airbnb tourism for all

Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb's New Adventures

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

There's nothing wrong with tanning on a beach or hitting the theme parks with your family, but once in a while it can be fun to mix things up with a little adventure. And no, that doesn't necessarily mean bungee jumping off a cliff.

Adventure is a broad term. But it can boil down to something as simple as trying a new recipe, meeting people you otherwise never would, and keeping an open mind.

This month, Airbnb launched Airbnb Adventures — a new adventure tourism platform that the vacation rental company hopes will become a one-stop booking site for travelers. Instead of reserving an Airbnb and a travel experience separately, you can do it all on the Adventures site. These overnight and multiday excursions range in price from $79 single-night stays to $5,000, 10-day treks.

Not All Adventures Are High-Energy

During a recent media preview, I experienced one of the "adventures" for myself. Only a couple of hours outside New York City, two Anabaptist farmers from Indiana replicated their "Amish Country Farm Stay" for a dozen journalists.

We learned to cut and bind leather journals, and to make our own fresh strawberry jam. Will and Jewel Johnson taught us about their simple Anabaptist life and expressed their excitement to teach future Airbnb guests how to harvest fresh food, preserve ingredients, cook and more.

This adventure — which was pretty mild on the "adventure" scale — could be perfect for a family with younger kids, who can play with the Johnsons' children, or an urban couple seeking quiet activities that may be difficult to find in a city.

Later in the day, another host, Matt Prindle, led us on a nature walk while we foraged and learned about the plants. When I saw this on our itinerary for the day, I was skeptical. As a city person, I'm not much of a "forager" unless it's looking for the perfect shady tree to lie under in Prospect Park. If it were not for Johnson's energy and knowledge, I probably would have been sleepwalking during the entire hike. I have honestly never met someone so passionate about nature. He even handpicked mushrooms and leaves for us to observe and sample (one plant tasted an awful lot like Skittles).

We ended the day by sitting around a campfire as Flight of Voices (a community of musicians) performed — a nod to Airbnb's overnight "Musical Camping" in the California desert adventure. The show featured five different musicians who were wonderful solo artists, but so moving and powerful as a group. Every performance is different, because there are more than 40 individual musicians who form the group. The actual adventure takes place near Joshua Tree National Park, so during the day, you can expect to hike and canoe. When evening falls, you can admire the stars as you listen to original melodies.

Neither of these adventures were the adrenaline-pumping, high-energy activities I would expect for something that dubs itself an adventure tour. But Airbnb Adventures encompasses a wide range of activities (they're divided into categories like culinary, active and cultural, among others), so you can find something that suits your interests.

And Some Are Downright Wild

To celebrate the launch of Airbnb Adventures, for example, the brand introduced a worldwide journey: Around the World in 80 Days, based on the Jules Verne classic novel of the same name and the adventures of his main character, Phileas Fogg. The trip will begin and end in London — just like in the novel. It will take travelers to 18 different countries spread across six continents — all for $5,000.

Some activities include hunting for the elusive Northern Lights, sailing down the Nile River, meeting elephant singers in Nairobi and chatting with "Dracula experts" in Transylvania. The 80-day journey will take participants to the United Kingdom, Romania, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Jordan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the US, Ecuador, Chile and Iceland.

Airbnb Adventures include all meals, lodging and activities — but you will be responsible for booking your own flights.

So, Why Airbnb?

There are already plenty of adventure tourism companies, so Airbnb Adventures isn't new in that sense. But Airbnb is taking a different approach to the concept. The travel company wants to make adventure tourism — often considered risky experiences like skydiving or bungee jumping — as accessible as possible. Most of the hosts are also exclusive to Airbnb and have already been using the company for lodging or for their own personal use. Hosts are either local residents or experts from the area, as Airbnb wants to give customers the most authentic experience possible.

"With Adventures, we're taking people to destinations that they might not have even imagined going to and allowing them to experience those destinations through the eyes of a really interesting local person," Caroline Boone, head of Adventures at Airbnb, told The Points Guy.

Airbnb Adventures currently has more than 200 adventure options spread across six different continents, so the decision is yours. You might book a three-day luxury camping trip in Wyoming, or you might opt for something less expected, like learning to surf and practice yoga in the United Kingdom. If you want to channel your wild side and are looking for a more typical "adventure" trip, dive with sharks and meet penguins in South Africa or try a nine-day Amazon jungle trek.

Are the Adventures Safe?

Many travelers expressed concerns about safety following the announcement about Airbnb Adventures. So, first of all, be mindful of your skill level and abilities when choosing a trip.

In terms of the hosts, Airbnb handpicked their first adventures and did not open applications for people to apply. An application process will open soon for future hosts, but it won't be as simple as a quick background check. Airbnb will look at applications and rank them based on expertise, connections and insider access. Leaders from Airbnb have also been trying out experiences themselves.

"We looked for hosts on the ground who had a tremendous level of expertise but who also had a really unique story to tell," Boone said.

If you choose an Adventure, most hosts will have their own insurance plan and Airbnb also has its own protection of liability insurance up to $1 million, in the event something does go awry.

As for guests, Airbnb partners with International SOS to provide medical assistance in emergency situations. All hosts leading Adventures must prove they have the appropriate skills, certifications and first aid and CPR training or access to medical services relevant to that activity.

How to Book

Unfortunately, Airbnb — despite expanding from standard vacation rentals to luxe properties, experiences and adventures — still does not have a loyalty program. With Adventures, all meals, lodging and activities are folded into one purchase. For instance, a three-day walk with elephants in Chiang Mai is $435 per person and includes transportation (except for airfare), food, accommodations, equipment and a local guide who knows the area. If you decide to book, use a credit card that gets you a high return on travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel).

Featured Photo courtesy of Airbnb

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Table of Contents

How does Airbnb work?

How to book an airbnb, check in processes vary from airbnb to airbnb, you may have to clean up before checking out of your airbnb, is airbnb safe, how to save money on airbnb bookings.

Lodging during your vacations or business trips doesn’t necessarily have to be a standard hotel, bed and breakfast or campground. These days, more and more travelers are staying at someone’s house, coordinated through home rental sites like Airbnb.

Renting a vacation home via Airbnb can sometimes be the cheapest option. What’s more, on Airbnb you’ll typically have better luck finding more beds in the same unit than you’d find in a hotel room. Airbnbs often tend to include couches or futons so you can sleep more people. They typically have washing machines and kitchens to better accommodate extended stays, giving travelers the option to save a little money by cooking at home.

Airbnbs are also often located in places that might not have many hotels to choose from, providing you with more lodging options (and sometimes the only lodging option). And many properties are delightfully unexpected. There are treehouses, lighthouses and geodesic domes for rent, and there’s even a replica of The Hundred Acre Wood near London.

But Airbnbs also have challenges. Check-in processes are inconsistent, as some hosts make you meet up with them in-person to exchange keys while other units unlock remotely so you never meet the owner. Policies, for instance about parties and cancellations, vary by property. There are tons of fees (which again, vary by property). Couple that with Airbnb’s lack of a loyalty program, and the platform sometimes doesn’t net out to be any cheaper than hotels.

But if the vacation home life is the life for you, here’s what you need to know about renting an Airbnb.

An Airbnb listing in Ashdown Forest near London is inspired by A.A. Milne’s original tales of Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

Airbnb launched in 2007 as an online, peer-to-peer home rental service, when its founders were seeking a way to help pay their rent — in this case renting out a portion of their home to someone else. CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky inflated three air mattresses to make what was the first-ever Airbnb listing, and today there are millions of listings worldwide (and you can actually still book a room in Chesky's own house , though it's rarely actually available to book).

A listing photo for Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky's own home, which is offered for rent on the site.

The premise of Airbnb is simple: A person lists their home for rent, sets available dates and the price, and you can opt to rent it. Some listings give you the entire home to yourself, while others provide private areas within a home (such as an in-law unit). Sometimes, you might even share a room with someone else.

Listings vary across pretty much every aspect of your stay, including amenities offered, cancellation policies and the number of guests allowed to stay. But Airbnb’s platform has about 4 million hosts across 220 countries and regions, so there’s a good chance you’ll find an Airbnb that matches your needs.

How to make an account on Airbnb

To get started on Airbnb, you’ll need to create an online account, which usually entails more than just a name and email address if you want to book a stay. You’ll typically have to upload your government ID, which Airbnb requires for security (after all, you’re staying in someone else’s house, and sometimes even with them or other guests present).

Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, identity card or visa. Airbnb says it does not share your ID with anyone else who uses Airbnb, including hosts.

Finding your rental

Use Airbnb’s filters to find your perfect rental, or try the new categories feature.

Booking an Airbnb is fairly straightforward. The website offers robust filters, so you can narrow down rentals based on available dates and number of guests, and other features like whether the rental offers amenities like cribs, accessible showers or free parking.

In May 2022, the company launched its Airbnb Categories feature which gives you the option to browse properties by some more nebulous criteria. Rather than searching for a specific city or region, you can see properties all around the world that fall into categories like "OMG!" (for weird and whimsical homes) or "Grand Pianos" for, well, homes with grand pianos. Other categories include homes with chef's kitchens, homes located near national parks and, simply, yurts. The Categories feature has caught on, and at the end of 2022, Airbnb launched six new categories for you to browse through: Trending, Adapted, Play, Hanoks (which are traditional Korean homes), New and Top of the World (indicating homes at least about 10,000 feet above sea level or higher).

The Adapted Category displays homes that are adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.

Most listings include multiple photos, detailed descriptions and reviews to give you a solid idea of what you’re in for. If there aren’t many high-quality photos, or there are no reviews, be cautious. It could simply be a brand-new listing and just fine, but it might also be a warning sign.

Read the descriptions carefully, as they typically detail important information such as pet rules, noise rules and limits on guests. Some owners also require you to sign separate contracts or rental agreements outside of the standard Airbnb contracts, which will typically be spelled out in the description as well. Airbnb has features that let you message the host before booking if you’re unsure about something.

If you're planning a longer trip, you might want to take advantage of Airbnb's Split Stay feature. Split Stays give guests the opportunity to split a longer trip between two properties. Individually, those properties might not allow for a long enough stay to match your trip needs, but Split Stays (which will appear in location-specific search results as well as certain categories) provides travelers with automated suggestions for coordinating lodging on a longer trip.

