The Energy-Sensitive Traveler's Guide to Finding (and Clearing) the Perfect Airbnb
As someone who works with energy in spaces every day, I've learned that finding the right Airbnb goes far beyond checking house size and location. I've been nomadic three times and have over 55 reviews on Airbnb with hosts commenting on how great I left their space and how good it felt, often without even meeting me in person! For those of us who are sensitive to energy, a space can make or break our entire travel experience. Whether you're an empath, highly sensitive person, or simply someone who needs their environment to feel "right," this guide will help you find spaces that truly support your well-being.
Reading Between the Lines: What Photos Really Tell You
When scrolling through Airbnb photos, your intuition is already picking up on energy cues. Learn to trust what you're seeing beyond the surface aesthetics.
Green Flags in Photos:
Multiple windows and natural light sources indicate healthy energy flow
Well-maintained plants suggest an energy-conscious host
Cohesive color palettes (including clean whites) create visual harmony
Spaces that feel open and uncluttered allow energy to move freely
Red Flags to Watch For:
Cluttered or mismatched furniture that creates visual chaos
Randomly placed artwork that feels disconnected
Excessive electronics clustered together
Spaces that feel cramped or have poor lighting
The Art of Review Research
Airbnb's search function within reviews is your secret weapon. Search for specific keywords like "quiet," "noisy," "cars," "smells," or "disappointed" to quickly identify potential issues.
Look for reviews mentioning the space "felt like home" or describing peaceful, calming experiences. Be wary of comments about unreasonable hosts or multiple mentions of noise issues.
Pro tip: Check the host's full profile. If they manage multiple properties, read reviews from all their units to spot patterns. You can also search for other units in the same building for additional insights.
Location Intelligence: Beyond the Obvious
Understanding your unit's position is crucial. Is it a top floor with someone above? A basement level below a family with young children? Side-by-side splits where you'll share walls? These details often aren't clearly stated in listings.
Use Airbnb's filters strategically - select "entire place," set your price range, and filter for essential amenities. Don't hesitate to message hosts directly about noise levels and unit layout before booking.
When mapping your location, consider proximity to highways, airports, and industrial areas, but also look for nearby parks, water, or other natural elements that provide energetic balance.
The Energy Clearing Ritual
Once you arrive, your first few minutes set the tone for your entire stay. Trust your immediate gut reaction - how does your body feel when you enter?
Step 1: Open and Circulate Open all windows and doors for at least 20 minutes. Fresh air movement is one of the most effective ways to shift stagnant energy.
Step 2: Sound Clearing Play uplifting music, nature sounds, or high-vibrational frequencies. Sound breaks up stuck energy and raises the space's vibration. Clapping in corners can also help clear heavy spots.
Step 3: Energetic Sweeping Use a broom or your hands to "sweep" energy from corners toward the center of each room, then toward the door. Start from the back of the space and work toward the entrance.
Step 4: Claiming Your Space Place a personal crystal in the main area - clear quartz for clarity, amethyst for protection, or rose quartz for harmony. Set your intention: "I claim this space for my highest good."
Essential Packing for Energy-Sensitive Travelers
Your travel kit should include more than just clothes. Pack a small crystal or two, a portable speaker for inspiring music, essential oil roll-ons, and comfort items like your own pillowcase and a cotton light-blocking eye mask. Good headphones are essential for creating your own sound environment when needed.
Working with Challenging Spaces
Not every space will feel perfect immediately. If a space feels heavy despite your clearing efforts, try placing bowls of salt in corners overnight, burn sage or incense if permitted, or use a spray bottle with water and a few drops of essential oil to shift the energy.
Remember, your sensitivity is actually a gift. It allows you to create beautiful, harmonious spaces wherever you go and ensures you're taking care of your energetic well-being while traveling.
Trust Your Intuition
Above all, trust your inner knowing. If a space doesn't feel right in photos or something feels off about the host's communication, keep looking. The right space will feel welcoming even through a screen.
Your energy matters, and taking the time to find and prepare spaces that support your well-being isn't high-maintenance - it's essential self-care.
Want the complete guide with detailed protocols, troubleshooting tips, and advanced techniques? Download the full Energy-Sensitive Traveler's Airbnb Guide [here] and start creating sanctuary wherever you roam.
I'm Danielle Mercurio, an energy architect and home intuitive who helps sensitive people create harmonious relationships with their spaces through in-person and remote sessions, plus astrocartography sessions.