We travel a lot as a family, and these are the stays that became part of the story of the trip. I remember the mango tree in Costa Rica, the “mansion” in Seville, and waking up to views I couldn’t believe were ours.
A quick note on how I book: The card links in this post are my referral links. If you apply through one, I may receive a bonus. For eligible Airbnb vacation home bookings, I now use my Chase Sapphire Preferred, which earns 3X points at select vacation rental brands. I also love my Capital One Venture X for its 2X miles on everyday purchases and the option to use miles to cover eligible recent travel purchases.
Samará, Costa Rica
This was the house where everyone gravitated toward the infinity pool. We had ocean views, space to hang out together, and our own mango tree. It felt like a place where we could slow down and actually enjoy being on vacation.
Seville, Spain
Our kids called this three-floor townhouse “a mansion,” and the bunk beds sealed the deal. For us, the location was the magic: we could walk to the cathedral, restaurants, and just about everything we wanted to see. There was even a gelato shop downstairs, which became a very popular daily stop.
Granada, Spain
We walked into this apartment and stopped at the window. The Alhambra looked like a painting, except it was our actual view. The kids could relax inside while we soaked up one of the most memorable sights of the trip.
Matera, Italy
Matera already feels like stepping into another era, and this home let us stay right in that feeling. We had plenty of room, a central location that still felt private, and views over the old stone city that made us linger before heading out each day.
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The view alone made this stay special. We could walk into Portree for restaurants, and having the Co-op nearby made feeding the family easy. On a trip where the landscape is the main event, it was wonderful to come home to more of it.
Monopoli, Puglia, Italy
This one gave us the Puglia days I had pictured: time on the rooftop, great meals within walking distance, and the beach close enough to make it an easy family outing. We didn’t have to overplan to have a really good day.
The cards I use for stays like these
If you’re planning a vacation rental, here’s my current card approach:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred — my referral link: 3X points on eligible vacation home bookings at select brands, including Airbnb.
- Capital One Venture X — my referral link: 2X miles on everyday purchases. I love the Capital One Dining access (it has helped me snag restaurant reservations), and I can redeem miles to cover eligible recent travel purchases. Its $300 annual travel credit applies to bookings through Capital One Travel.
Card benefits and eligibility can change, so check the current terms before applying or booking. The card links above are referral links, and I may receive a bonus if you use them.
