Airbnb provides a refreshing alternative to chain hotels. When you’re on the road, the service allows you to meet new people, feel as comfortable as you might at home, and explore new parts of the globe.
If you need a suggestion on where to get a decent meal or a good Negroni, who better to ask than a local — your host. Here are some of the best Airbnbs to stay in while visiting the US. 
Photo: Airbnb
Located on a private bluff surrounded by Californian wildlife and nature, this Airstream, has magnificent views of County Line beach, the Channel Islands, Catalina and Deer Creek canyon. It’s a short drive from the Malibu surf and Santa Monica hikes.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
If I was to write children’s books, I’d retreat to this treehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. Located only three minutes from downtown and overlooking an acre of woodland, this three-room home is a perfect place to hit the reset button. Since this spot is featured in blogs and on Airbnb as one of its top global listings, you may have to book in advance.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The porch of this house in Joshua Tree is its drawing card. If you need somewhere to base yourself when visiting Joshua Tree National Park, this is the place to rent. The house was built in 1949 and is surrounded by over 100 Joshua trees. This rental is A short ten-minute walk to town, where you can find Thai food, climbing/hiking equipment shops and Sedona-like coffee shops and boutiques.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This brownstone measures 10,000 square feet. The owner, Jessica Warren, interior designer, decorated the loft. The furnishings and decorations range from vintage finds to auction-worthy goods. The apartment, in a building over 120 years old, has a 105-foot-deep parlor. If your wallet is feeling heavy and you’re having a 15-guest sleepover, you’ve found your match.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
The four-bedroom house looks over downtown Austin. It’s close to the Town Lake running trail, less than a mile from the flagship Whole Foods Market, and within 5 minutes from everything in downtown Austin.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This oceanfront home has panoramic views ranging from San Francisco to Stinson Beach to Duxbury Reef. The house was designed by famous Bay Area Architect Edward B Page in the early 1960’s and is on a 2-acre oceanfront parcel with a short walk to the beach and the town of Bolinas.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This retreat is located on a farm in Sullivan County, close to Bethel Woods, the Catskill Park, Neversink Unique Area and Sam’s Point. The “Glamping” experience includes outdoor hot showers, a claw foot bathtub, a kitchen and grill, fridge, sink, and big fire pit, but you have to bring and blow up your own airbed. Other amenities include a full-service recording studio and a fiber arts workshop space, in case you need to record an album or create a piece of fabric art.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
When visiting the Sequoia National Park, this listing would be a perfect rent, especially if you are traveling with a group of friends or family. The 700-acre riverfront property has a main cabin, Mongolian yurt, and treehouse. There is private access to a mile of river with multiple swimming holes, an outdoor gym and firepit. An ideal base for exploring the national park – and giving yourself a much-needed digital detox.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Referred to as “spacious” and “tranquil”, this houseboat is docked on a private slip at Seabreeze Marina with a view of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. The boat can sleep up to three with a queen size bed in the Captain’s Quarters and a twin bed in the living room. The reviews say guests are guaranteed an idyllic location and unforgettable experience.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
With 3,500 square feet, five bedrooms and five baths, this recently renovated rental is the height of luxury. Not only is there a hot tub, the house is equipped with surround sound, a games room and heated floors. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the 3 best downhill ski areas in Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Northstar. What’s more, they have a ski boot heater, in case you need to warm your toes.
Photo: Airbnb