When you’ve found your rental of choice, the actual booking process varies. Some homes let you book instantly, while other homes require you to send the owner a request for approval.

Booking and paying for your Airbnb

Once accepted, you’ll be charged for the reservation. If your rental requires a request for approval and the owner either declines or doesn’t respond, you won’t be charged.

All payments are handled via Airbnb. Acceptable payment methods in most countries include major credit cards (like Visa, Mastercard and American Express), most debit cards that can be processed as credit cards and other payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you find yourself in a situation where the host is asking to be paid separately (such as through a Venmo payment or bank transfer), it could be a scam.

The actual time of when you need to pay varies depending on location and length of stay. Most properties let you pay via a payment plan, where you pay a portion upon confirmation, and the rest is automatically charged upon checkout.

Payments are handled within Airbnb, which typically gives you the option to pay in full or in installments. Some properties include additional taxes and fees, like cleaning fees, service fees and occupancy taxes.

Between acceptance and your trip date, you’ll be able to chat with your host within the Airbnb app or website. You might find that feature handy to coordinate check-in times, or simply to find out more details about amenities (for example, you might want to know whether the kitchen is stocked with certain cookware).

Checking in to an Airbnb can sometimes be the biggest adventure of your trip. Unlike a hotel where there’s typically someone working at the front desk 24/7 to issue your key, Airbnb check-in policies vary widely by property.

In-person key exchanges: The most conventional method is meeting up with your host face to face, where they’ll likely hand you the keys and show you around the property. Some property tours might last only a couple of minutes but be prepared: Properties with more complicated features, such as guard gates or even an oddly designed shower, can entail a longer tour. Budget enough time between check-in and your next vacation adventure just in case.

Be aware that check-in may require some thoughtful coordination if the host isn’t planning on waiting at the property for your arrival. If you’re trying to text a host to meet up in a foreign country, ensure you have adequate international cell phone coverage or access to Wi-Fi so you can actually chat, especially if your transportation is delayed and you’ll have to meet up later than expected.

Other possible check-in methods that might not require you to meet the host include:

A host leaves instructions to enter (e.g., the key is under this flower pot).

Keys are left in a numbered lockbox, and the host messages you with the code.

A neighbor, co-host or building doorperson meets you.

Typically, the host will message you with check-in details 48 hours prior to your trip via the Airbnb app or website.

Just as the check-in process varies by property, the checkout process varies, too. Some hosts have specific cleanup instructions, such as asking you to put used towels and sheets in the laundry room or to start the dishwasher. Other hosts let you leave the house as-is and handle cleanup themselves.

The majority of hosts also charge cleaning fees , which are a one-time charge pocketed by hosts to cover costs such as doing laundry or scrubbing toilets between guest stays. They’re separate from the base price and are in addition to service fees or charges for optional add-ons. While Airbnb maintains that the average cost of the fee is less than 10% of your total reservation, a NerdWallet analysis of Airbnb cleaning fees found that the median cleaning fee was $75 per stay.

It's not entirely clear at booking how much you'll be on the hook for cleaning. However, Airbnb said it eventually plans to require hosts to post the cleaning requirements on the listing before guests book. Guests will also be able to leave feedback on the checkout process (and have an avenue to complain if the cleaning process is too onerous).

The process for locking up will also vary. If you met your host in person for check-in, you might also meet them to check out. Other hosts might ask you to lock the door behind you and throw the key through a slot in the door, or to return it to the lockbox you initially got it from.

Your host will likely share the specific checkout details either before or upon arrival.

Airbnb certainly has safety measures in place, but the company isn’t immune from challenges that come from a service where you enter a stranger's home.

Safety measures between guests and hosts

Airbnb conducts background checks on guests and hosts. It uses machine learning to analyze data with the intent to spot suspicious activity such as fraudulent listings. And because Airbnb acts as the intermediary in handling the transaction, your account and payments are more secure than if you were to directly pay the host.

Yet, while there can certainly be shady hotel practices or rowdy guests at any other form of lodging, Airbnb has gotten a hefty amount of bad press when it comes to behavior-related safety issues. Airbnb has experienced what experts have coined the “ party house problem ,” where large properties morph into sites for raucous parties that sometimes get out of hand. A deadly shooting in 2019 at a Northern California Airbnb made national headlines.

Meanwhile, guests have complained about questionable and sometimes downright dangerous hosts. A 2021 research project at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs in Colorado Springs, conducted in partnership with data scientist and travel safety expert Asher Fergusson, looked at more than 100,000 public Airbnb guest complaints via Twitter published between January 2015 and September 2020. That study found more than 28,000 complaints around scams, and more than 7,700 complaints about unsafe conditions purely submitted on Twitter.

Safety measures pertaining to property condition

Airbnb has taken some steps to ensure properties are physically safe. It provides smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to hosts at no cost, and you can filter by homes that have one when searching for listings.

However, Airbnb doesn’t necessarily inspect properties for other important safety features that you might expect, such as having at least two exits out of every room, or whether appliances and heating systems are up to code.

And unlike most hotels, most Airbnbs lack features that can keep you safe, including a safe (which you might want to use to stash valuables like jewelry or passports). It also doesn’t offer 24/7 lobby staffing, which could be helpful if you need support from a fellow human in an emergency. Airbnb does, however, offer a 24-hour safety line you can access through the app through its AirCover program, which launched in 2021. AirCover also offers a Get-What-You-Booked Guarantee through which guests can get refunded or switched to a similar property if there's anything materially wrong with the property they originally booked.

Safety measures to protect hosts

Speaking of AirCover, it's there to protect hosts too. AirCover includes guest identity verification and $3 million in damage protection to better protect hosts from issues that guests may cause.

Safety issues can happen at any form of lodging, and Airbnb is generally considered safe. Just be aware that problems can arise, so be aware of scams, unethical practices and physical issues with properties.

Since Airbnb prices are set by the hosts, the conventional tricks for saving money on hotels don’t always apply. But there are a few ways to save money on Airbnb rentals, including earning and redeeming credit card points and airline miles on Airbnb stays .

Book a longer stay

Many properties offer discounted rates for longer stays (typically a week or more). Some offer even deeper discounts for stays of a month or more.

Some properties offer weekly discounts for extended stays.

Rather than taking two separate four-day vacations this year, you might consider booking one, eight-day vacation in the same location. You’ll likely save money on not just your Airbnb, but other costs like airfare — and you’ll only have to pack once.

According to a NerdWallet analysis, the nightly rate for a 30-night stay was 46% cheaper per night than a one-night stay.

» Learn more: Why it's worth booking Airbnb for a week or longer

Split it with friends or family

Airbnbs are particularly cost-effective for large groups, especially when you compare it to the price of booking multiple hotel rooms.

NerdWallet compared the price per head at Airbnbs with a max capacity of two adults versus a hotel in the same city. It also compared the cost of an Airbnb with a max capacity of six people against the cost to book three hotel rooms (assuming two adults per room).

The average Airbnb for six was 33% cheaper than booking three hotel rooms . But the average hotel was 29% cheaper than booking an Airbnb for two.

Here’s how median costs broke down, per person:

Book about a month out

NerdWallet compared prices of Airbnbs booked 3 days out, 4 weeks out and 47 weeks out. The Airbnb prices included cleaning fees, long-term discounts and base costs when booking in advance versus short term. Here are our findings:

It turns out that booking an Airbnb four weeks in advance yields the lowest median price — $270.80. This is roughly $30 cheaper than booking it almost a year in advance, and about $50 cheaper than booking it last-minute.

Redeem travel statement credits for Airbnbs

Some credit cards offer travel statement credits, and those that do typically tend to cover Airbnb stays. In fact, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a statement credit that can be used to offset Airbnb purchases.

Purchase discounted gift cards

Airbnb sells gift cards on its own site, but major retailers that sell gift cards, such as Target, Sam’s Club and Best Buy, often can get you a better deal.

At the time of publication, Sam’s Club was selling $100 Airbnb gift cards for $96.96.

These stores frequently run promotions where they’ll sell you Airbnb gift cards at a lower cost than the gift card’s value. During certain times of year, you might find them sold at a 10% discount, though sometimes the discounts aren’t quite as deep.

Holding certain memberships or credit cards might qualify you for additional discounts. For example, if you purchase an Airbnb gift card from Target and pay with your Target Circle™ Credit Card , you’ll get an automatic 5% discount at checkout (so you’d only pay $95 for a $100 gift card).

Earn points by paying with a travel rewards credit card

This tip won’t necessarily save you money upfront, but it’ll earn you valuable travel currency on the other end. Most credit cards that offer you bonus points on travel classify purchases made through home-sharing platforms like Airbnb in the same way as hotels .

So if you’ve got a travel rewards credit card, use it. And if you don’t have one yet, consider applying for one. While premium travel credit cards can offer big rewards rates for your travel spending, there are plenty of travel credit cards with no annual fee .

Earn airline miles, too

Your Airbnb stays are an easy way to rack up Delta SkyMiles , which you can accumulate and redeem for free flights. Once enrolled in the program, you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on qualifying Airbnb reservations, excluding taxes and fees. Note that you'll need to enter your SkyMiles number every time you book.

NerdWallet values a Delta Skymile at 1.2 cents each , so this isn’t necessarily going to make you rich. But, it’s an easy way to accumulate some extra Delta miles with minimal effort.

» Learn more: How to earn or redeem points on Airbnb stays

Travel when no one wants to

Your Airbnb host is likely aware of the principles of supply and demand, and will set rates for specific nights accordingly. A property in New York City with a view of the Times Square Ball will likely be more expensive on Dec. 31 than any other cold winter day.

If you can be flexible, search for the same property across various weekends versus weekdays to spot lower rates. Meanwhile, consider whether you really need to travel during that long weekend when everyone else is off of work and school. Shoulder season also tends to be an excellent time to travel.

Consider Airbnb alternatives

Airbnb's reign over the vacation rental kingdom is undeniable. But between questionable cleaning fees, quirky cancellation policies, and the occasional horror story, even the most loyal Glampacker might start daydreaming of greener pastures.

