It’s also worth noting that Airbnb reviews often do not appear in chronological order, so it’s important to scroll through all of them to make sure you’re finding the most recent testimony, says Couch-Friedman. If a property has changed owners, new guests might have complained of a subpar experience at what was previously a well-reviewed rental. Conversely, a formerly struggling Airbnb might have made improvements in recent months.

Talk to the Host

Travel blogger Marc Tonkin encourages travelers to get to know their hosts prior to making a transaction by clicking the Contact Host button and sending them a message. “You should ask the host all of your questions, and don’t be hesitant to inquire about the specifics of your stay,” he says. The way a host responds to your initial questions could clue you in on how likely they’ll be to handle any issues that might arise during your stay. Some hosts are hospitality experts, while others are just trying to earn a side income by renting out their property. Digital nomad and podcaster Rax Suen checks to see if the hosts are staying near the property. “I generally prefer the owner to be somewhere close, so the response time is quick if something is wrong,” he says. “It’s also good to have access to local help if anything comes up while you are overseas.” Suen prefers booking with superhosts, a designation given to those who fulfill requirements such as a 90 percent response rate and an overall rating of 4.8 or higher; he believes it “provides an extra layer of social proof that the experience will be a good one.” While a superhost badge is a plus, it doesn’t guarantee that your stay is going to be a trouble-free experience. “Travelers need to understand, the superhost badge applies to the host, not a particular property,” says Couch-Friedman. “Many superhosts have multiple properties, and a host earns that badge by achieving a certain number of five-star reviews by former guests.”

Study the Photos

When Couch-Friedman books an Airbnb property, she looks at the photos carefully. “If they don’t look recent or appear to be screenshots, I scroll to another property,” she says. Family travel blogger Besa Sumovic takes the time to notice the details. “It might be a ‘family friendly’ listing, but does it actually look family friendly?” she asks. “Are there cords everywhere, are there glass tables, are there a lot of stairs, is there an open space [children] can play?” To avoid being scammed by a nonexistent Airbnb rental, Couch-Friedman vets the property by dragging the photos into a Google Images search, to determine whether the photos exist elsewhere on the internet.

Don’t Leave if Your Airbnb Has Problems

If the property is not up to snuff when you arrive, do not reject the property on sight or hastily find an alternate accommodation. “A common mistake of novice Airbnb users is they’ll arrive at the property, take a look at it, decide it isn’t what they hoped for, and leave, expecting a refund,” says Couch-Friedman. “This isn’t how Airbnb operates.” Travelers who decide the property is not as advertised should immediately alert both the host and Airbnb. Then they should document everything by taking photos and videos of the issues, such as stained bedsheets or an unhygienic kitchen. The host is typically given 12 to 24 hours to fix any problems that are correctable, for example, sending a cleaning service or replacing a mattress or broken TV. “If Airbnb determines that the problem is not fixable, then it will make an attempt to reaccommodate the guest with a comparable Airbnb property,” says Couch-Friedman. “Airbnb will only require a refund from the host to the guest if the property significantly deviates from the listing—for example, a property with three bedrooms instead of the advertised five—and there is no way to correct the problem.”

The solo guide provides a comprehensive guide on solo travel, ensuring that readers can enjoy and appreciate the experience.

1. Pre-solo travel anxieties vary based on personal preferences. For sociable travelers, choose a language-speaking destination; for introverts, forget language barriers and explore vibrant cities.

2. Talk to experienced travelers to gain insights on travel options and avoid mistakes. Utilize social networks, online meetup groups, and expat groups to connect with others in your destination.

3. Starting conversations with strangers can be challenging, especially for introverts. However, developing these skills is life-changing. Traveling alone after my husband’s death helped me.

4. Solo travelers often encounter more travelers and locals, gaining valuable advice and recommendations from them, which can greatly enrich their trip.

5. Flexibility is key when encountering opportunities or suggestions, often requiring a change in schedule, especially during road or rail trips.

6. Self-managed travel requires more energy than traveling with others, so it’s crucial to allocate extra time for leisurely activities like market wandering or exploring new mountains.

7. Arriving in a new city alone can be challenging, so take a day to relax, observe the city’s functioning, and settle in.

While Kenya is a safe destination compared to some surrounding African countries, there are issues with crime in major cities such as Nairobi, and many government travel advisories warn travelers of the threat of terrorism. The overall 2024 crime index for Kenya is 56.8, the 34th highest in the world. However, most crime is concentrated in the cities or along the Kenya-Somalia border. Check your Government’s travel advice for the latest information.

