I was thinking about how I travel differently today then say 15 years ago and one of the biggest differences is not staying in a hotel anymore. Don’t get me wrong—some hotel chains are great and in some areas you really want to stay in a hotel but aside from business trips—I really try to not stay in hotels anymore.

I am (and always have been) the type of traveler that loves to get into the local culture. I take walks in the local neighborhood, shop at the grocery store, and try to make new friends with the locals. So when Airbnb started, I thought it was the best thing on the planet.

Airbnb offers better rates than hotel chains, it gives you the opportunity to stay with locals and you will always be staying somewhere unique. Your experience with Airbnb will be as unique as you want it to be.

Now I do have to say that not all of my Airbnb stays have been exceptional. My experiences have run the spectrum of rating but nothing has been horrible. I also have to add the disclaimer that this isn’t for everyone and that is okay too. Luckily, there are tons of places and types that you can choose from anywhere in the world.

Here are 5 places that I am currently looking at for a trip I hope to make before the end of the year.

1. 
2. 
3. 4.5.