It’s a Science… But Make It Intuitive
It is a science. But like the best kind of science—trial, error, and a little instinct. (Some may call it witchy like that lol.)
Know what you want. Be open to something being better than you expected in ways you did not anticipate. And do not compromise on the things you actually need.
You’ve got this.
And if you were ever going to take travel advice from anyone… take it from a Sagittarius. As a Sag stellium (six placements, thank you very much), I know of what I speak when it comes to travel and spots.
Why Where You Stay Can Make or Break a Trip
You will see in my recent post on off-season travel the incredible hotel I love on Martha’s Vineyard. And yes, it is not hard to stay somewhere nice there—but choosing the right place? That is an art.
Where you stay shapes your entire experience.
I have created Paris guides by sign for a reason. A Cancer and an Aquarius do not travel the same way. And where you stay changes everything.
Blame my Saturn in Cancer or Mars in Scorpio, but for me, a good place to stay is required.
And no—good does not always mean five-star.
What “Luxury” Actually Means (Hint: It’s Not Price)
I went to Peru with Peru for Less and stayed in three-star accommodations that were perfect. I would repeat that exact trip tomorrow.
Because “three-star” in the Andes, when you want cozy, textured, real? That is five-star energy.
For me, luxury means:
- safe
- aligned with the trip
- does what I need it to do
That is the Sag in me. Target locked.
Also worth remembering: luxury comes from the Latin lux—light.
We are looking for places that feel like light. Not just look expensive.
My Paris Rule: Flexibility = Magic
Paris is where I have a flawless Airbnb record.
One stay in Saint-Germain turned into a full-on home. Yes, that happens. Stay open.
Another? Beyond.
I ended up with:
- sweeping Seine views
- Notre-Dame as a neighbor
- Île Saint-Louis in my daily orbit
- and a local café that may or may not have changed my life (the jams… the jams)
This happened because:
- I wanted Saint-Germain, but did not need it
- I set a smart price range
- I stayed open to surprise
Result: a dream apartment I would not have found if I had been rigid.
The Strasbourg Rule: Charm Over Perfection
My favorite Airbnb might actually be in Strasbourg.
The door opened directly onto the cathedral. The windows too.
It was one of the oldest structures in the city—nearly 500 years old. Exposed wood, layered history, a kitchen that technically existed but was more “poetic suggestion.”
And it was perfect.
We had:
- wine
- cheese
- a small fridge
- and zero complaints
Because we knew what we wanted:
- central
- safe
- charming
- affordable
Everything else? Bonus.
The South of France Rule: Know Your Non-Negotiables
In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, my mother had two requirements:
- strong air conditioning
- a proper bathtub (baignoire, for your searches)
Not easy in France.
We found:
- both
- plus a garden
- plus a walk-to-town location
- plus that Provençal tree-lined magic
Because we filtered for what mattered.
That is the entire game.
The Antwerp Rule: Let the Light Find You
Not every stay needs to be historic or hyper-central. Sometimes, what you are really looking for is a feeling—and in Antwerp, that feeling was light.
I widened my search just slightly beyond the exact center, which opened up better options—and that is where the magic was.
Floor-to-ceiling windows. Morning light pouring in like it had somewhere important to be. A bed so comfortable it felt intentional. And downstairs, a café that handled breakfast like it was an art form.
It was not the biggest place. It was not the most expensive. It also happened to be totally renovated and modern. But it was perfect.
Because it aligned with the trip:
- walkable, but not chaotic
- beautiful, but not trying too hard
- local, but still elevated
This is what people miss when they over-filter.
Sometimes the win is not “best location” or “most amenities.”
Sometimes it is: does this place feel like the version of the trip I want to have?
That is the Antwerp Rule.
Know What You Need (And Do Not Pretend Otherwise)
This is where people go wrong.
If you need:
- AC
- a bathtub
- parking
- a central location
- a concierge
Own it.
My first time in Mexico City, we stayed in a major five-star hotel. It was under $100 a night and felt like a fortress of ease.
Was it necessary? No.
Was it the right choice at the time? Yes.
Better to have what you need than spend your trip quietly irritated.
Airbnb Location Tips: What Actually Matters
Hotels give you infrastructure. Airbnb gives you independence.
So location matters more.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want city center ease?
- Or neighborhood charm?
- Am I near transport?
- Will I feel safe coming home at night?
When I stayed in Antwerp, I wanted central—but not too central. A short walk opened up better options.
Result: my favorite Airbnb ever. Light pouring in, a perfect bed, and a café downstairs that made mornings feel cinematic.
Airbnb vs Hotel: The Real Trade-Off
Let’s be honest.
Airbnb:
- more space
- more local feel
- sometimes better value
- sometimes… chaotic
Hotels:
- human support
- safety
- recommendations
- ease
And lately? The prices are not that different.
The pendulum is swinging back to hotels—and I get it.
Because having someone say, “Go here, not there,” can make your entire trip.
Travel Basics 101: Your Stay Is Your Foundation
Travel expands you. Always.
But where you stay determines:
- how you rest
- how you reset
- how you experience everything else
So choose wisely.
Know yourself. That is the real travel hack.
Final Thought: Travel Well, Stay Better
Borders are arbitrary. Countries are constructs. People are real.
Be kind. Be curious. Be prepared.
And find places that feel like light.
If you discover something incredible, tag me at @thediamondisyou—I am always collecting beautiful stays like rare gems 💎
Wants to know. Has some questions. Very Sag. Always up for pizza. Planning several trips. Big fan of joy. Wants to talk about it. All of them. Is sure we can figure out this whole living thing. Is rooting for you.