Whether you just want to comparison shop to ensure you're getting the best deal from Airbnb, or you'd rather swear off Airbnb entirely, there's no shortage of Airbnb alternatives . One of its biggest competitors is Vrbo (consider it the Lyft to Airbnb's Uber ). It offers a better browsing experience plus the ability to earn rewards through the One Key Rewards program .

You might also consider Vacasa, which stands out as a full-service vacation rental management company. That means homeowners partnering with Vacasa to have their properties professionally managed (and generally means an overall more polished vacation rental experience while still getting the unique, hometown feel of renting a home from its actual owner).

Superhost is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

Airbnb offers a filter that allows you to narrow your search exclusively to properties from superhosts. Superhosts also have a badge on their profile that indicates their status.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s Contact Us page to report your issue online.

Airbnb also has a chat bot, which you can find on the inbox feature on your account. That can get you quick answers to simple issues, or can connect you to a human support staffer if necessary.

If you're unable to check-in for whatever reason, and the host is unable to address the issue, Airbnb's new Check-In Guarantee means the company will either refund you or will find you a similar home for the length of your booking.

If it’s truly an emergency that impacts your personal safety, skip trying to reach out to Airbnb and instead contact local police or emergency services immediately.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account to travel or host on Airbnb.

To cancel your Airbnb reservation, go to the “Trips” tab, then select “Show more trip plans.” From there, navigate to “Show details,” where you’ll be able to change or cancel your reservation.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a full refund . Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

If a host cancels your booking within 30 days of check-in, Airbnb will find you a similar home or provide a refund, depending on availability, through its new Booking Protection Guarantee.

is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s

Contact Us page

to report your issue online.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a

full refund

. Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

$200 Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

on Wells Fargo's website

2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

$200 Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

1x-3x Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.

20,000 Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.

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Want to Travel the World Living in Airbnbs for a Year? Here’s Your Chance!

If anything good came out of the tragedy that was COVID-19, it’s that a) mask-wearing when you’re sick may be the norm from now on, and b) so might working remotely, which means that for many of us, our careers will no longer require us to be chained to cities like New York and San Francisco. That means we can live out all kinds of unconventional fantasies, like buying a house in Maine so we can pickle vegetables while making pitch decks, or going nomadic and changing locales with every Zoom meeting. It’s in the spirit of the latter that Airbnb has launched an insanely good opportunity for those of us with the travel bug: Live Anywhere , a campaign in which 12 people will get to spend 10 months living for free in various Airbnbs, pretty much anywhere they choose. If you apply for the program and are selected, you can make your own itinerary, and Airbnb will fund it — plus transportation costs. And if you’re obsessed with interiors (duh, you’re reading Sight Unseen), you can experience some very incredible ones, like the  renovated 19th-century farmhouse in the Berkshires that’s pictured in this post.

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What is Airbnb and how does it work? + is it safe?

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What is Airbnb? We hear a lot about it these days, but how does Airbnb work, why is it so popular and what alternatives are there to Airbnb? I have it all covered in this article.

What is Airbnb?

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• What is Airbnb? Airbnb reviews

#1 Airbnb encourages economic activity in communities that wouldn’t normally benefit from tourism

#2 airbnb saves the traveller money, #3 airbnb allows travellers to learn about the local communities, #4 airbnb provides an income to people who need it, #1 airbnb causes increases in housing costs, #2 airbnb enhances likelihood of gentrification, #3 it is more difficult to collect taxes from airbnb stays than from traditional hotel transactions, #4 airbnb guests may be unwanted in local communities, #5 there are privacy and safety concerns with airbnb, what is airbnb is airbnb safe, what is airbnb airbnb competitors, #1 the bridge house, scotland, #2 castle near wroclaw, poland, #3 playful stylish apartment, hungary, #4 the carolina treehouse, usa, #5 jr’s ecohut, australia , #6 the beehive, england, #7 windmill, the netherlands, #8 seashell house, mexico, #9 st. ann’s lighthouse, canada, #10 hello kitty fun house, malaysia , what is airbnb conclusion.

Airbnb is an innovative business that has grown faster than anyone could have imagined, in fact, it has been dubbed as the world’s fastest growing travel website! It has shifted the travel paradigm in a new direction, satisfying consumer desires to take part in the sharing economy and to reduce travel costs.

Whilst the concept of Airbnb is simple (you rent a place to stay from a home owner for a specified period of time), there is much more to Airbnb than meets the eye. In this post I will explain what Airbnb is, how it works and what the wider impacts are.

Airbnb is an abbreviation for air mattress bed and breakfast.

Unlike traditional bed and breakfast accommodations, however, breakfast is not typically included in a stay.

The spelling of Airbnb is a tricky one and many people get it wrong. AirBNB, AirBnB and AirB’n’B are common mistakes.

The Airbnb logo is called the Bélo, which is short for ‘Belong Anywhere’. The short form is easily pronounced by anyone on Earth, or so they say.

According to Brian Chesky, co-founder of the company, the Bélo is intended to be a symbol of ‘belonging’. The logo combines four simple symbols: a head which represents people, a location icon which represents place, a heart which represents love and then an A which represents Airbnb. The video below explains why the logo was designed this way.

What is Airbnb? Airbnb is essentially an online marketplace that involves the renting of property to travellers. They have also recently started offering experiences too.

Airbnb does not own any of the properties. It simply provides a platform from which people can rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. Prices are set by the property owners and monies are collected via the Airbnb app.

There are many different types of Airbnbs. You can rent a room in someone’s house or a whole island and everything in between! I have stayed in some pretty cool Airbnbs myself, take a look at some of them in this post- 7 reasons why Airbnb is my favourite accommodation option .

When asking what is Airbnb, it is important to first understand a little bit of the history behind the business.

Airbnb was founded in August 2008 by Joe Gebbia, Brian Chesky, and Nathan Blecharczyk, with its headquarters in San Francisco, USA.

The idea came to Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in 2007 when they could not afford to pay the rent for their apartment. They transformed their living room into a bedroom in order to ‘share’ their home with three guests and provided them with homemade breakfast. This was the beginning of the Airbnb concept.

There was a big design conference in San Francisco and consequentially a number of hotels throughout the city were sold out. This gave Chesky and Gebbia the idea to rent out more rooms to guests on a ‘sharing’ basis. They had seen a potential market for the idea and thus developed a website called airbedandbreakfast.com.

To help fund their business, the boys sold breakfast cereals during the 2008 presidential race; earning them around $30,000.

Contrary to what many people think, Airbnb was not an instant success.

Like many emerging businesses, Airbnb experienced several ups and downs, and it went through at least three separate launches. Whilst the boys managed to spark the interest of a number of investors, they didn’t take the Airbnb concept seriously. Eventually, after much hard work and perseverance, an investor was found. Paul Graham could see the potential in the Airbnb business model and decided to jump onboard.

Graham invited the founders to join a program called Y Combinator, which provides a startup business with money and training in exchange for a percentage of their company. In 2009, Air Bed & Breakfast became Airbnb, which was when the company really started to take off.

According to a Forbes article , as of May 2018, Airbnb was worth $38 billion.

The Airbnb Story: How Three Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions of Dollars … and Plenty of Enemies is a great read for anyone interested in learning more about the Airbnb industry grew and developed so rapidly. Described as ‘an engrossing story of audacious entrepreneurism’, it is the first, definitive book to tell the remarkable story behind Airbnb in all its forms, along with an in-depth character study of its leader Brian Chesky, the company’s curious co-founder and CEO.

If you want to understand What is Airbnb then we need to take a look at the business model.

The Airbnb business model is simple. It is a two-sided platform that facilitates the process of letting out and booking a property for travellers to stay in. It is based on the notion of sharing and is one of the most successful businesses in the sharing economy .

On the one side Airbnb provides the opportunity for home owners to list their accommodation on the Airbnb app, which yields a rental income. On the other side it provides travellers with easy access to a wide range of accommodation options.

In a recent campaign, Airbnb promoted the experience as not just visiting a destination, but ‘living’ there. Airbnb claims that you can ‘feel more at home’, mix with locals and gain a more authentic travel experience by staying in the homes of others instead of in a traditional hotel.

Airbnb is essentially just the facilitator of said transactions ad the company do not own or manage any of the properties listed. Instead, they simply act as the middle man, connecting the home owner with the traveller via the Airbnb app.

Airbnb provides host protection insurance and has a developed review and rating system, which allows both hosts and travellers to vet the people that they will be working with before agreeing to do so. This is common practice throughout the sharing economy and throughout the wider tourism industry, with most people being familiar with websites such as TripAdvisor .

Airbnb makes its money through commissions. It takes 3% commission of every booking from hosts, and between 6% and 12% from guests. It also offers a referral scheme if a person introduces a new customer to the platform [please note that as of March 2021 the referral scheme is no longer running].

Using Airbnb as a guest is relatively easy. All you need to do is set up an account, search for an accommodation (or experience), read the reviews and click to book.

Some hosts will allow immediate booking, whereas others will want to check out your profile too. For this reason, I recommend that you add a short profile with an image as well as a short note when booking (the app will give you this option when you click to book). I usually just write a short note to explain who I am travelling with, what my travels planned are and what type of person I am. Here is an example:

‘ Hi, I would love to come and stay at your place! My name is Hayley and I am travelling through Europe with my husband and two children. My husband and I are both professionals who work in education and our kids, aged 6 months and 2 1/2 are frequent travellers . We are looking forward to coming to stay! Hayley’

You can do all of this via the app or on a desktop via the website. Here is a detailed video walking you through each step of the booking process.

Many people earn a decent sized income from their Airbnb rentals and some have even managed to turn it into a full time job!

Being an Airbnb host is easy. You simply list your accommodation on the site, which is free. You then decide on the details of your rental such as prices, schedule, requirements for guests etc. Once your ad is live you can then welcome your first guests. Simple as one, two, three!

