Alex Floyd-Douglass joined Time Out in October 2022, after eight years freelancing as a travel writer, photographer and content creator. Starting out life in England, Alex has travelled to many corners of the world and spent the past decade living and working in Cape Town after rediscovering her South African roots in 2013.

Alex enjoys writing about all things travel and lifestyle, shooting film and watching rugby, especially when it’s South Africa vs England – or with the kids at her non-profit organisation, Mzansi's Rugby Academy.

Contact Alex at hello@theafricanrose.com or follow her journey on African Rose Adventures

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Alex Floyd-Douglass

Freelance Travel Copywriter

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Articles (421)

The 10 best treehouse Airbnbs near NYC for an uber-relaxing weekend Upstate

The 10 best treehouse Airbnbs near NYC for an uber-relaxing weekend Upstate

The sound of swaying trees, the chirps of birds in the morning, and the sun peeking through the tree branches into your window. Doesn't that sound like heaven? Luckily, it's an experience that's well within your reach with these treehouse Airbnbs near NYC. From low-fi elevated cabins to more luxurious options with hot tubs and extensive vinyl collections, there's a treehouse for everyone. These treehouse Airbnbs help you recharge and rewind, whether you're looking for a complete off-grid, digital-detox trip or something between urban and rural living. Even though these Airbnbs are a step up from camping near NYC, be sure to pack your hiking boots and essentials because some of these are charmingly out of reach. Hotels, frankly, could never.  🏙 Check out these cozy cabins near NYC on Airbnb🗽Discover NYC's must see and do tourist spots 🏞 Heading Upstate? Here's where you should go This guide was written by the Editor of Time Out New York, Shaye Weaver. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The best secluded Airbnbs near Boston

The best secluded Airbnbs near Boston

Make your next travel adventure a quiet and serene one. Splashing about at the beach or visiting iconic landmarks is great, but sometimes you just need a break to reset and embrace the solitude of nature. And we've got just the place. These secluded Airbnbs near Boston offer tranquil accommodation amidst wooded forests, meadows, and lakes, perfect for hiking, swimming, or just relaxing. From a tiny hut to a rustic cabin on a private island, book a night (or three) and recharge. With areas of stunning natural beauty, from the historic town of Monmouth in Maine to kayaking and canoeing hotspot Orange, MA., you really can't go wrong with planning an escape to one of these enchanting properties near Boston. For other unique getaway opportunities, check out our list of the best Airbnb cabins, the best waterfront Airbnbs, or for something a bit fancier, the best glamping near Boston. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to travel inspo, vacation ideas, and moreBest hiking trails new Boston This guide was written by former editor at Time Out Boston Eric Grossman. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines
The 10 best Airbnbs in Melbourne

The 10 best Airbnbs in Melbourne

Forget what Sydneysiders tell you: Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia. Visitors flock from all over to visit the city for the endless supply of cutting-edge galleries, restaurants, bars and events. And when you’re in a city this cool and hip, it seems like a mighty shame to be staying in a cookie-cutter hotel. Experience the city like a local in a unique and homely Airbnb. You might enjoy it so much that you reconsider moving and making the city your new home. There are so many amazing Airbnbs in our city that are often more affordable than your standard hotel and provide a way cozier and more welcoming stay. Whether you're a local keen on a staycation or a visitor who wants to feel like a genuine Melburnian, these are the best Airbnbs you'll find in Melbourne.  RECOMMENDED: The best day hikes from Melbourne The most quirky Airbnbs in VictoriaThe best hotels in Melbourne This guide was written by former Melbourne-based Time Out Editor Rebecca Russo. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 18 best flower delivery services in NYC this  season

The 18 best flower delivery services in NYC this season

Sometimes the best gift of all is flowers. Whether you're staying with the fam, visiting old school friends or celebrating with your other half, a beautiful bouquet sometimes just says 'I appreciate you' so much better. From glorious poinsettias to a curated bunch of delights, we've got you covered with the best flower delivery services in the Big Apple.  Luckily, we live in NYC in the 21st century where you can get flowers delivered straight to your door for the very next day – or in some cases, that exact same day. And it’s not just bouquets you can send to your loved one. You can get potted plants (perfect for plant fanatics), good quality chocolates, candles, and even more brought straight to their door. We’ve saved your bacon by rounding up all of the very best flower delivery services in NYC, ready for you to choose your fave. And if you're not afraid of a little long-term commitment, many of the shops included in our round-up offer a subscription model so you can keep 'em coming all year round... RECOMMENDED: 🍫 Check out the best chocolate deliveries in the USA How do we know it's the best of the best? Our lists are expertly curated by our local experts far and wide to offer you the lowdown on the best delivery services in NYC. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 18 best Airbnbs in Colorado for the perfect mountain retreat

