Epic Stays tips

Not only does Los Angeles beckon movie buffs and theme park goers but the City of Angels is a burgeoning spot for cannabis tourism in California. Recreational marijuana is legal in the Golden State with licensed dispensaries selling an assortment of flower, pre-rolls, vape pens, balms, and more. Seeing as it’s not permitted to smoke in all public spaces or at non-smoking accommodations, only these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in Los Angeles give you the green light to blaze up in comfort.

Myrtle Beach is a classic East Coast vacation spot. With the famous boardwalk, scenic golf courses, and white sand beaches, there’s something for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. A seaside motel may have a sentimental charm, but nothing beats the prices and advantages that come from staying in a rental home. Airbnb Myrtle Beach has some amazing properties to choose from.

If you’re booking an Orlando airport hotel, you’re likely either coming or going to Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, a work conference, family reunion, or some combination of the above (bravo to you, if that’s the case). Whatever the reason, bookending your Orlando trip with an airport stay is the most convenient way to ensure you aren’t rushed getting in and out of town, and have time to actually step away from the scene and relax a bit. These are the best Orlando airport hotels for every major hotel rewards program.

When you think about visiting Morocco, you’re probably thinking about staying in riad. Although riads are undeniably pretty cool, it’s worth going outside the box and checking out this ecodome in Essaouira. Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, surrounded by Argan and Tuya trees, is a county guesthouse with 11 stylish and eco-friendly “ecodomes.”

Scattered across the US are pockets of dark skies that offer some of the best stargazing experiences in the world. Within these often protected and designated areas luxury hotels are catering to the astro-tourism market with expert lead stargazing experiences. Situated in areas with low levels of light pollution and excellent air clarity, the night sky over these properties is so pristine you can enjoy it from the comfort of your hotel room or balcony. But these stargazing hotels have stepped it up by offering a range of astrological events, in-room telescopes and binoculars, outdoor skybeds, and even an on-site observatory. With a focus on the outdoors, these are not only some of the best resorts in the US, they run some of the top dark sky experiences in the nation.

Chicago is one of the world’s great cities and there are countless reasons why you should visit this Toddlin’ Town. The Windy City will keep you entertained from the infamous Lollapalooza to the delicious cuisines, cool hiking trails and unique museums, you surely will not get bored. While boutique hotels are certainly one way to go when it comes to accommodation, Airbnbs are often cheaper — or so incredibly unique that they’re worth the splurge. Whether you’re looking for a prime location, rockstar digs, great value, or something totally off beat, you’ll find it on our list of the coolest Airbnbs in Chicago.

One of the best things about working remotely is the ability to be, well, remote. And while some people have full home office setups and need the stability of working in the same place every day, as a travel writer, all I really need is my laptop. So when I had the chance to travel to the Caribbean recently, I decided to add on a few extra days of scuba diving and working remotely on St. Maarten, to the east of the Virgin Islands. Given that my direct flight from the East Coast was only $250, and hotel rooms in St. Maarten’s off season start around $100 per night, it seemed like a great choice.

Summer in New York City means outdoor festivals, al fresco dining, and day-long picnics in the park. But it also means mystery street smells, sidewalks so hot they could melt diamonds, and the dreaded subway car with a broken AC. Even die-hard New Yorkers need a weekend away from the mayhem, and when the weather is warm, there’s no better place to escape than the beaches near New York City.

Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited. Formed into six main island clusters, the Cyclades, Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Sporades, Northeast Aegean, and Dodecanese Islands, each has its own distinctive character and culture. There’s also one significant stand-alone: Crete. Traveling within each island group is generally more accessible than inter-archipelago trips, but that is possible if you have time and money to spend. The beauty of the country — its white-walled cliffside villages, ancient ruins, and stunning blue water — is no secret. Come summer the beaches of Mykonos and the sunset bars at Santorini are jam-packed. However, there are ways around jostling for a spot on the sand. Traveling to one of the lesser knowns islands, visiting during a shoulder season, or booking one of the epic stays suggested here, will greatly enhance your experience. From whitewashed villas adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, suites with private pools looking over Santorini, to cave Airbnbs with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, here’s some of the best places to stay in Greece.

Press pause on the pulsating Bangkok and southern islands for a soul-renewing stay in Thailand’s northern highlands. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is heralded for its ancient pagodas and remote valleys inhabited by hill tribes. Whereas, the moated Old City will quench your appetite for culture and cuisine, the landscape beyond the walls will leave you agog. Experience mountains, waterfalls, stupas, and bazaars from these unbelievable Airbnbs in Chiang Mai.

Rio de Janeiro offers easy access to mountains, beaches, and forests. From incredible museums, amazing nightlife, and unforgettable events like Carnival and New Year’s celebrations, to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, zip lining, and surfing – Rio de Janeiro provides an unforgettable experience. It is also home to some of the world’s most unique and delicious cuisine, as well as a vibrant culture that can be found in its colorful architecture and lively street life. These Rio de Janeiro Airbnbs put you in the heart of the action.