Although the act of advertising and securing rental income might be easy, however, there are also many things that you need to consider. Theses are listed below:

• Understand rental taxes and what you might be liable for
• Have realistic expectations about how much of your time the rental will take up (many people underestimate)
• Make sure that you have adequate insurance
• Let your neighbours know that you will be renting out the property (to avoid any surprises or feeling of hardship)
• Research your competitors
• Set house rules, if appropriate
• To measures to identify and prevent squatting
• Calculate income and expenditure
• Make sure all appliances are working correctly and have been serviced etc
• Make sure you have the appropriate facilities and amenities

There are a number of websites and books that are available to help guide anybody who is looking to rent out their property on Airbnb. Some of my favourites are Airbnb Listing Hacks – The Complete Guide To Maximizing Your Bookings And Profits and Optimize YOUR Bnb: The Definitive Guide to Ranking #1 in Airbnb Search .

What is Airbnb ? Airbnb reviews

Airbnb operates on a review system.

Like many organisations nowadays, both hosts and guests will receive a request to add a review after their stay. This allows a person to build up a profile, which is publicly available to those who they may opt to do business with in the future.

This helps to withhold high standards and ensure consistency throughout the business.

A series of bad reviews can be devastating for a host (or for a guest), so it is in their benefit to provide a satisfactory or more than satisfactory experience for their guests. I have had many hosts who have gone above and beyond to please me and my family during our travels and I have no doubt that if it wasn’t for the review process, this wouldn’t happen as often as it does!

What is Airbnb? Positive impacts of Airbnb

Lets dig a bit deeper in answering the question what is Airbnb and examine the positive impacts associated with this business…

Whilst there has been a growing body of public literature which views the use of Airbnb and the wider sharing economic as negative in terms of its impacts, particularly economically, there are also a number of positive impacts of Airbnb.

Many Airbnb accommodations are in areas away from the usual tourist hot spots. I have stayed in rural areas of Costa Rica, inner city Cape Town and in a suburban apartment in Calgary, for example. Read more about why I love Airbnb here .

This can help to bring much needed income to areas that otherwise would not benefit from tourism. Whether its from buying your tea at the local supermarket or going out for dinner in a restaurant round the corner, tourists typically spend money in the vicinity of their accommodation location.

Most people know that Airbnb can save the traveller money, which is one of the biggest motivating factors for opting to use the company when choosing their accommodation options.

Airbnb accommodations can cost a fraction of the price of a traditional hotel or other accommodation option serviced by the tourism industry.

As I pointed out earlier on in this article, Airbnb provides travellers with a more authentic and local experience because they are living with locals or staying in local communities.

Airbnb has welcomed many entrepreneurs and businessmen and women into the sharing economy industry. It has allowed people to make an income when they may have previously been unable to. This can provide economic benefits to marginalised communities, impoverished areas and people experiencing economic hardship, which is particularly prevalent in developing countries.

What is Airbnb? Negative impacts of Airbnb

In order to sufficiently answer the question what is Airbnb we also need to understand the negative aspects associated with this business.

Unfortunately, there are also many negative impacts of Airbnb, namely economic impacts . According to the Economic Policy Institute , the costs of Airbnb businesses are likely to outweigh the benefits. Here are some of the negative impacts that have been noted:

Airbnb can be a big revenue earner. Once home owners begin to realise this, they are likely to snap up further properties in the same, or alternative, locations. The increases in demand for properties raises the prices, it’s simple supply and demand theory.

Because the price of property goes up, many local people begin to be pushed out. People can longer afford the accommodation available to them in the area that they live and are therefore forced to relocate to cheaper areas. There are many examples of throughout the world, which is explained at length in this academic article .

Another economic impact of Airbnb is the difficulty in collecting taxes. Traditional tourism accommodation providers are subject to a range of tax laws, from employment taxes on cleaners and cooks to city taxes.

It is a lot more difficult to collect taxes from Airbnb providers. This loss in revenue means that there is less money in the pot for community investments in areas such as healthcare or education, therefore having a knock on effect on the overall welfare of the community.

Some local communities may not welcome Airbnb guests.

Tourists may be ignorant to local customs, for example by wearing revealing clothing in a Muslim country or by swearing in the street. Tourists may be inconsiderate to neighbours by playing loud music or by littering. Tourists may flaunt expensive gadgets and jewellery that the locals cannot afford, therefore encouraging feelings of resentment and perhaps even rises in crime.

In fact, many of the wider negative social impacts of tourism in general, can be applied to smaller communities that house Airbnb properties.

Lastly, there have been a number of concerns over the privacy and safety of Airbnb.

From hidden cameras to doors which don’t lock properly, there have been many reported complaints from Airbnb and guests throughout the world.

Although the review system should help to reduce such incidents, unfortunately this does not always seem to be the case.

Unfortunately there are some bad apples in the Airbnb industry, both hosts and guests.

From hosts placing meth pipes in their accommodation and watching guests on hidden cameras, to guests using the accommodation as a brothel and having huge parties, Airbnb is not without its fair share of dramas.

Fortunately, horror stories are not common, and most people have a perfectly pleasant and safe stay in their Airbnb accommodation!

In fact, Airbnb have several measures in place to ensure safety for their guests. This includes risk scoring, background and watchlist checks, handing out free carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to hosts, having a secure payment platform and a multi-layer defence strategy to prevent scams.

We can better understand the answer to the question what is Airbnb better by looking also at similar businesses.

Whilst Airbnb is most certainly the biggest name in the game, there are also a number of companies with a similar business approach and offering on the market. You may also wish to check these out when doing your accommodation research!

Booking.com (they now offer apartment rentals alongside hotels)

SellMyTimeshareNow

onefinestay

What is Airbnb? The most unusual examples!

To help further answer the question ‘what is Airbnb’, I have listed below the most amazing unique Airbnb stays available to book right now around the world. Airbnb is a fascinating company, and these are fascinating properties!

Located in Ballintuim, this is a two bedroom home built on a bridge that spans the River Ardle. It was built in 1881, and there are plenty of original features. These include walls clad with traditional Scottish timber, original flooring and more. You enter the Bridge House by a private spiral stone staircase and head straight into the cosy dining area.

This accommodation boasts a sauna/steam room, an outdoor seating area/walkway and of course, incredible views both up and down river.

There is a detached stable apartment next door which is also available to book on Airbnb. There is a garden below and plenty of places to walk and hike nearby.

This is a great option if you’re looking at unique Airbnb stays in Scotland – the country of haggis, fresh air and whisky!

Poland is one of Europe’s gems, and is becoming more and more popular for city breaks.

Wroclaw is one city that people are starting to flock to, especially those looking for a boozy weekend. But if you want something more serene in the area, this castle in Warmatowice Sienkiewiczowskie is just over an hour’s drive away from the city.

This unique Airbnb stay has five bedrooms and sleeps up to ten guests. Each bedroom has a private bathroom, and there is plenty of living space too.

The grounds of the castle are absolutely breathtaking, and it is the perfect location for a group trip to Poland . There is on-site parking should you need it, too. So, what is Airbnb? A castle, it seems!

Click here to get up to £39 off your first Airbnb stay!

In the country’s amazing capital, Budapest, you’ll find plenty of unique Airbnb stays. One of the coolest, however, is this modern apartment with a slide inside it- wow, my kids would LOVE this! If I asked my kids ‘what is Airbnb’, their answer would be ‘a lot of fun’ if we stayed here!

The bright, spacious rooms and comfortable furniture are one thing – but the slide down from the mezzanine bedroom area is something else entirely!

Accommodating up to four guests, this central apartment is just a stone’s throw away from museums, bars, shops, restaurants and the historic architecture the city is famous for. Plus, it has a slide.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, you’ll find one of the most beautiful and unique Airbnb stays – a stunning treehouse , complete with a peaceful outdoor shower, comfortable outdoor seating, a fire pit, private pond, swing bed and so much more.

The owners say it was designed with a slow pace in mind, and it’s not hard to see why. Everything just looks completely zen. From the colour palette to the little touches such as a record player and indoor plants, it really is a beautiful place.

It accommodates two guests, includes WiFi and parking, and has incredible reviews. 

Eco-friendly travel is growing in popularity- and this unique Airbnb stay fits the bill perfectly.

This tiny house on the Kimo Estate in Nangus, New South Wales, offers 360 degree views of the Murrumbidgee River flats and Kimo Valley – and it’s completely off grid.

It is of the best unique Airbnb stays in terms of being sustainable. It uses solar power from water and lighting, and there is a small log burner for heating.

The glass front means the views are spectacular inside and out, and there are no neighbours for miles meaning it’s completely peaceful. If you’re looking for somewhere to come and switch off, this is absolutely ideal.

The accommodation sleeps two; it is basic but comfortable, and the scenery speaks for itself…

What is Airbnb? It’s a boat! Located in Manchester (famous for its connection to the worker bee), this is a stunning narrowboat which sleeps up to four.

Gloriously modernised with a brilliant kitchen area, bee mural on the outside, comfortable seating and quite a fancy bathroom, the boat has everything you’ll need.

There is full central heating and power to charge devices, and it’s great place to just chill out and relax for a couple of nights. It is definitely something a bit different, and perfect for a trip to one of England’s most interesting cities.

The Netherlands is famous for many things – its lax laws surrounding cannabis and sex tourism , clogs, bicycles… and windmills.

You can stay in one of these windmills in Abcoude , a 20 minute drive from the exciting capital city of Amsterdam. It sleeps six across three bedrooms with two bathrooms, and comes with WiFi and free parking.

If you’ve hired a car on your trip to Amsterdam or live locally, this is an amazing place to stay. It’s novel and atmospheric, there are goats nearby and the decor inside is absolutely beautiful.

Learn more: Airbnb explained: What is it, how does it work and is it safe?

What started as just another of the unique Airbnb stays available, has turned into a bit of a world-famous phenomenon that has had a big impact on what is Airbnb. Located in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, this seashell-shaped house is called Casa Caracol.

A two bedroom villa with a pool, kitchen and BBQ area as well as free parking and WiFi, it is an amazing place to stay when visiting this part of Mexico – with the added bonus of being shaped like a seashell, of course.

It’s something a bit funky and makes for some amazing photos of your summer holiday! The house is also a great base for exploring the rest of the island. Plus, it feels just a *tiny* bit like being in Spongebob Squarepants…

In terms of unique Airbnb stays, there are few places more quirky than a lighthouse .

