Holidaymakers are jetsetting after more than a year of restricted travel, inspiring the experts at money.co.uk to investigate which locations around the world have the highest rated Airbnbs.
Money.co.uk utilised a list created by Big 7 Travel of the top 50 places in the world to visit (based on a survey of 1.5 million people) and searched each destination on Airbnb and the review score to create an overall average. They then used the Bayesian average rating calculation, which considers both the average rating and the number of reviews, to produce an evenly distributed score.
The top 10 highest rated locations for Airbnb bookings
Waikato, New Zealand
Located in the upper North Island of New Zealand, Waikato ranks as the best-rated travel destination with a travel popularity rating score of 100/100. Waikato holds both the longest river in NZ, the Waikato River, and the largest lake, Lake Taupō.
What to do in Waikato
The city of Hamilton boasts stunning gardens, plentiful shopping and a popular nightlife and restaurant scene including award-winning eateries and exciting entertainment. Hamilton is the perfect base for exploring the wider region.
Read: New Zealand’s secret wine region
Visit the Hobbiton movie set
If you’re a Tolkien fan, the amazing Hobbit-sized village is a marvellous day out.
Go surfing in Raglan
If you’re a surfer, Raglan might be more your style. It has one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world.
Experience underground magic at Waitomo Caves
The natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow-worms will take your breath away. Thrill seekers will love the black water rafting and abseiling available.
Hike or cycle at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Experience the NZ forest as it was hundreds of years ago in this special predator-free environment.
Beijing, China
In second place with a popularity ranking of 98/100 is Beijing, China. China’s cultural and political centre for more than 700 years, Beijing is chock-full of history and architecture covering key parts of the great nation’s past.
What to do in Beijing
Visit the Great Wall
The longest man-made structure in the world, the Great Wall of China, extends for thousands of miles. Mutianyu is the most popular section and is perfect for those wanting an easy walk. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, the wild wall of Jiankou is the steepest section, perfect for some serious hiking.
Read: Airbnbs that feel out of this world
Explore the National Museum of China
This museum holds one of China’s biggest collections of ancient treasures. The various exhibitions include the arts of bronze, porcelain, jade, Chinese calligraphy and paintings, Buddhist statues, Ming & Qing furniture and coins.
Enjoy a day in Jingshan Park
This is the best place to get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Kerry, Ireland
Taking the third spot is the southwest region of Ireland, Kerry, with an average rating of 96/100. Alongside its green land and mountains, Kerry is home to breathtaking cliffs, coastlines, and famous landmarks such as Torc Waterfall and Torc Mountain.
Explore by bike or car
Kerry is home to some of the best drive and cycle routes in the land. Some can be conquered over a couple of hours while others are best done in chunks, over several days.
Visit Muckross HouseYou’ll get a glimpse into luxurious 18th-century life at this fantastic rural estate. It’s home to horse-pulled jaunting cars, fantastic gardens, lake views and craft stores.
Read: Six super cool Aussie Airbnbs
Traverse Blasket Islands
This stunning archipelago of islands is renowned for its magnificent beauty and rugged wildness. There was once a thriving Irish-speaking population living on the islands, but they were evacuated due to harsh Atlantic conditions in the 1950s.
The top 25 locations are:
Are you a fan of Airbnb? Have you stayed in an Airbnb in any of these locations? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?
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