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo – the largest city on the planet – can feel like a minefield. Look one way and you’ll find lantern-lit alleyways and Shinto shrines peeking out from behind evergreens. Turn the other and you’ve got neck-creaking skyscrapers and streets drenched in neon. Divided into 23 special wards and countless districts and unique neighborhoods, the Tokyo hotel scene is equally dynamic and you’ll want to find lodging that reflects your beat.

In the picturesque town of Chessy, under 20 miles east of the center of the French capital, is Disneyland Paris. The park has two main areas: Disneyland Park, where classic Disney characters come to life over 40 attractions divided into five thematic areas; and Walt Disney Studios, a tribute to movie magic and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Although it’s only a 40 minute train ride from the Paris, if you’re traveling with kids, or if you’re a big kid yourself and want to have an immersive Disney experience, opting for accommodation nearby means less travel time and more Disney magic. There’s a great selection of Airbnb Disneyland Paris properties minutes from the park’s gates. They offer a comfortable home from home, where you can unwind after a thrilling day. And as Disney can make for an expensive vacation, you cook your meals in a fully equipped kitchen, saving you a significant amount on dining expenses. These are some of the top Airbnbs from well-equipped apartments to family-friendly homes.

Queenstown, New Zealand, is known for many things. To start, it’s one of the world’s foremost adventure capitals, famous for both alpine recreation and adrenaline thrills. It’s also an excellent place to relax, from its delicious restaurants and rejuvenating wellness centers to the Central Otago wine region located beyond the downtown core. In a place as naturally blessed as Queenstown, it’s hard to pick a bad accommodation — as long as you have access to windows, you’re bound to fall in love with the lakeside, mountain-ringed town. But many of the Airbnbs in Queenstown go above and beyond, whether located in woodsy surrounds, scenic suburbs, or within walking distance of the main drag. Here are nine of the finest Queenstown Airbnbs.

Santorini is breathtakingly beautiful. The picturesque Greek island is built on the remains of a volcanic caldera in the Aegean Sea. It’s known for its stunning white-washed towns, breathtaking views, and amazing sunsets that light up the caldera. The crimson evening sky is so well-known it’s one of the most photographed places in the world.

Staying in an Airbnb when visiting Kyoto is a great idea for anyone looking to experience the city like a local. An Airbnb rental gives travelers access to unique neighborhoods and accommodation options that can’t be found elsewhere. Furthermore, many Airbnb rentals are located close to popular tourist attractions, making them ideal for those who want easy access to the area’s must-see sights. These Kyoto Airbnbs showcase the best of the city.

It might be the capital but Berlin is far from the archetypal German city. While there are scores of historical sights and, at times, affecting museums to explore, the overarching essence of Berlin is very much in the now. Berlin hotels strike a balance between Old Europe and the modern spirit of this artistic, edgy city. For every grand hotel, there’s a kooky boutique bolthole. These are the best hotels in Berlin, Germany, for an unforgettable stay.

Fringed with honeyed beaches and emblematic windmills, the Greek “Island of the Winds” is one of the prettiest Cyclades islands. When choosing where to stay in Mykonos, the island’s namesake town (also known as Chora) is a natural choice. This way, you can walk to the windmills and catch the sunset over Little Venice before surrendering yourself to the famous Mykonos nightlife. If swimming in the Aegean Sea is top of your list of things to do in Mykonos, consider accommodation near the beaches of Kalafati, Elia, and Ornos. Live like an Olympian at these divine Airbnbs in Mykonos, Greece, with private pools and million-dollar views.

Wrapped around Port Phillip Bay, the seahorse-shaped Melbourne is the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. The state capital of Victoria, Australia, Melbourne has also earned itself a reputation for being the coffee powerhouse of the South Hemisphere while streets overflow with galleries, landmark buildings, and green oases. Come rain or shine, there’s always something to do in Melbourne. Whether you’re bookending a road trip or looking to hole up in the city, these are the best hotels in Melbourne, Australia, for luxury and location.

Although the mythical “Grand Budapest Hotel” isn’t an option when deciding where to stay in Budapest, there are countless hotels in Hungary’s vibrant capital that earn the Gustave H. stamp of approval. Widely considered one of the coolest cities in Europe, days in Budapest are spent encountering landmarks, meandering along the riverside, and curing all ailments by “taking the waters” at a thermal bathhouse. Evenings start with rooftop sundowners and end in buzzing ruin bars. Fusing golden-age hospitality with bohemian charm, these luxury Budapest hotels give you the grandest experience.

As one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States, you’re less likely to find a hotel in San Diego that doesn’t roll out the red carpet treatment for canine guests. The Southern California city is abuzz with dog-friendly beaches, urban dog parks, and restaurants where your pup can join you for a bite. Adventurous four-legged explorers can even join you for paddle boarding and kayaking. Bring Fido (or Felix) along to one of these pawtastic pet-friendly hotels in San Diego and they’re guaranteed to get as much out of their SoCal sojourn as you.