15 Best Airbnb Experiences 2022

Tried and tested by a contributor of our very own, Sebo Marobela’s dressmaking class is a can’t-miss in Johannesburg. Jessica Poitevien, having already eagerly run through the South African capital’s hottest museums and tours in the early days of her trips, booked her course hoping that it would be equal parts social and fabulous. She got what she wanted—a day spent getting to know Marobela while exploring the fashion district, learning the basics of sewing, and more. And she left with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Depart Marrakech at 9 A.M. one morning for a break from the restlessness of the city. Mustapha is taking you to the Atlas Mountains, and he’s bringing some special companions. Along the route to the Ourika Valley, ditch the motorized vehicles for a camel. On humpback, you will be delivered to a nearby argan oil cooperative for breakfast and a tour before remounting your steed and taking in some startlingly serene views. You’ll be back in the city by 5:30, rejuvenated and relaxed.

Instagram doesn’t show it, but there is so much more to Turkey’s historic, beautiful Cappadocia than hot air balloon rides and sunsets. It’s also known for its longs-standing population of artisans—another way in which travelers can engage with the region. Ceramicist and Airbnb Experience host Hasan offers classes on his craft. It’s not difficult to see why his pottery workshop is top-rated—in addition to giving you the creative joy of working with clay, he promises to pick you up from your hotel and share a cup of Turkish coffee or tea with you before flaunting his skills on the wheel.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, shopping a Chiang Mai marketplace might seem daunting. What should you buy? And for how much? But hosts Nok and Aek have you covered. The pair will start your morning or afternoon with a half hour tour of an open-air market, teaching you about the local produce as you leaf through baskets of colorful vegetables and fruits to select the ingredients that call out to you for the cooking class ahead. You’ll then head to their school to whip up a five-course feast. You make your own menu, choosing between Pad Thai, fried drunken noodles, Pad See Ew, and fried cashew nut for mains, and between Khao Soi, green curry, Massaman curry, and red curry for the dedicated curry course. (Beginners, vegans, and vegetarians are welcome.)

The summit of Mount Batur sits 5,600 feet above sea level. That’s no easy jaunt, especially not at the 2:30 A.M call time the tour requires to reach the peak in time for a sunrise breakfast and coffee. But the reward that awaits you will make the workout all the more satisfying. Once you descend, you will be delivered safely to the Batur natural hot springs for a soak that will soothe those sore, hard-worked muscles. By 1:30 P.M., you will be back in the lobby of your Bali hotel basking in the glow of your hiker’s high and the beauty you just witnessed.

This animal sanctuary, located approximately an hour north of Sydney in the peaceful town of Palmdale, offers the opportunity to interact with a number of rescued animals under the Australian sun. You have about 90 minutes to make sure each resident critter gets a snack from your hands—pigs, cows, sheep, alpaca, and a gang of goats all count themselves citizens of Moo to Ewe.

What are a pack Alaskan huskies doing on a farm in Tromsø, Norway? They’re waiting to take you for a ride, that’s what. This is a four hour activity, all taking place near snowy forests with beautiful Lyngen Alps mountains in view. First, the hosts will hook you up with warm gear to change into: good winter clothes. Then comes the kennel, where Delphine and Espen will train you in the art of dog handling. This is also, of course, where you’ll be introduced to your mode of transportation. For two hours, you’ll explore the trails on your sled. Note that moderate levels of physical fitness are required because you’ll need to help push the sleds up steep inclines and break the dogs on the steep declines.

During this tour of one of the best wine-making regions on earth, visitors will pop bottles, sip seven glasses of bubbles (at least), stop by a boulangerie for a reputable croissant, and enjoy a country lunch thoughtfully made to pair with Champagne. The group will also get lost in the vines, duck into the UNESCO World Heritage site Champagne caves, and visit the Reims Cathedral, where the kings of France used to be coronated. Reims is 45 minutes by high-speed train from Paris.

This Traveler-approved Sicily boat tour explores the largest protected marine area in Europe, dipping into secluded coves and grottos, exploring islands, and slinging Aperol spritzes. As we mentioned above, Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler’s senior editor, experienced it first hand. In her editor recommendation, she writes deliciously about not only cruising on the cerulean waters, but also about the food she ate tasted along the way. During the boat’s stops she and her family ate uni-rich pasta, drank crisp Erse white wine, and (for the adventurous) plucked patella mollusks straight off the rocks and slurped them while swimming.

The waters of inland Florida are crystal clear, and in Apopka, just north of Orlando, you can kayak in them. Host Justin describes his tour as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the “real” Central Florida and see its wildlife up-close. And as it turns out, you can see that wildlife very… clearly. The kayak itself is completely transparent, just like a glass-bottom boat. As you paddle, you’ll see green waters beneath you, and hopefully some fish, otters, turtles, and (if you’re into that) alligators.

On the docks of East Boston, a special treat awaits. It’s time to eat. These hosts’ oyster farmer friends have delivered a buckets and buckets of their finest local oysters to this secret spot, and the only thing between you and your next meal is the shucking. That’s right, you’ll have to sing for your supper. You’ll have to shuck. You’ll even leave with your very own shucking knife. Alexis, host extraordinaire and the founder of a secret supper club, recommends arriving to the dock via water taxi, an arrangement she is happy to help facilitate.

This Los Angeles hiking spot is famous for its having the best views of the city and of the Hollywood sign in particular. Animal lovers will delight in this experience. First, you pick up a small squadron of rescue dogs to accompany you on your hike—and your own pup is more than welcome to come along as well (as long as they’re friendly!). As you enjoy your hike, you’ll also be doing a world of good in exercising and socializing the animals. Animal welfare organization Free Animal Doctor provides a camera for your hike, with which you are encouraged to act as a paparazzi of sorts: snapping pics of your new furry friends enjoying the Canyon to attract potential adopters and generate interest in the organization.

Meet Jason at the entrance to Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park and let him sweep you away for two hours of off-the-grid exploration. Not only is the park impossibly lush, but it also boasts sizable and striking populations of sloths, toucans, three kinds of monkeys (including howlers), frogs, and snakes. Jason, a certified ICT Nature Specialist, is qualified and equipped to guide you through this complicated biosphere give you the best experience possible.

In Rio, sail by the Fortress of São José, Fortress Laje, and Fortress Santa Cruz. Skirt the Island of Boa Viagem in Niterói. There’s one stop, at Adão e Eva Beach (also known as Praia Vermelha), where you can get a solid golden hour photo shoot and also take a quick dip. The sunset itself is viewed onboard on the way back home. Amid the red and orange and pink, you’ll also pass Christ the Redeemer and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

This easy tour just south of Lima, lets you get your hands dirty. Or sandy? Your hosts will take you out in the dune buggies early in the evening. The trip out itself does not quite coax the adrenals—they make a point, in fact, to emphasize the relaxing, romantic nature of the drive. Thrill-seekers will be sated once the dunes come into view. This portion is 50 percent careening over the piles of sand and 50 percent sandboarding, which is, as you might suspect, snowboarding on sand.