You’ve booked a dreamy Airbnb in the mountains or decided to escape for winter somewhere with crisp air and snowy views. It’s all magical until you get there … and the heater’s barely keeping up. Whether it’s old radiators, drafty windows, or simple uninsulated walls, a cold Airbnb can put a serious damper on your trip.
But don’t let that chill ruin your coziness. Here’s how to stay warm, comfortable, and happy even when your Airbnb is colder than anticipated.
1. Know Before You Go
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Check the reviews. Look for comments about heating, insulation, or cold drafts. Guests often mention how cold (or warm) a place actually feels.
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Ask your host ahead of time. Ask where the thermostat is, whether heating works all night, whether there are extra blankets, or what to expect in terms of insulation. It helps to arrive with expectations set.
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Pack for the unexpected. Even if the listing says “heating included,” plan for cold surprises. Your suitcase should include a few travel-friendly items to boost warmth immediately.
2. Travel-Friendly Gear That Makes a Difference
Some items take up little space but make a huge difference in keeping you warm:
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A USB-powered heated blanket or heated shawl/wrap — something you can plug into a power bank or laptop when the fixed heater can’t cut it.
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Warm socks, a fleece hat, gloves — especially for when you're moving between indoors and outdoors.
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Thermal base layers — lightweight, but extremely effective at trapping warmth.
If you haven’t tried heated clothing yet, check out this guide on traveler’s heated clothing for cold destinations to see how it can completely change your cold-weather experience.
3. Optimize the Space
Even a cold rental has features to exploit:
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Seal drafts: Roll up towels or use clothes at the bottom of doors. Hang a blanket or towel over windows if no heavy curtains are available.
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Use rugs or carpets: If floors are cold, lay down rugs or bring a small foldable floor mat — even a towel under the bed helps reduce the chill.
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Sleep smart: Turn the bed toward warmer walls. Use all bedding available; layering blankets, sheets, and quilts helps trap heat.
4. Heat Yourself Instead of the Room
Instead of turning up the heating (which might not even do much), warm your body:
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Sit with a mug of hot tea or water to keep hands warm.
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Wrap up in a heated throw, use a hot water bottle, or employ heated socks if you have them.
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Wear layers, including insulating mid-layers like fleeces or down vests, even inside the Airbnb.
5. Make the Most of What’s Available
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Maximize natural warmth: Open curtains/blinds during sunny daylight hours; close them after dark to trap what warmth came in.
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Use lighting to your advantage: Lamps vs ceiling lights — lamps are cozier and give the illusion of warmth.
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Cook something hot: If the Airbnb has a kitchen, even a small stove boil or warm soup can heat up the place a bit and warm you from inside.
6. Safety and Practical Tips
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Always check heater type and safety features. If it’s electric, ensure cords are in good shape and avoid overloading outlets.
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Keep one side or vent clear so heat circulates.
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Use battery-powered options safely — don’t leave them charging unattended or use power banks improperly.
Final Thoughts
A chilly Airbnb doesn’t have to dampen your stay. With a little planning, the right gear, and some smart habits, you can stay warm, comfortable, and even enjoy the wintery vibes without shivering.
Whether it’s heated clothing, insulated layers, or warming yourself from the inside out, the best cold-destination strategies can make all the difference. And if you want more ideas on keeping warm while traveling, be sure to check out our in-depth guide on heated clothing for cold destinations — you’ll get tips that travel well and warm even better.
