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SEOUL
Pretend like it’s 1920 in a Jongno-gu hanok
Why you should do it: It’s easy to forget that Jongno-gu is part of Seoul proper. The historical capital is less densely populated and abundant in massive statues, palaces and wide boulevards. Don’t miss Changdeokgung Palace, smaller than Gyeongbokgung Palace, but with landscaped gardens and ponds. Gwangjang, one of Korea’s oldest markets, is great for traditional food and desserts.
Where you should stay: History and design nerds shouldn’t miss the chance to stay in a traditional hanok. We spotted at least three on Airbnb—gorgeous wood and gray stone affairs with sloping roofs and modern amenities and dreamy interior courtyards for that introspective cup of coffee in the mornings.
TOKYO
Live la vie boheme in Shimokitazawa
Why you should do it: Sure Shiboya and Harajuku are the Tokyo essentials, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t check out Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita as the locals call it. A love child of Brooklyn’s Bushwick and, well, Japan, it’s a collage of snaking alleys, reclaimed wood and tiles, giant murals, vintage stores galore, hipsters and lots of art and live music.
Where you should stay: Plenty of Airbnb listings in Shimokita bring the area’s funky vibe indoors. We spied a sun-drenched two-bedroom apartment with a lofted bed and Southeast Asian safari touches, this retro one-bedroom with a pebbled balcony and several sunny, spacious studios, some with amazing art book collections.
SYDNEY
Ride epic waves in Maroubra
Why you should do it: Sydney’s Bondi beach is a bit of a scene, with all of humanity tanning itself en masse. Further south is quiet, suburban Maroubra, with empty beaches and laid-back communing time with the ocean. And if you’re a surfer (or want to pretend to be one—sign up for a class), you’ll be pleased to know it’s one of Australia’s two natural surfing reserves.
Where you should stay: Why, right on the water, of course. We spotted loads of beachfront properties on Airbnb, like this one, this one, and this one, within walking distance to the beach and with amazing balconies and terraces offering dramatic views of the surf.
BALI
Enjoy a blowout reunion at your private villa
Why you should do it: We love the scene in Seminyak—the sun, the sand, arguably the best restaurants and bars on the island. But our favorite part has to be the freedom and flexibility of renting a giant (and affordable) villa with plenty of bedrooms for all our friends, a kitchen to cook up big feasts, plenty of space to lounge around—and of course, a private pool.
Where you should stay: Pool villas are dime a dozen in Seminyak, but what sets these Airbnb listings apart is the sheer size (five bedrooms in this case), cool features (hello, poolside bungalow!) and warm personal taste (look how pretty and understated this one is).
BANGKOK
Experience the royal history in Dusit
Why you should do it: We know you go to Bangkok every weekend, so all the more reason to skip the supermalls of Siam this time and head to Dusit, home to the Renaissance-style Dusit Palace and Vimanmek Mansion, a glorious all-teak home. The district also offers a peek into a different side of Bangkok: massive wholesale markets, shop houses that are actually both shops and houses, modest but delicious riverside restaurants and lots of Instagram potential.
Where you should stay: It’s kind of hard to get away from the branded hotels and cookie-cutter apartment buildings in Bangkok, but there are some quaint gems on Airbnb, including a Thai-style home with a pool and private deck, an 80 year-old refurbished Thai house and this industrial-chic low-rise.
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