Travelers will always attract unwanted attention from beggars and potential pickpockets. From street scammers to more serious threats, a little common sense goes a long way in Keyna, and staying up to date on the local situation is essential no matter where you go. These are the things you need to know to stay safe in Kenya.

1. Crime in Nairobi

Nairobi has a bit of a reputation, so much so that it was nicknamed “Nairobby.” That being said, crime levels and safety have very much improved over recent years. Violent crime is rare but petty crime can still be an issue. In general, petty crime involves pickpocketing and theft, and on rare occasions can be confrontational. As such, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and belongings on public transportation and in crowded places in any urban setting. Pickpocketing isn’t uncommon in crowded clubs and festivals. Be careful with your personal belongings, or better yet, leave everything that you don’t need at home if you know you’re going to be attending a crowded event.

For the most part, I walk freely in Nairobi and other Kenyan towns during the day. I feel comfortable and have personally had no issues. At night, it is best to take some form of motorized transportation instead of walking to avoid any potential incidents.

A couple of neighborhoods in Nairobi should generally be avoided if you’re going on your own. These neighborhoods include Kibera, which is the largest slum in East Africa and downtown Nairobi, including the infamous River Road. While, like all areas of Nairobi, crime rates are improving in these spots, it still can be an issue. The neighborhoods are crowded and not typically areas where tourists go, so you may draw attention unwittingly. However, if you are interested in experiencing some of these neighborhoods, I would recommend finding a walking tour. There are some fantastic ones through Airbnb Experiences and local companies that connect you to guides from Kibera and the city center who can help you safely navigate the streets while providing a background to the neighborhood’s history and culture.

2. Food hygiene in Kenya

While it’s not a major cause for concern, be aware of what food you eat and where, like in most countries. Kenya has an incredible amount of fresh local fruits, like pineapple, passion fruits, mango, and avocado. All peeled fruits are safe to eat. Proceed with more caution when it comes to fruits and vegetables that aren’t peeled or cooked. I don’t avoid them all together but I’m more selective with where I eat them. From Nairobi to the coast, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants serving salads and vegetable-abundant dishes from the growing number of local farms. If you’re planning to check out some street food stands, which is my personal favorite way to explore a country’s culinary scene, you’ll want to be cautious about eating meat, as it’s uncertain how long it’s been sitting out.

3. Is tap water safe to drink in Kenya?

Don’t drink tap water unless it has been boiled or purified. Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets or a water filter bottle, such as the Grayl water bottle, and keep it topped up with purified water to avoid buying bottled water. If you’re out of water, most restaurants sell bottled water. Many of them have filtered water as well—just ask!

4. Malaria and travel health tips for Kenya

Certain areas of Kenya are at high risk for malaria, while others are not. The coast and Lake Victoria generally have the highest incidences of malaria. Nairobi is typically a low-risk area for malaria. The Kenyan highlands (above 2500m) of Nyanza, the Rift Valley, and the Central, Eastern, and Western Provinces are also lower risk.

Malaria-carrying mosquitos only come out in the evening so wearing light layers during these hours can reduce the risk of infection, along with some applying mosquito repellent. Most beds are equipped with mosquito nets for protection while sleeping. If you do suspect that you are showing signs of malaria (fever, low energy, chills, lack of appetite—similar to typical flu symptoms that occur in two-day cycles), it’s best to get tested. Clinics throughout the country are well-equipped to deal with malaria (typically much more so than in malaria-free countries) and you can easily get a test and medication if needed.

Generally, I found the clinics and health care systems in Kenya quite good and definitely better than those in other East African countries. Particularly in Nairobi, you’ll be able to find a large concentration of hospitals and clinics that can support you should you need to seek medical attention. The pharmacies are well stocked as well for your basic goods.

5. Politics, protests, and civil unrest in Kenya

Political tensions can run high in Kenya. While it is unlikely you’ll encounter political violence, stay connected to local news to be aware of current situations while in the country. Avoid protests and demonstrations should any take place, as they run the risk of turning volatile or violent. It’s best not to travel during a general election as well, to play it safe.

6. Road safety in Kenya

Motorcycles are a common form of public transportation and a quick and easy way to get around Nairobi’s insane traffic. However, many of the roads are under construction or potholed, and motorcycles are competing with trucks, cars, and a lot of crazy road rules (or rather, lack thereof). Having a helmet with you is really important if you plan on catching motos. I was in two motorcycle accidents as a passenger in less than a year in Nairobi and refused to get on one without a helmet!