This one was built in 1905 and was a working lighthouse until 1962 – it has been modernised and makes for a great place to stay when exploring Cape Breton.

The views across St. Ann’s Bay are something special, and you’ll be able to see plenty of stars at night. The rural area allows for plenty of nature-spotting, and the seclusion means it is perfect for a relaxing, romantic weekend away in this stunning part of Canada .

With hiking trails and local restaurants nearby, it is an all-round great place to stay!

What is Airbnb? Well, a lot of fun it seems! Located in Kuala Lumpar, this fun and funky Hello Kitty-themed apartment sleeps up to 6.

There is not one aspect of this accommodation that hasn’t been decorated with a nod to the famous cartoon feline – from the crockery to the bedding to the murals on the wall, this is a dream come true for any Sanrio fan. Even the kettle has Hello Kitty on it!

The building has a pool, gym and sauna as well as a kids’ play area, 24-hour shop and a laundrette.

If you love all things girly and pink, and of course HK herself, then this is an amazing (and definitely unique) place to stay in Malaysia.

What is Airbnb? As you can see throughout this post, Airbnb is a ground breaking company that has seen incredible growth in a short period of time. A prominent name in the sharing economy, Airbnb has become a household name.

Despite being remarkably popular with travellers and hosts alike, however, it has not been without its critics. Many academics and industry professionals have raised concerns over the sustainability of Airbnb, with negative economic impacts demonstrated the world over. Despite this, the company and its competitors continue to grow and to increase their share of the accommodation market.

What is Airbnb? Now you know!

If you enjoyed reading this article answering the question what is Airbnb, I am sure that you will love these posts too:

• Workation- the newest trend in travel?
• What is ethical tourism and why is it important?
• What is Insta tourism and how is it impacting travel?
• The fascinating story of the first commercial flight
• What is orphanage tourism and why is it BAD?

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Our support for sensible, short-term rental policies for renters

Key Takeaways

• With a record half of all U.S. renters cost-burdened, Airbnb will advocate for communities to adopt renter-friendly short-term rental policies.
• In addition, Airbnb will make a $100,000 donation to the Flagstone Initiative, an organization that helps renters stay in their homes.

Airbnb was founded more than 15 years ago when our founders opened up their home to guests to help pay their rent. Today more than five million Hosts around the world share their home on Airbnb to help supplement their income. In the U.S., more than 40 percent of Hosts say the income from hosting allows them to stay in their homes, and an estimated 10 percent say the money has helped them avoid foreclosure or eviction. 1  

With a record half of all U.S. renters cost-burdened , we recognize there is more we can do to make sure communities adopt sensible short-term rental policies that allow renters to share their space to earn supplemental income. To that end, today we are sharing more about our efforts to advocate for renter-friendly short-term rental policies in the U.S. and a $100,000 donation to an organization that helps renters stay in their homes. 

Home sharing for all, not just homeowners 

As mortgage rates keep many from homeownership, renting continues to be the most financially viable option for many.  Despite these economic trends, a number of cities across the country have adopted short-term rental laws that preclude renters from sharing their space while allowing homeowners to do so. These restrictions impede a large segment of the population from leveraging their space to earn supplemental income despite the fact that renters earn significantly less than homeowners.

“Homeownership should not be a barrier to entry when it comes to sharing your home. The vast majority of Hosts in the U.S. share their space to help cover the rising cost of living, and we want to partner with cities to develop sensible short-term rental policies that grant renters the opportunity to do the same.” Mike Signer, Airbnb’s North America Policy Director

Going forward, Airbnb will work with cities and states to advocate for short-term rental rules that allow renters to share their home. A number of cities have led on this issue by passing renter-friendly short-term rental policies, including Raleigh, NC, San Diego, CA, and Tulsa, OK. Earlier this week, Virginia’s governor signed into law a statewide bi-partisan bill that requires all localities that issue short-term rental permits to property owners, must issue the same permit to tenants with permission of the property owner. 

In addition, we are also donating $100,000 to the Flagstone Initiative , a non-profit organization that offers financial assistance to help struggling renters and prevent eviction. The donation will enable the Flagstone Initiative to offer financial stability programs to help renters avoid evictions at a time when they need it the most.

“Millions of renters live paycheck to paycheck and need help making ends meet. Airbnb’s donation will help provide creative upstream solutions to improve their financial stability and keep them in their homes.” Shin Inoue, CEO of the Flagstone Initiative

The donation is part of Airbnb’s efforts to support the communities our Hosts and guests call home. Last month, we announced the Airbnb Housing Council which includes independent housing organizations and experts that will help us identify long-term solutions to help increase housing supply and support communities that face housing affordability issues. 

Our work to support renters and communities

Support for renter-friendly short-term rental policies is the latest in our efforts to help more people benefit from hosting on Airbnb. 

In 2022, we launched Airbnb-friendly apartments (AFA) to help renters find an apartment where the building management permits hosting part-time on Airbnb. The program has since expanded to more than 400 buildings in 40 markets in the United States, and nearly 7,000 people 2 have expressed interest in having Airbnb-friendly apartments in their city. Since launch, over 1000 renters have created a listing through the AFA program, earning approximately $8.4 million in the process. The typical host in an Airbnb-friendly apartment earned over $4,000 and hosted 32 nights. 3

We also expanded our Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, a program focused on introducing individuals from diverse and underrepresented communities to hosting on the Airbnb platform in coordination with local community partners. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown from supporting one organization to over 40 organizations with 2023 marking the largest cohort of partners yet.

Community Tourism Programme

In 2017 we recognised the need to encourage a better type of tourism. That’s why we launched a €5m Fund to support innovative projects that strengthen communities, empower citizens, and preserve and promote local culture. This programme has now closed. To stay up to date with the latest Airbnb programmes and opportunities please visit the Airbnb Newsroom .

10 Airbnb Trends To Watch In 2024 Based On Industry Experts

Airbnb continues to revolutionize the travel and hospitality industry. This year, we're witnessing a surge in unique and innovative hosting experiences that cater to a diverse range of traveler preferences.

💡 KEY INSIGHTS

• Sustainable Travel Focus: Airbnb emphasizes eco-conscious rental options, showcasing properties that prioritize environmentally responsible practices, aligning with the global sustainable travel movement.
• Health and Wellness Listings Rise: There's a growing demand for wellness-focused properties on Airbnb, such as yoga retreats, spa centers, and meditation-focused accommodations, catering to travelers seeking rejuvenation.
• Remote Work Stays Popularity: Airbnb properties with dedicated workspaces, high-speed internet, and extended stay discounts are increasingly popular, reflecting the remote work trend.
• Unique and Experience-Based Accommodations: Travelers show interest in distinctive stays like tiny houses, treehouses, and historical castles, often combined with local experiences, highlighting a shift towards more immersive travel.

About 500 cities, villages, and towns in Ireland have Airbnb properties .

As the sharing economy continues to grow, Airbnb has become a dominant force in the travel and hospitality sector.

Consequently, it is crucial for hosts, guests, and those involved in the industry to stay informed about the latest developments and changes influencing the Airbnb platform.

In this blog post, we explore the significant trends in Airbnb that impact hosts, guests, and the broader rental market, offering valuable insights to assist you in making informed choices and staying ahead of the dynamic landscape.

Meet Our Experts

Our team comprises industry-leading experts in fields ranging from design and marketing to growth strategies, each bringing a wealth of experience and unparalleled knowledge to the table.

Vlad is a founder of MarketSplash and its parent company Empact Partners. Vlad is a serial entrepreneur & SaaS founder with 10+ years of experience in the tech industry. Vlad is deeply passionate about digital publishing, software, and growth marketing.

Shanal, the Chief Editor at MarketSplash has diverse experience in content strategy and digital publishing. Her skills extend to integrating AI tools, managing social media, and navigating affiliate partnerships, reflecting her deep passion for the tech and publishing sectors. She is passionate about writing, research, and innovative tools in the marketing niche.

Juxhina is a content creator, editor, and researcher. She has an MSc degree in Communication Science from the University of Vienna and 10+ years of experience in the tech industry. She is passionate about startups, SEO marketing, content creation, art, and photography.

Sharné is an artist, digital designer, researcher, and informal educator by training. She has 5+ years' experience in the SaaS industry as a Product Marketing Manager and Head of Customer Support. She supports a handful of remarkable SaaS brands in achieving sustainable business growth through targeted online content.

Trend 1: Sustainable Travel

Trend 2: health and wellness listings, trend 3: remote work stays, trend 4: unique and experience-based accommodation, trend 5: glamping and nature-based stays, trend 6: enhanced safety and hygiene standards, trend 7: pet-friendly accommodations, trend 8: multi-generational travel and group stays, trend 9: hyperlocal travel, trend 10: accessibility and inclusivity, future insights.

Airbnb is placing greater emphasis on promoting eco-conscious rental options and showcasing accommodations that prioritize environmentally responsible practices.

On average, people spend  2.4 times  more time at Airbnb accommodations than at hotels.

This shift encompasses properties powered by solar energy, efforts to reduce the use of disposable plastics, and the provision of eco-friendly amenities.

Examples Of Sustainable Travel:

• Staying in Eco-friendly Accommodations : Airbnb offers a variety of eco-friendly listings, such as solar-powered homes, green-roofed dwellings, or accommodations that use recycled materials and have a minimal carbon footprint. Staying in such places helps reduce one's environmental impact.
• Participating in Local Experiences : Airbnb experiences often include activities hosted by local guides. Engaging in these helps support the local economy and promotes cultural exchange. Examples include community-led tours, local cooking classes, or workshops on traditional crafts.
• Choosing Destinations with Sustainable Practices : Traveling to destinations known for their sustainability efforts, like cities with good public transportation systems or areas promoting conservation, can be a more eco-friendly choice. Airbnb can help locate accommodations in such areas.

By making such choices, travelers can have a positive impact on the places they visit, aligning with Airbnb's vision of sustainable and responsible tourism.

Addressing the crucial theme of sustainable travel, we explore the perspectives of Nathan Blecharczyk , co-founder of Airbnb, on how the platform aims to contribute positively to this global movement.

We want Airbnb to be part of the solution to challenges associated with the growth of tourism, and to support sustainable travel trends.

