A DIY can be as simple as finding the perfect writing space in the form of a writing retreat Airbnb. But there are also many more affordable accommodation options that allow you to focus on your writing. Only how do you find the space that suits your specific needs and budget?
If you have read my other blogs, you probably know that I’m a sucker for finding writing inspiration. From my experience living nomadically, I had my fair share of struggles to discover what environment makes me thrive or what kills my creativity. So, I’ve crafted this guide to help you find the perfect place for your writing retreat with many budget-friendly options besides Airbnb.
Best locations for writing retreats
If you google “Airbnb writing retreat” or “Airbnb writer’s house”, you’ll find the most stunning locations. But before you decide, take a step back first. Think for a moment what you actually need and what fits your budget. And I get it. I love planning retreats, but more often than not, I made a booking for something seemingly amazing and ended up in a location that distracted me from what I came to do: writing. Think bad working Wi-Fi, the lack of a dedicated workspace, or an overly chatty Airbnb host.
There’s a myth that for a productive writing retreat, you need to pick the most boring location you can find so that you won’t face any fear of missing out. Although I understand where this comes from, it doesn’t always work for me. Apart from getting words on paper, I also want an environment that feeds my inspiration and creativity. And although we probably all crave that beautiful cabin with a view, not all of us can afford it. So, it’s a balance between budget and what makes the perfect retreat for you.
The writing retreat Airbnb
As said, the most straightforward way to plan your writing retreat is to book an Airbnb. This doesn’t have to be a private cabin in the forest. It can also be a more affordable option of renting a room in someone else’s home. If I have enough money to spend, I type “writing retreat” in the Airbnb’s search browser to find quiet rental properties. But the other options you come across will surprise you.
I do have some mixed feelings about booking an Airbnb, though, and it depends entirely on my intention to determine whether I prefer to book one. A writing retreat Airbnb barely ever fits my budget, and to cut costs during my nomad life, I ended up booking rooms in a co-living environment or one-bedroom granny flats with only a bed to work on. Booking an Airbnb in someone else’s home can be awesome if you also want to explore and get inspiration. Your host will most likely love to give you their local recommendations. But if you’re in full writing mode and have little money to spend, this is most likely not going to be your best option.
Guesthouses and homestays
Guesthouses and sometimes even hotel rooms have often been a better option than a writing retreat Airbnb. Having a private room with a desk or decent outdoor table to work on can make the whole thing a much more pleasant experience. Hotel rooms can be somewhat dull, though, so it depends on how much you’re willing to feel boxed between four walls.
What has positively surprised me were my homestays in Bali. I often got to book one-room accommodations in a bungalow setting, but in all cases, I either had a desk or a good table with seating outside. More than I’d expected, I got a decent amount of work done in a private setting while I was still able to find some buzz that fuels my writing inspiration. Booking.com is by far my favourite way to find these accommodations. It offers a broad scale of options, the app is simple, and it provides loyalty perks through their own Genius programme and the chance to link your account to various airline point programmes.
Petsitting
Writing a novel with a big, ginger cat sitting square on your laptop? Yup, this is my ultimate place for a writing retreat! Looking after someone’s pets in a homey atmosphere in the company of a few fluff balls put me so much at ease that I could complete the manuscript of my second novel within three weeks after I’d been working on it for over two years.
Let’s be honest: the pets won’t complain if you curl up on the couch again for an addictive writing session, and neither do their owners. If you love pets, you’ll have the most rewarding experience you can wish for as a travelling writer. Oh, and not to forget, except for an annual membership fee with TrustedHousesitters, you pay nothing for accommodation. I’m gushing more about this in-depth in my trusted house sitters review. You can also use my discount code to save 25% and start your own cosy writing retreat with pets.
Visit a writing friend
Forget the expensive writing retreat Airbnb. Invite yourself to your writing friends’ house, then shut out their partner, never change out of your jammies and write together for an entire week. Mind the silliness ;), it holds true for me, and I can highly recommend making writing friends. My bestie lives in the United States, and we have met up across continents to write together. Our first meeting was in London, and we both scribbled in our notebooks across from each other on the tube. Now, about eight years later, we still plan yearly meet-ups to indulge in a shared writer’s retreat. It’s an encouragement for both of us to focus on writing the novels we’ve been talking about for ages.
Build a fort
This is not a joke and I’m totally aware I’m a tad goofy. But if you have no money or options for a writing retreat Airbnb or similar, then at least get creative. Find a couple of sheets, figure out how to make a fort, string it with fairy lights, add some pillows, and sit down with your laptop. It’s all about stepping away from your usual four walls and create a space that allows your writing to flow. Disclaimer: I have never built a fort out of sheets, but it’s on my bucket list.
Where does your writing retreat take you?
With a location to work on your novel, you have the basics of your own DIY writing retreat. This can be a writing retreat Airbnb, but also more affordable options such as pet sitting or pitching a fort of sheets in your own living room. I realise how personal an experience can be, and no, it’s not always perfect. There were so many moments when my work was disrupted by unexpected events and poorly chosen accommodations. But every writing retreat, in every location, added something to my stories. It starts with making that one booking and learning what works for you and your creativity.
Also read: Your Guide to writing retreats.
This article contains an affiliate link for a TrustedHousesitters discount code. This means that I earn 2 months of membership if you subscribe through this link. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and you receive a 25% discount on your first membership year.