If you choose to ride, consider travel insurance and be sure to comply with its requirements, such as riding with a helmet and being appropriately licensed to ride in your home country at your destination.

7. Hiking and wild camping in Kenya

With the exception of a few hills on the outskirts of Nairobi, hiking and wild camping are fairly crime-free in Kenya—and a fantastic way to experience this East African country. Your bigger concerns are wildlife and nature. If you’re planning to take on more challenging, high-altitude hikes like Mount Kenya, come prepared with warm clothes to protect against freezing temperatures and rain, as well as adequate food and water, and medicine for altitude sickness as a precaution. On the other extreme, spots like Lake Magadi near the Tanzania border can experience extremely hot temperatures. For hikes and camping in those regions, it is important to bring shade, water, and electrolytes in case of dehydration. When it comes to wild camping in places like Tsavo National Park and near other nature reserves, be aware that wildlife lives there. Read up on safety and guidelines for wildlife encounters before heading out on a solo adventure.

8. Terrorism in Kenya

Although there have been a handful of isolated attacks in Kenya by Al Shaabab from neighboring Somalia, these incidences are rare. Borders with South Sudan, Sudan, and Somalia should be avoided unless going with a local guide, as localized conflict may spill across.

9. Is Kenya safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Despite the government laws against LGBTQ+ relationships, Nairobi has a fairly prominent LGBTQ+ community. Areas outside of Nairobi are much more conservative and traditional but coming across LGBTQ+ events and parties is not uncommon.

10. Is Kenya safe for female solo travelers?

For the most part, female travelers to Kenya will have a trouble-free trip. The locals are friendly, respectful, and hospitable and most people speak English.

There have been reports of women experiencing harassment by men. Avoid hanging out at the beach or walking around alone at night. Take a taxi if you plan to head out at night, even if you are with others. And as you would at home or anywhere else, avoid getting too intoxicated.

Nairobi and the central areas of coastal towns like Diani and Watamu are quite western and I dress as I would in Europe or the US. In rural regions, more conservative dress – think loose long dresses and skirts, or loose pants and tops – is best to be culturally sensitive and draw less attention.

When it comes to airport fashion, comfort and style are both important factors to consider. After all, you want to look good for the ‘gram, but you also want to be able to move around easily and be comfortable during a potentially long flight. Airport looks are no longer limited to celebrities on social media. Today, almost all GenZ and Millennials have mastered their airport looks for their Instagram vacation posts. In the 21st century, vacations are mostly about sharing live updates on social media, and an airport look is not just restricted to what you wear but also the accessories you carry and how well you style them. Here’s a list of buddies that you can add to your collection and upgrade your travel game.

Shruti Kedia Daga, Head of Marketing, Nasher Miles, shared some fashion essentials that can help you achieve an Insta-ready airport look.

1. Quirky Travel Bag

As all seasoned travellers, especially the likes of Gen Z and Millenials know, having the right luggage can make all the difference when travelling in style. Every detail matters, whether it is dressing to impress or choosing the proper mode of transportation. However, one aspect that is often overlooked, is the type of baggage to carry. Travel luggage is not just a commodity; it’s also a fashion statement today, and it helps reflect your personality.

Choose your bag carefully; look for one that is attractive, lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and has spacious interiors. There are many uber-cool luggage designs and a vast range of colours available in markets that are super stylish yet sturdy with long-term durability. Quirky bags will enhance your trending airport looks and vacation Instagram posts.

2. Sneakers

Sneakers are the best option for travel. Today, the trend is to wear the most comfortable pair of sneakers that make you look cool and stylish. If you want to play it safe, choose white sneakers and tie laces.

3. Neck pillow

A Neck pillow is an absolute essential while travelling. It provides support and comfort to your neck and head while sleeping, which is especially important on long flights. It also helps maintain proper posture for extended periods of time, particularly during travel, and the best part is that they are lightweight and long-lasting. Always choose a simple amd versatile colour neck pillow that can be paired with any outfit.

4. Headset

A set of headphones is one of our travel essentials, especially during long flights. Apart from providing us with good music to keep us company while travelling, headphones also double as a subtle “do not disturb” sign. A quirky headset is one of the most important elements that can enhance your overall airport look.

5. Comfy sweatshirt

Airport fashion has to be stylish and comfortable, as comfort is essential when travelling. And so, keep your outfit simple yet stylish. Avoid wearing short, flared skirts as they may be uncomfortable. Choose a pair of jeans and pair them with a sweatshirt or go for a cord-set and simply put on a pair of sunglasses that’ll add up to your glam.