Nathan Blecharczyk

Airbnb Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer

Source: Travindy

Airbnb's approach to sustainable travel involves promoting accommodations and experiences that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

By encouraging hosts to adopt sustainable practices in their listings, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and offering local, eco-friendly experiences, Airbnb contributes to minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism.

This initiative aligns with a growing global consciousness about the environmental impact of travel and the need for more responsible tourism practices.

Wellness-focused properties, including those offering yoga classes or meditation rooms, are increasingly sought after for vacations.

There were  220 countries  and regions with active Airbnb listings.

This trend appeals to travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation during their getaways.

Examples Of Health And Wellness Listings:

• Yoga Retreats : These listings often include accommodations in serene locations with daily yoga sessions. They might be situated in natural settings like beachfronts or mountains, providing a peaceful environment for yoga practice.
• Spa and Wellness Centers : Some Airbnb properties are connected to or include spa facilities, offering services like massages, facials, and other wellness treatments.
• Meditation and Mindfulness Retreats : These stays focus on mental well-being, offering guided meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, and tranquil spaces for personal reflection.
• Fitness-Focused Stays : Properties equipped with gym facilities or offering fitness classes, such as Pilates, aerobics, or personalized training sessions, cater to guests who want to maintain their fitness regime while traveling.

Properties Listing by Region

These diverse health and wellness options on Airbnb cater to various preferences, ensuring that travelers can find a space that aligns with their specific wellness goals.

The growing trend of remote work has boosted the popularity of properties that offer long-term stays and co-working facilities.

Accommodations appealing to digital nomads, with features like high-quality workspaces, rapid Wi-Fi, and discounts for extended stays, are increasingly in demand.

Examples Of Remote Work Stays:

• Homes with Dedicated Workspaces : Listings often feature a dedicated office space or desk area, comfortable chairs, and sufficient lighting, making them ideal for long hours of work.
• High-Speed Internet Access : Essential for remote work, these properties guarantee fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring seamless video calls and online work.
• Extended Stay Discounts : Many Airbnb hosts offer discounts for long-term stays, making it financially viable for remote workers to stay for weeks or months.
• Co-Working Spaces : Some properties include access to communal co-working areas, encouraging a productive environment and opportunities to network with other remote workers.

Through these varied options, Airbnb caters to the diverse needs and preferences of remote workers, combining the comforts of home with the necessities of a productive workspace.

Travelers are showing a growing interest in distinctive accommodations and experiences that showcase the local heritage, culture, and customs.

Options range from unconventional stays like tiny houses, treehouses, igloos, to even grand castles, and often come with exclusive experiences such as culinary lessons or artistic workshops.

Examples Of Unique And Experience-Based Accommodation:

• Tiny Homes : Compact and ingeniously designed, tiny homes provide a minimalist and eco-friendly stay, often in picturesque locations.
• Historic Castles : Staying in a castle allows travelers to immerse themselves in history and luxury, often accompanied by tours of the estate and local historical sites.
• Igloos and Ice Hotels : In colder regions, these unique stays offer an unforgettable experience in icy architecture, often with activities like northern lights viewing or dog sledding.
• Converted Barns or Farmhouses : These stays offer a rustic and charming experience in the countryside, often with opportunities for farm-to-table dining and agricultural activities.
• Houseboats or Floating Homes : Staying on the water, whether in a marina or on a tranquil lake, these accommodations offer a unique perspective and relaxing environment.

of guests consider the functionality of Airbnb accommodations as their top priority among all the amenities provided.

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These unique and experience-based accommodations not only provide a place to stay but also offer memorable activities and cultural immersion, greatly enhancing the travel experience.

Exploring the concept of unique and experience-based accommodation through Airbnb, we delve into the perspectives of Joe Gebbia , co-founder of Airbnb, on how such accommodations allow travelers to deeply understand and experience local cultures.

Staying at Airbnb listings gives me the opportunity to truly understand and experience the local culture of the countries I visit.

American billionaire designer & a co-founder of Airbnb.

Source: BrainyQuote

Joe Gebbia emphasizes the importance of Airbnb listings in offering authentic cultural experiences. He highlights how staying at these unique homes provides a more immersive and personal connection to the places people visit, contrasting with the generic experience of traditional hotels.

Glamping, a luxurious form of camping, is gaining popularity among travelers who wish to immerse themselves in nature without forgoing comfort.

Accommodations like yurts, bell tents, and camping pods provide a distinctive outdoor retreat.

Examples Of Glamping And Nature-Based Stays:

• Yurts : Circular, tent-like structures traditionally used by nomads in Central Asia, offering a unique and cozy stay, often with luxurious interiors.
• Bell Tents : Spacious and elegantly designed, bell tents provide a chic and comfortable camping experience, often furnished with beds and plush seating.
• Camping Pods : These are small, eco-friendly wooden cabins, often in beautiful natural settings, providing a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional tents.
• Safari Tents : Reminiscent of African safaris, these tents offer a luxurious stay in the wild, often equipped with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and sometimes even air conditioning.
• Treehouses : Elevated among the trees, these stays provide a unique perspective of the surrounding nature, combining childhood charm with modern amenities.

These glamping and nature-based options cater to those looking for an outdoor adventure without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of a traditional accommodation.

In light of the persistent pandemic, travelers are placing a high emphasis on safety and cleanliness.

Properties that offer rigorous cleaning protocols and safety amenities such as contactless check-in and check-out are expected to remain highly sought after.

Examples Of Enhanced Safety And Hygiene Standards:

• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols : Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting practices between guest stays, focusing on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Contactless Check-In and Check-Out : Offering self-service options for checking in and out to minimize contact between guests and hosts.
• Availability of Sanitizers and Disinfectants : Providing hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and sprays in the accommodation for guest use.
• Social Distancing Measures : Implementing procedures to ensure social distancing in common areas, such as lobbies or shared outdoor spaces.

These enhanced measures reassure travelers of a commitment to their health and safety, making these accommodations more appealing in the current environment.

Pet owners are increasingly using Airbnb to search for accommodations that welcome pets, allowing them to include their furry friends in their travel adventures.

This trend highlights the growing preference for listings that not only permit pets but also provide pet-specific amenities like pet beds, toys, and outdoor spaces for play.

Examples Of Pet-Friendly Accommodations:

• Accommodations with Pet Beds and Bowls : These stays provide pet beds, feeding bowls, and other basic pet necessities, making it easier for guests to travel light.
• Properties with Fenced Yards or Play Areas : Ideal for pet owners, these accommodations offer safe and secure outdoor spaces for pets to play and exercise.
• Pet-Friendly Walking Trails Nearby : Stays located near parks, beaches, or trails where pets are welcome and can enjoy outdoor activities with their owners.
• Pet Sitting or Walking Services : Some accommodations offer or can arrange pet sitting or dog walking services for guests who plan to be out for extended periods.

Countries With The Most Pet-Friendly Stays

These pet-friendly accommodations not only welcome pets but also go the extra mile to ensure that both the pets and their owners have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Families and bigger groups are increasingly choosing Airbnb homes that can host everyone together.

These listings are tailored to accommodate larger groups, offering ample sleeping arrangements, spacious areas for socializing, and activities that appeal to various age groups.

Examples Of Multi-Generational Travel And Group Stays:

• Large Family Homes : Spacious properties with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, accommodating extended families or large groups comfortably.
• Villas with Private Pools : Ideal for groups, these villas offer private swimming pools, outdoor lounging areas, and often include amenities like BBQs and outdoor dining areas.
• Resort-Style Complexes : Accommodations in resorts that offer a range of facilities like pools, spas, playgrounds, and activities suitable for all ages.
• Cottages in Scenic Locations : Perfect for family retreats, these cottages in picturesque settings often come with outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, fishing, or boating.

These diverse options ensure that families and groups can find accommodations that not only fit their size but also cater to the varied interests and needs of all members.

Addressing the trend of multi-generational travel and group stays, we explore Nathan Blecharczyk's , co-founder of Airbnb, insights on the role of Airbnb in accommodating such travel needs.

When you think about it, Airbnb is a great solution if your family is traveling with you on business and you need more space, if you're going for an extended stay, like a week plus. It's a great solution if you want close proximity to the work site and maybe there isn't a hotel across the street or whatnot.

Blecharczyk emphasizes how Airbnb serves as an ideal solution for families traveling together, especially for business purposes. He points out the convenience and suitability of Airbnb listings for extended stays, where traditional hotel accommodations might fall short in terms of space and homeliness.

Airbnb's diverse range of properties offers ample space and the comforts of a home, making it a perfect choice for families or groups traveling together. This is especially relevant for extended stays, where the need for a more lived-in space becomes pronounced.

Amid international travel constraints, a growing number of people are opting to discover places nearer to home or within their own countries.

This shift has resulted in a rise in local neighborhood stays, accommodations suitable for road trips, and experiences that highlight regional attractions.

Examples Of Hyperlocal Travel:

• Local Neighborhood Stays : Accommodations in nearby neighborhoods or towns, allowing travelers to explore local hidden gems and everyday life in different communities.
• Road Trip-Friendly Accommodations : Places to stay along popular road trip routes, offering convenient stopovers for travelers exploring by car.
• Regional Cottages and Cabins : Quaint cottages or cabins in scenic rural areas within the region, perfect for weekend getaways and immersing in local nature.
• City Apartments for Staycations : Urban apartments that offer a change of scenery for those looking to enjoy a city experience close to home.

Hyperlocal travel is about discovering the richness and diversity of one's own country, offering a blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and new experiences.

Authenticity in Travel

Hyperlocal travel is significant in its offer of authentic experiences.

Shift in Tourist Preferences

This trend reflects a broader shift in tourist preferences towards more responsible, sustainable, and immersive travel experiences.

Educational Value

It provides educational opportunities for travelers, teaching them about local ecosystems, cultures, and sustainability practices.

Promotion of Inclusivity

By focusing on less-visited areas, hyperlocal travel can promote inclusivity in the travel industry, making less mainstream destinations more accessible and appealing to tourists.

Delving into the concept of hyperlocal travel, we consider the reflections of Mary Lambert , who expresses a deep desire to explore Italy, France, and Greece, inspired by the captivating imagery and experiences showcased on Airbnb.