The 18 best Airbnbs in Colorado for the perfect mountain retreat

Want a trip full of adventure? Consider Colorado. You’ll find an endless itinerary of things to do, from incredible mountains just waiting to be climbed (or looked at from ground level) to wide open water for paddleboarding. Or even skiing at one of the nearby resorts. But after a long day of enjoying everything the state has to offer, a cozy place to rest your head is needed. Yeah, a posh hotel is nice, but Colorado has so many other options worth considering. Cozy desert cabins, yurts, and even treehouses overlooking forests and a skyline of mountains. Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work – these are the best Airbnbs in the whole of Colorado, to get that perfect trip every time.  Updated November 2024: We're not good at keeping secrets around here, and after you see this A-frame in Florissant, you'll know why.  RECOMMENDED:  🪵 See the coziest Airbnb cabins in the U.S.🏨 Find the best hotels in Colorado🧖‍♀️ Check out the best Airbnbs with hot tubs in Colorado   This guide was written by Colorado-based writer Rebeecca Treon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on
The 8 best boat rentals in Miami

The 8 best boat rentals in Miami

Whether you’re wandering around palatial gardens, meeting animals at the zoo, immersing yourself in art, or just here for the beaches (we’re not judging), there’s undeniable amount of things to do in Miami. But wait! Don’t limit yourself to dry land when planning an itinerary and, instead, get to know the Gold Coast by hiring a boat and hitting the waters. There’s enough boat rental options to keep a whole ship’s crew happy – from short duration trips to whole day hires, some with their own capitan-and-crew and others without. The subtext is that all make possible some luxury drinks-and-nibbles opportunities – oh, and some nice photo ops too. To help you navigate the wild seas of Florida boat hires, we’ve drawn up a few need-to-knows below, plus a list of our favorites. Grab a bikini (and life jacket) and let’s go! RECOMMENDED:  The best Airbnbs in Miami BeachThe best hotels in Miami How much does it cost to rent a boat in Miami? Renting a boat in Miami can be a surprisingly cheap ordeal – if you’re going for a rubber dinghy you can steer yourself – or it can get pretty steep if you’re keen on all the bells and whistles. Quarter (two-hour) or half-day (4 hours) rentals can be as little as $20/hour while full-day (eight-hour) trips with a captain can go far beyond $1,000. How much does it cost to charter a private yacht in Miami? Private yacht chartering comes with a full crew and captain and base rates typically starts from $3,000, but can go all the way up to $100,000+ per d
The 16 best Airbnbs in Amsterdam, chosen by a local expert

The 16 best Airbnbs in Amsterdam, chosen by a local expert

Amsterdam is many things to many people. Some come for the beautifully quaint canals, postcard-perfect cobbled streets, and rich history – not for nothing is the city nicknamed the "Venice of the North". Others are drawn by the coffeeshops, liberal nightlife, and the world-famous Red Light District for thrills of a completely different kind. But whichever side of the city you find most alluring, there’s so much more than meets the eye – for Amsterdam is truly unique.A laid-back city whose inhabitants are a thrill-seeking, fun-loving bunch, the mix of theDutch’s famed tolerance, open-mindedness, and endless creative energy and spirit, is a heady concoction. Whether you’re into culture, food, sport, design, or just partying until sunrise, Amsterdam possesses all the buzz of a big city in a small package. Compact, easy-to-navigate neighbourhoods mean you are never far from something interesting – peaceful parks, classy shopping, world-class museums, inventive restaurants, and 24-hour nightclubs are just some of the delights that await – for Amsterdam is a city that rewards exploration. So, no matter how long you’re in town, take the time to just wander – there are hidden gems and delights around every corner and down every picturesque little street. We are confident enough to wager that "a fun-filled weekend in a swanky Amsterdam Airbnb" is one of the most popular bucket list items in all of tourism. So it shouldn’t come as a great surprise to hear that the city is full of awe-i
The best ski resorts near NYC for 2025

The best ski resorts near NYC for 2025

If you are a skier (or snowboarder) there is no better way to tackle the winter time blues than getting out to the slopes. Terrain across the northeast has been blessed with early season snowfall—with many resorts ranging from Bellerye to Killington opening up trails even before December.   With a handful of the resorts within hours of the city, you can already enjoy powdery conditions comparable with what you’d get out west for now. But don’t fret, you still embrace the icy conditions the east coast (or colloquially referred to as ice coast) that resorts across the eastern seaboard are known for.  If you’re looking to get out for the day or the weekend, here are our expert recommendations:  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs near NYC with snowy viewsThe best Airbnbs for ski getaways from NYC The coziest Airbnbs near NYC This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.
The 13 best beach house Airbnbs near NYC for amazing ocean views

