A mug of hot coffee in hand is how I greet my day. The warmth and earthy bean smell wafts upward begging me to sip. The aroma is reminiscent of faraway Guatemalan rainforests, Ethiopian Highlands, the steep volcanic slopes of the Big Island. All this geography right there in my cup.

I lounge with my coffee and my partner. We chat about the day before and the day that is dawning. We yawn and stretch, feeling the wake-up trumpet of caffeine course through our veins sparking our brain cells. We agree the beverage’s flavor and temperature are perfect. This is our very civilized way to start every day no matter where we are.

When traveling, the first thing we do is locate the money changers or ATMs. Next stop— where do they sell fresh beans?

In order to accomplish and complete our mission we also need a kitchen, a coffee maker, and a grinder. Not items tucked into a sparse carry-on. This is the exact reason we stay in Airbnbs that provide these accouterments—there is no need to get dressed and hunt down a cafe for our ritual.

Airbnb’s are everywhere—even remote alpine villages in Albania, and fishing outposts in Cuba. I’ve not stayed in a hotel in a decade. The Airbnb accommodations, be it an entire apartment or a room in a home, are usually cheaper and more spacious. There are also extras provided like a bottle of regional wine, a bowl of grapes, coffee and tea—even metro cards, a cell phone, or on the Big Island—sea kayaks. Most have washers and some—dryers.

Many offer delicious home-cooked meals as there are few restaurants outside the capitol cities.  A hearty breakfast is usually included.

On our trip to the Republic of Georgia, Armenia, and Karabakh, I didn’t want to spend time  looking for a comfortable place to stay after riding in a mini-bus for 9 hours so I booked rooms through Airbnb and hunted down reviews on Trip Advisor. I always asked the host  “Do you provide coffee for early risers?”

Other booking criterion are:

• How quickly does the host respond, and are they friendly and informative?
• Do they respond to rental queries in English? Translators apps help with sending messages in any language.
• Are there recent reviews from guests? These can include information about rooms, meals, cleanliness.
• What is the price? $15-$25 a night for two people in a private room with  shared bath was our budget. A private apartment in Yerevan and Tibilisi had Jacuzzi tubs, washing machines, balconies, and cost $25-$35 night. Room rentals typically included breakfast—more like brunch. The host would also put out coffee fixings for us in the kitchen as I like to rise and savor the brew at sunrise.
• Are meals offered and what is the cost? Georgian and Armenian food is spectacular. Home-cooked meals are standard and usually result in rave reviews. Many places in the wine districts of these countries have wine cellars and make their own vintage.
• Do they have a fully-refundable cancellation fee? Flexibility is important if there are travel delays.
• Are there photos that show the beds and living spaces? You will be surprised how many post images of the surrounding countryside but not the bed you are going to sleep in; or a nice close-up of the toilet but none of the bedrooms.
• Do they have pets and do you have allergies?
• Rooms on the top floor are preferable for better light and less noise.
• Wi-Fi is important to confirm future bookings, do travel research, and check weather conditions. Even the most remote locations usually have high-speed Internet.
• Does the place have lots of beds, hostel-style that can risk groups of noisy partying students and hiking clubs.
• What are the distances to public transport, the town center, sightseeing destinations?
• Will the guesthouse owner meet you at the public transport stop?

You get the drift—there is a reason folks go on tours where everything is figured out ahead of time. I enjoy contacting people and researching my trips.  I learn so much in the process and get to form relationships with the locals before the adventure begins.

Here is an example of some of the confirmation emails I’ve received that warm my heart:

“Dear Lisa, Nice to hear you, its very pleasant to know the reason of your traveling. You can stay in our gest house, in this days room with view is free so i can book it for u. The breakfest is inclueded and tea& coffe any time. You will pay 21$ for room for the night. Also I can give you information at places you should to visit. also where you can spend evenings, bars with live music, with great musicians. most of them are my friends. Kutaisi is very cultural city so you will enjoy here. Tamo” (Airbnb in Kutaisi, Georgia)

“Hello dear Lisa, I’m very pleased that you have chosen my apartment. I will wait for you with impatience. Mихаил” (Airbnb in Yerevan, Armenia)

And here is one from Saro Saryan in Shushi, Nagorno-Karabakh:

“Dear Mrs Alpine, excuse me that I am late with unsver! Of course, I have the room that you asking me.  And we are waiting you in time you stressed in you messenge to me. Hope, we will hove time for present us to each urtherv more. And you will have one of the quietest time in your life. So, waiting your with your husband with all my family. —All yours, Saro!”

Read about where to stay in Cuba: “Casa Particulars in Cuba: My ‘A’ List“.