Lambert's longing to immerse herself in the local cultures of these destinations is a testament to the allure of hyperlocal travel facilitated by Airbnb.

I want to go to Italy and France; those are my two places. And I really want to go to Greece. I've seen so many pictures on Airbnb that make me think I should be living there. I could eat great salads and be on a boat.

Mary Lambert

American Singer & Songwriter

Her enthusiasm about potentially living in Greece, drawn from the alluring pictures on Airbnb, underscores the platform's ability to inspire travelers to explore local lifestyles authentically.

As Airbnb broadens its user base, the platform is increasingly focusing on providing accommodations that meet the diverse needs of its guests.

Listings that feature accessibility options, gender-neutral spaces, and facilities catering to specific cultural or religious preferences are gaining in popularity.

Examples Of Accessibility And Inclusivity:

• Wheelchair Accessible Properties : Accommodations with features like step-free access, wide doorways, wheelchair-accessible showers, and ramps.
• Gender-Neutral Spaces : Properties that ensure a welcoming environment for all guests, regardless of gender identity, often including gender-neutral bathrooms and inclusive amenities.
• Culturally Sensitive Accommodations : Listings that cater to specific cultural or religious practices, such as homes with prayer spaces, kosher kitchens, or halal food options.
• Family-Friendly Stays : Accommodations that are equipped for families with young children, offering amenities like cribs, high chairs, and safe play areas.
• Pet-Friendly Options for Service Animals : Listings that not only allow pets but are also equipped to accommodate service animals, with features like fenced yards or nearby walking trails.

Enhanced Accessibility Features

Airbnb could implement advanced search filters allowing users to find accommodations with specific accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, braille signage, and hearing aid compatibility.

Inclusive Design of Spaces

Future properties listed on Airbnb might be designed or modified with inclusivity as a core principle.

Virtual Tours for Accessibility

Airbnb could offer virtual tours of properties, giving potential guests a detailed view of the accessibility features.

These inclusive and accessible options reflect Airbnb's commitment to catering to the diverse requirements and preferences of its global user base.

How has the demand for sustainable accommodations changed in 2024?

Sustainability is a key trend in 2024. Travelers are increasingly seeking accommodations that are eco-friendly, with features like solar power, recycling programs, and sustainable building materials.

Are there new amenities that guests are looking for in 2024?

High-speed internet is a must-have for most guests, especially those working while traveling. Other sought-after amenities include dedicated workspaces, fitness equipment, and smart home features.

How are safety standards evolving on Airbnb in 2024?

Airbnb continues to prioritize safety, with updated guidelines and standards for cleanliness, security, and emergency preparedness. Hosts are encouraged to follow these guidelines strictly to ensure guest safety.

The landscape of Airbnb is swiftly transforming, influenced by shifts in traveler preferences, technological developments, and global economic changes.

As travelers increasingly favor genuine, tailored experiences over conventional hotel accommodations, it's crucial for Airbnb hosts and property managers to stay updated with these evolving trends.

They must adapt to emerging regulations and innovate to offer distinctive and unforgettable experiences to their guests.

Continue Learning About The Latest Trends With These Reads

• 10 Snapchat Trends You Need To Know For 2024
• 15 Video Trends You Need To Know For 2024
• 10 Marketing Automation Trends To Watch In 2024 Based On Industry Experts
• 10 Crypto Trends To Watch In 2024 Based On Industry Experts
• 12 Gaming Trends Set To Dominate In 2024 According To Industry Experts

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Airbnb reveals the top wish-listed properties for summer 2024

Play-based stays are having a moment

The summer travel season is nearly here, and smart travelers are planning in advance. So where is everyone going? Airbnb has some insight into where people are heading and what kinds of experiences they’re looking for. Their 2024 Summer Travel Trends report reveals the places and properties that are trending across the platform for summer travel.

Sporting events this summer are going to be huge: the Olympics in Paris and European Football Championships in Germany are a big draw in Europe, but Airbnb data shows that travelers are increasingly looking for properties near America’s Soccer Tournament as well, in cities like Glendale, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Airbnb also reveals that users are searching the platform’s Play category in numbers more than double those of last year. Travelers are seeking stays this summer that are experiences in their own right, wish-listing places like an entire house with a massive games room in Illinois, a cabin with a whole playground in Oklahoma and a luxury compound in California with everything from pickleball and basketball to a pool and putting green. Families are also searching for fun, showing an increase in searches for amenities like barbecues, pools and private outdoor areas.

The top trending destinations this summer, according to Airbnb, are Quincy, Washington; Columbia, South Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; Glendale, Arizona; Ouray, Colorado; Eugene, Oregon; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Rosemary Beach, Florida and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

For insight and inspiration, check out the full 2024 Summer Travel Trends report .

• Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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The fall of the Queen of Airbnb

She promised investors an easy windfall. Then it all came crashing down.

On a mild Tuesday evening in early 2022, some 150 people packed into the VFW hall in Tulsa to hear the Queen of Airbnb make her pitch.

Post-pandemic, with interest rates low and travel once again booming , Airbnb listings had been popping up all over the city. For average investors, the back-of-the-napkin math was irresistible. In Tulsa, you could buy a suburban-style home for less than $75,000 and rent it out for $117 a night. If you booked three-quarters of each month — as hosts were averaging at the time — you could bring in as much as $30,000 a year.

Tulsa had the feel of a rental gold rush. And Dani Widell was the city's self-styled Queen of Airbnb.

A small-time real-estate investor turned Airbnb property manager , Widell claimed to be nearing a total of 100 listings, more than anyone else in Tulsa. Tax returns would later show that Widell Renovations was generating over $1 million in annual bookings. She was a fixture on Facebook, where she doled out advice in short-term- rental groups and offered her services to turn homes into cash machines. She promised to give properties the look of a boutique hotel, handle the guests, and ensure there were fresh sheets and plentiful supplies of toilet paper. Investors could set it and forget it.

Now, after she made her pitch at the VFW hall, attendees clamored around Widell, eager to have her manage their Airbnb rentals. "At the time, the feeling was, if you weren't already in short-term rentals, it was too late," recalled Kathy Portley, the president of the Tulsa Real Estate Investors Association, which sponsored the event.

For Widell, though, it was already too late. Within a year, her Airbnb empire had come crashing down. Hosts weren't receiving their rent. Employees weren't being paid. Creditors came knocking. Her marriage had imploded. The sudden collapse — and the web of accusations that accompanied it — offer a cautionary tale of what comes from putting too much faith in a volatile market, an untested guru, and the promise of easy money. The reign of the Airbnb Queen of Tulsa was over — and her subjects were left to pick up the pieces.

Airbnb was one of the great turnaround stories of the pandemic.

In the early months of 2020, as the world shut down, the company lost nearly 80% of its business, laid off 1,900 employees, and watched its valuation slip from $31 billion to $18 billion. Experts mused that the pandemic might have permanently turned travelers off from the idea of home-sharing.

Instead, as lockdowns lifted and remote work became the new normal, Americans displayed an unprecedented itch to travel — assuming it could be done at a safe distance. Many found the space and security they were after in Airbnb. When the company went public at the end of 2020, it was the biggest IPO of the year. On the first day of trading, Airbnb's stock price doubled . As bookings soared, first-time real-estate investors rushed to get in on the action, transforming residential homes into short-term rentals. Before long, 260,000 new Airbnb and Vrbo listings had been added nationwide, according to the analytics firm AirDNA.

Tulsa, a city of 400,000 long known as the "oil capital of the world," looked to be a fertile ground for Airbnb. The city, with its Art Deco downtown and spacious Craftsman bungalows, was already a destination for homebuyers in search of affordability, a lively arts scene, and easy access to outdoor activities. What's more, Tulsa was actively courting remote workers, offering $10,000 to anyone willing to relocate to the city. Savvy investors were making healthy profits buying up homes and flipping them to the sudden influx of out-of-staters.

"I was not sleeping at that time," Emily Burke, an Airbnb manager in Tulsa, said. "I was up at two, three in the morning," taking phone calls and looking over properties.

Widell placed herself at the center of the boom. A former accountant who graduated from Oklahoma State University, she exuded polish and confidence. In 2017, she graced the cover of Tulsa People magazine, showing off the Brady Heights home she shared with her husband, Will Widell, a federal public defender. They'd bought it after flipping another house up the street, and Widell had spent hundreds of hours "salvaging every bit of the original craftsmanship" while infusing it with "21st-century functionality."

Now, as the Airbnb market accelerated, a rift opened between the couple: Will, who considers himself thrifty and risk-averse, wanted to cash out and retire, while Widell was consumed by the new opportunity to grow their business. "The more difficult the thing was, the more possibility it could fail, that's where she seemed to thrive," Will said. "She wasn't going to be happy if she was doing a project that was not risky." (Widell declined to be interviewed for this story.)

Widell started channeling her house-flipping expertise into managing short-term rentals. For a fee of a few thousand dollars, she would stage an Airbnb unit in tasteful shades of beige, hang some abstract art, and install remote locks. For a 25% cut, she would handle everything from booking reservations to fielding late-night calls from guests who'd been locked out. "To someone just getting into Airbnb," Logan Haskett, one of Widell's early clients, said, "this would be a dream."

The "Queen of Airbnb" label, which started off as Widell's Airbnb account name, helped create an aura of omnipotence. "Maybe she is the Airbnb queen," Burke remembered thinking. "It just seemed like she just must be killing it."

By all appearances, Widell certainly seemed to be thriving. She took business lunches at Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, a leading Tulsa destination. She was a member of the Summit Club — "Downtown Tulsa's Only Private Social Club" — perched atop the Bank of America Center, with its panoramic views of the Arkansas River. She hobnobbed with the local elite and claimed to have more Airbnb listings than anyone else in the city. She cut her hair short and, to her husband's annoyance, swapped out her conservative style for big sunglasses and more "flamboyant" fashions.

Widell, who hadn't had much growing up, also projected an image of benevolence. She made a point of hiring people with criminal records to work in her warehouse, and she talked about buying a church that had just come on the market and turning it into a women's shelter. She was making a mark, one of Widell's early employees, Knikki Nash, recalled Widell saying.