The 13 best beach house Airbnbs near NYC for amazing ocean views

Every year, New Yorkers flock to the sunshine like moths to a flame, trading the city’s hustle and bustle for a relaxing day trip to one of NYC’s best beaches. And yes, while a day trip is fun, why not make the most of the warm weather and plan an extended summer getaway from NYC?  Luckily, New York is surrounded by tones of beachside Airbnbs, perfect for a few days of relaxation or an extended family vacation. From cozy bungalows along Jersey’s shoreline to sprawling estates in the Hamptons, these rental spots cater to all preferences and budgets. Whether it's a quick getaway or an extended stay for some much-needed R&R, they’ve got you covered. To help simplify your search for the perfect pad, we’ve curated the ultimate list of beach house Airbnbs near NYC. Whether you're craving seaside serenity or a luxurious beach escape, this list has the perfect Airbnb for every kind of vacationer. So, crank up those road trip tunes, grab your summer essentials, and hit the road – but don't forget the snacks or your flip-flops! RECOMMENDED: 🗽 Planning a short trip away? Check out our full guide to weekend getaways from NYC🇺🇸 Discover the best hotels in NYC🍎 Check out our pick of the best cheap hotels in NYC🏨 Feeling fancy? Here our the best luxury hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence
The 23 best Airbnbs in Florida for a dreamy Sunshine State stay

The 23 best Airbnbs in Florida for a dreamy Sunshine State stay

Poet Elizabeth Bishop once called Florida the “state with the prettiest name.” And while she lived in Key West for a time during the late 1930s, her poem characterizes much of the natural beauty that still attracts visitors to Florida today. A peninsula ringed by the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s home to mangrove islands, wading birds, pelicans, loggerhead sea turtles, palm trees, Everglades swamps and so much more. From the sugar sand beaches of the panhandle to a Disney vacation in Orlando, the surf in Cocoa Beach and the cosmopolitan city of Miami, you’ll also discover plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations tucked away alongside inland lakes and rivers. There are so many different types of Florida vacations to be had. Use our guide to track down the best Airbnb rentals in Florida for the vacation of your dreams.RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Miami🏨 The best hotels in Tampa🏠 The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was recently updated by writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The most amazing treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago

The most amazing treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago

Ever dream about getting away from city life for a bit? No Wi-Fi, no traffic – just you, the chirping birds, and a roaring log fire. Sounds like heaven, right? We're with you. The answer? Adult treehouses. There are a ton of incredible treehouse Airbnbs near Chicago, from a lake chateau in Missouri to a renovated shipping container in the Ohio wilderness. So pack those hiking boots, get in your car, choose one of these unique spots and enjoy a weekend of fresh air, panoramic views, and the joys of the great outdoors.   RECOMMENDED: Discover more secluded homes you can rent near Chicago This guide written by former editor of Time Out Chicago Morgan Olsen. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
The 12 best Airbnbs in Venice

The 12 best Airbnbs in Venice

Venice is one of the most magical destinations on the planet. It has been said before, and it will be repeated again, but it is never anything less than gorgeously true. The famous city is packed with famous attractions, romantic restaurants and character-filled bars, but deciding where to stay isn’t the easiest thing to do. After all, hotels are ten-a-penny here; how to know you aren’t getting ripped off?Airbnb has changed the way we travel, and this is as true in Venice as anywhere else on the planet. The best Airbnbs in Venice are the stuff of dreams, from starlit apartments overlooking the quaint terracotta rooftops to historic structures on the flowing canals. Simply pick your favourite and let the magic begin. Here are our picks for the best Airbnbs in Venice. We're the experts, after all. Updated April 2024: We've found two new properties that we know you'll love; keep your eyes peeled for the modern family apartment and a secret hideaway with water-level views of the canal.  RECOMMENDED: The best neighbourhoods to stay in VeniceThe best hotels in VeniceThe best attractions in Venice Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Listings and reviews (2)

