My perfect Airbnb stay is one in a home that feels lived in and has creature comforts. Even better and harder to find is all that with a communal vibe, where you can meet thoughtful and engaging people with the opportunity for privacy when desired. I happened upon my “Goldilocks” stay on a recent visit to Todos Santos, Mexico, a haven about an hour from the resort city of Cabo San Lucas in Baja Sur.
Since there were yet to be reviews on the listing and I was already in town, I asked Giacomo, the owner of the house, if I could take a look first. As soon as I saw it, I knew it would be difficult to find availability here once people began reviewing this place. The home, built with care, is luxurious and has many unique touches. Guests can access the outdoor garden seating areas, surrounded by fruit trees and bougainvillea, and well-equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens. There are also indoor spaces to gather socially and work if needed.
The son of an Italian father and Mexican mother, Giacomo has lived in Mexico, the United States, and England. He is curious about his guests and is a good conversationalist. A father of a young son, an avid surfer, and a former D.J., he welcomes guests and makes them feel at home.
I also received a warm welcome from Rosie, who works for Giacomo full-time. During my stay, Rosie expressed curiosity about me and shared more about herself. Thanks to easy-to-use translation apps, we could get beyond one and two word exchanges to full sentences. Bridging languages, we shared a meal of frijoles and fish tacos and showed each other photos of family and friends. When I receive gifts of connection like this, I learn a sentence in the other person's language that reflects my gratitude for the company and kindness that made my trip more memorable.
In addition to the home's beauty and uniqueness, this Airbnb listing attracted me because Giacomo offers guidelines for being a respectful guest in a shared, communal space.
EAT: Enjoy the fruits from our garden - mangos, figs, bananas, avocados, apricots, and more.
ATTITUDE: Kindness is key. Maintain a positive mindset during your stay.
TIDINESS: Make yourself at home but keep our spaces as tidy as you found them.
COMMON SENSE: Think before you act, but don't overthink. Don't hesitate to ask if unsure.
RESPECT: Be considerate to fellow guests and staff. Respect is fundamental.
NOISE: Keep noise levels in check. We love music, but please be mindful of the volume.
KID-CONSCIOUS: We have a curious five-year-old here, so please keep things kid-friendly, and don't be shy to interact with him.
PET-FRIENDLY: We love pets, and we have three dogs and two cats in the property.
A ten minute walk from Giacomo's home is a beautiful plot of land where my dear friend, Sharyn, is building several casitas to live in and rent out. She stays in her RV in a fenced-in area on the land until the casitas are completed. Here, we gathered to watch the sunset over the ocean, drink wine, and enjoy the occasional whale spouting. One evening, a horse wandered into her RV compound and stayed for a while after she offered him water and hay. He remained on the other side of the trailer until curiosity brought him over to us while we were in our chairs watching the sunset.
The process of designing the house and finding a builder dragged on for Sharyn, and she is eager to have a comfortable place to stay and treat her acupuncture patients. Yet, there is still something so special about these moments, watching the sunsets around the fire pit on her RV compound. I wondered if people would gather outside as frequently to view the stunning night sky when the casitas were completed.
One night, as we sat outside, I asked her, "When you have your home and rentals, do you ever think you will look back and miss this time?" Sharyn responded, "Another friend who was over the other night said the same thing. It feels good to see my friends appreciate the land's beauty. I see it through their eyes, and it helps me appreciate how special it is."
After leaving Mexico, I flew to Las Vegas for a two night stop before returning to Portland. I was there to meet my sister, Michelle, to see a U2 concert in the Sphere. The combination of music and venue was extraordinary – written about by many who found it challenging to put the experience into words. A rock band whose music I have loved for nearly four decades joins with an unparalleled sound and visual experience. Nearly 170,000 small speakers and 160,000 interior feet of wraparound L.E.D. displays create a shared, immersive experience that leaves an unforgettable sensory and emotional memory.
During the encore, Bono and the Edge sang ”Beautiful Day” while animals, birds, and insects surrounded the audience. (I later discovered the creators chose species on Nevada's endangered list.) It was a deeply moving experience. I felt connected to these beautiful creatures and grateful to be able to share this moment with my sister.
I realized I was holding my heart while swaying to the music. And at one point, I looked over at Michelle, who was doing the same. Then I looked up and down my aisle and saw that there were others like us visibly emotionally affected, holding their hearts and moving slowly in a synchronized dance orchestrated beneath our conscious awareness. At that moment, I experienced myself as part of a vibrant community, joined together by shared witnessing of music, nature, and a visceral awareness of what matters most.
When we travel, we are more likely to pause and step outside our habitual ways of engaging with the world. It's one of the few times we permit ourselves to be less concerned with "productivity.” Whether meeting new people, connecting with loved ones in a different place, or having a unique experience, my capacity to feel touched by beauty that is everywhere is enhanced. The real benefit of travel begins when I return home and see with fresh eyes.