Treehouse Hotel

Treehouse Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Treehouse Hotel is everything you could want from a sustainable yet high-end (two words not often used together) hotel in London’s busiest district. Just steps away from Regent Street and the chaos that is Oxford Circus, this 95-room treehouse-come-hotel is covered head-to-toe in recycled wood, hanging plants and plastic-free interiors throughout. From the quirky room additions – think magic 8 balls, cuckoo clocks and Paddington Bears – to the earthy perks like birdie bed throws and tree branches in the otherwise uber-modern ensuite, the Treehouse knows how to bring a vibe. And if you’re looking to dine and drink with minimal effort, there are three fantastic choices on-site. For dinner, head to Pizzeria Mozza on the ground floor for authentic Italian fare with a flair: try the cauliflower fritti from the antipasti menu. It’s next level. Wind down with a nightcap at the rooftop bar, The Nest – complete with 360-degree city views and the kind of lighting to make your Christmas tree weep. Rise and shine from your super comfy bed the next morning, and enjoy a full English with a Mexican twist at Madera; the all-day restaurant serving anything from macchiatos to mezcals. Thoughtful comforts throughout the hotel include filtered water stations on each floor, personalised messages on your in-room SmartTV, complimentary sweet treats delivered room-service style and a distinct aroma flowing through the halls reminiscent of Abercrombie&Fitch back in 2010 – in a good way. It’s wort
Lime Tree Hotel

Lime Tree Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
The Lime Tree Hotel serves an eclectic slice of the English countryside to the heart of London. Nestled just off the ‘prettiest street in London’ – otherwise known as Elizabeth Street – the 26-room Georgian boutique hotel offers a diverse mix of old-school accents, abstract art and wallpapers seeking a whole lot of attention. Inside the Generous Double, you’ll find tapestry curtains and dial-up radios juxtaposed with modern amenities such as a SmartTV, mood lighting and crisp white sheets on the well-sized double bed. Upon first glance, it’s easy to forget this is an ensuite until you discover the doorknob hidden among the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf wallpaper – yep, it’s pretty bold. While the bathroom is petite in size, the design is clean, modern and ideal for a quick refresh in the morning before devouring one of the on-site eatery’s divine breakfasts: go for the salmon and scrambled eggs with a side of avo – it's spectacular. The Buttery is fast becoming the go-to brunch spot in Belgravia and its not-so-secret-but-equally-magical garden is everything you could want from a sunny spot for clinking mimosas at noon. The Limetree is your very own low-cost London oasis – take full advantage. Neighbourhood: Situated in sloaney Belgravia, it’s pretty surprising to learn that this cosy bolthole is a five-minute walk from the wilderness that is Victoria Station on a Monday morning. Grab a coffee at TomTom and watch the array of locals – from families and pushchairs to suits on Bori

News (2)

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

Airbnb has added some cool new filters to really whip up that winter wanderlust

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a few interesting filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on categories rather than just the location. It’s pretty neat, and it means that if the only place you’re really willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can totally search for exactly that.  And now they’ve just added a few more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, brand-new listings, ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and ‘play’ properties with things like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides. As we say, pretty neat. But the search we’re finding especially interesting right now is ‘trending’ homes. These are the most viewed listings on Airbnb and we have to say it proves there actually is wisdom in the masses, on occasion. Don’t believe us? Check out these awesome pads.    The Baldy Mountain chalet overlooking Ten Mile Range, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The oceanfront beach house in Summerland, California Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Big Blue Trace in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mountainview Barn House, Woodstock, New York State Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The lakefront mansion in Indio, California   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb The log cabin near Dollywood, Tennessee Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb
Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

Airbnb just added some cool new categories – check out these high-altitude homes

You might have seen that back in June, Airbnb added a selection of new filters to their search function, meaning users can now find a rental based on some pretty niche categories rather than just location and date range. So if the only place you’re willing to stay in is a beachfront treehouse with a grand piano and a chef’s kitchen, you can now search for exactly that. Pretty cool, eh? Well, they’ve just added even more options for you to explore. You can now hunt down the latest ‘trending’ homes and brand-new listings, as well as ‘hanoks’ (traditional Korean homes made with natural materials), homes adapted for people with disabilities, and properties with a ‘play’ element, like basketball courts, games rooms and even water slides.  But the new category we’re loving most? The ‘top of the world’ filter, which shows homes that are at least 10,000 feet above sea level. To give you a flavour of what’s on offer, we’ve picked some of our favourite sky-high rentals. See you halfway up the Himalayas? This architectural masterpiece in Breckenridge, Colorado Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A geocentric dome in the mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This lush home on the highest coastal mountain range in the world Photograph: courtesy Airbnb A nature lodge in Nepal, with views of the Everest Region Photograph: courtesy Airbnb This spectacular villa above the clouds in Quito, Ecuador Photograph: courtesy Airbnb Pretty spectacular, right? Next thi