But then investors started asking questions. And soon enough, Widell would be turning on the very people she'd promised a second chance.

In May 2022, three months after Widell made her pitch at the VFW, the Airbnb market in Tulsa was at its height. That month, some 50,000 golf fans descended on Tulsa for the PGA Championship, which the city was hosting. Airbnb rentals were fetching as much as $1,000 a night. That May, according to tax returns, Widell Renovations took in $166,000 from Airbnb — its best month of the year.

It wasn't just Tulsa. Across the country, the Airbnb market was saturated . Demand was still surging, but as more and more people listed their homes with the company, the average occupancy rate plunged to 55%. Burke, who was managing 25 properties, sensed the market might be overheating. She decided to hold off on taking any new listings. "Tulsa jumped from like 600 to 1,500 listings in a very short time period," she said. "I just wanted to see how things kind of would shake out."

Widell, in contrast, showed no signs of slowing down — even as the money from Airbnb rentals dried up.

Investors began to complain that Widell was passing along lower earnings than they had expected. When pressed, Widell would blame the drop in revenue on unexpected cleaning costs or say that a guest had suddenly switched to a different rental.

But some investors grew suspicious. Mallory Massey, a local real-estate investor, had handed nine of her properties over to Widell in fall 2021 to list as Airbnbs. The largest, a five-bedroom home, was advertised at $249 per night. Then, Massey began to notice that reservations were mysteriously disappearing from her Airbnb hosting calendar. She started looking at the logs of messages between Widell and prospective renters — and was startled by what she found. Widell was offering "upgrades" to other properties, effectively steering renters away from Massey's units to other Airbnbs she managed, according to a lawsuit Massey filed in 2022. Massey has filed to put a lien on 11 of Widell's properties to recoup her losses in case they are sold.

"I don't trust the words that come out of her mouth," one investor's wife warned. "She tries to hype things up too much."

Another investor, David Brunson, started working with Widell in July 2022. He recalled being impressed by her enthusiasm and her experience. His wife, however, was more skeptical. "I don't trust the words that come out of her mouth," she told him. "She tries to hype things up too much."

But the promise of an easy source of passive income was too good to pass up. Brunson started by listing one of his properties, a two-bedroom home, with Widell. Then one night, he noticed that a three-week booking, totaling $2,200, had disappeared from his hosting calendar. After he and Widell argued over who was to blame for the cancellation, he withdrew his listing with her.

Other investors were also complaining that Widell was shortchanging them. Renee Brummett, who worked with Widell in the early days as head of housekeeping, had risen to serve as her right hand. In 2022, she started getting alarmed calls from investors. "We've had an Airbnb for two months, and Dani hasn't paid us anything," Brummett recalled them saying. "She's keeping our money. Or she says we owe her money."

According to those familiar with the business, Widell seemed to be shifting her focus away from Airbnb rentals to the house-staging business. She spent lavishly on furniture, filling her warehouse with expensive pieces. "The spending became excessive," Brummett said. "That was just the beginning of the end for her."

Then, in December 2022, staff confronted Widell. They, like the Airbnb hosts she managed, weren't getting paid. Unsatisfied with Widell's response, some quit on the spot. The following day, two employees doorstepped Widell at one of her properties. During the encounter, which was captured by security cameras, she offered a very different spin on why she had hired so many employees with criminal records.

"I can use the legal system to my advantage," Widell crowed. "Do you know how many people work here that don't want to go back to prison or jail? Fuck all of them."

As her reign unraveled, the Queen of Airbnb took measures to shore up her floundering business. Widell reached out to Nash, the former employee who had gone to work for a rival Airbnb manager, and offered her an all-encompassing role as operations manager. After checking Widell's Instagram account, Nash agreed.

"Everything looked all right, because Dani was just throwing money around," Nash said. "If you looked at Dani online, she's traveling and she's buying things and she's paying for advertisements. Everything looks on the up and up. It looked like she was trying to make this church thing happen with the women's shelter. It looked like she was trying to get everybody paid."

But when Nash showed up at the warehouse, she was taken aback. Employees were lounging around and smoking marijuana. The master spreadsheet for staging jobs hadn't been updated in weeks, and it was missing names and contact details for clients. Widell's behavior, meanwhile, struck Nash as increasingly erratic. She seemed preoccupied with renewing her vows with her husband, Will, rather than tending to the business. Nash couldn't understand where all the money from short-term rentals had gone, at a time when many Airbnb managers were still reporting strong profits. "I don't see how you're not making good money off Airbnb," she told Widell.

It didn't take long to get an answer. On February 3, Widell's husband filed for divorce.

Over the past six months, Will claimed in his filing, Widell had taken out $500,000 in loans and had racked up $350,000 in credit-card debt, much of it without his knowledge. A few days later, as Nash was staging a three-bedroom ranch home on a quiet street in Tulsa, she got an urgent call from the warehouse: Will was there, carting away documents. Widell had left Tulsa in a brand new Land Rover. As she'd tell Nash, she was "driving off into the sunset."

"There is no more business," Will told Nash when she got him on the phone. "She has squandered every penny."

The marriage had been souring since the previous fall. Widell seemed to be working constantly. "She would tell me, 'I don't need to sleep anymore. I just feel so much energy all the time. I just want to work,'" Will recalled. In January, Will cosigned a $100,000 loan against their property on the condition that Widell start coming home in time for dinner and agree to see a mental-health professional.

Eventually, multiple people would claim that Widell had taken out credit cards in their names and run up bills, some as much as $6,000. Brummet says her boss even took out a card in the name of Brummet's daughter, who had died a year earlier.

Widell "had gotten herself into a lot of trouble," Brummett said. "By December, a lot of owners were very unhappy. By January, there were threats of lawsuits. And by February, she had fled the state."

In the days after Widell left Tulsa, Nash got an urgent message from an Airbnb tenant who had stepped into the February chill to accept a DoorDash order — only to find herself unable to reenter the house. The unit's remote locks, it turned out, had been changed for nonpayment. Widell, it appeared, had taken the money and run.

The spectacular downfall of Tulsa's go-to savant for short-term rentals didn't dampen the city's passion for Airbnb. Widell's investors found new property managers. Her employees found other work, in some cases with Widell's old rivals. Today, her "Tulsa Airbnb Group" on Facebook remains active, with some 1,000 members.

But what happened with Widell sounded an alarm. "I don't think it gives the industry a good name," Burke said. "I remember speaking with a contact at the city who said, 'You know, it's unfortunate, because sometimes there's just, like, one or two people that are ruining it for everyone else.'"

Airbnb's cycle of boom and bust has also scared off some "naive, first-time operators," Meagan McCollum, a professor of real-estate finance at the University of Tulsa, said. "You hear stories about people who had a tough time with it, instead of just hearing the success stories when the market was hot. As those stories permeate, that definitely gives people pause."

Experts who watch the national market for short-term rentals now believe that the COVID-era boom was a once-in-a-lifetime event. "We don't expect that short-term rentals will ever see occupancies that high again, barring another pandemic," said Bram Gallagher, an economist at AirDNA, which tracks the performance and pricing of 10 million vacation rentals. Nationally, revenues per listing dropped by 6.6% last year, and the market is settling into a more stable equilibrium — one that won't be as lucrative as the market that emerged during a historic anomaly. But that won't stop people from trying to turn their property into a side hustle.

"It's so interesting, the whole pandemic, you know, what it revealed about human nature," Gallagher said. "I guess it's human nature to sort of capitalize on that."

As for Widell, she has failed to appear in court multiple times — or even explain what happened. In February and again in March, she showed up at the building where her husband and Brummett lived, and, according to Brummett, harassed them with a gun. Both have obtained restraining orders against her.

Those who believed in Widell, meanwhile, wound up paying a steep price for their faith in her. Nash, who said Widell owes her $8,200 in back pay, narrowly avoided being evicted from her home. "I felt sad about it," Nash said. "I made it through a hard time, so I guess I'll have to figure it out some other way."

Nash has picked up some work managing Airbnbs for other companies, but it wasn't enough to pay the bills. She was evicted by her landlord for falling behind on rent and moved out of her apartment with her 16-year-old son and her 7-year-old grandson. The only living arrangement they could find was in midtown — a 16-minute drive from where the kids went to school.

It was a two-bedroom Airbnb.

Dan Latu is a reporter on Business Insider's Real Estate team.

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Never Fall for These Airbnb Rental Scams

Posted: April 11, 2024 | Last updated: April 11, 2024

Bookers Beware

From tiny homes to kid-friendly rentals, there’s an Airbnb for every type of travel. Many of its 4 million hosts and 5.6 million active listings are trustworthy and valid. However, many travelers’ daydreams have turned into nightmares due to scams. Vacation-rental frauds rob you of your time, money, and stress-free vacation plans. From fake bookings to non-existent plumbing problems, here are the top types of rip-offs floating around — and how you can keep from falling into the fraudsters’ traps on Airbnb and other sites such as Vrbo and Vacasa.

Scam: Fake Listing

Some listings are entirely bogus, says Michelle Couch-Friedman, executive director of the consumer group Elliott Advocacy . “Many Airbnb users aren’t even aware that there is a possibility that a listing is fake. But the reality is that a percentage of the listings you see on the Airbnb site are not real,” she says. The counterfeit host must only trick someone once to make a profit. Swindlers have even created a software subscription service Land Lordz’ to automate the creation of phony listings.  

Solution: Be Wary of New Listings

Airbnb doesn’t physically vet properties, so travelers must do their homework. A listing with no property reviews should give you pause. “Of course, not all new listings are scams, but all scam listings are brand new,”  Couch-Friedman says. If you find a listing without reviews, lookout for other red flags like blurry or outdated photos or odd wording or grammatically incorrect descriptions of the property Couch-Friedman advises.

Scam: Fake Reviews

Hosts know that bookings hinge on great reviews. That’s why they’ll post false ones. They may set up dummy accounts themselves or hire spam or bot agencies to do it for them. Often, they’ll pick up reviews from other properties to make the feedback seem more legitimate.

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Solution: Read Carefully

Look for the dates on reviews. Seeing reviews with recent dates and/or one right after the other can indicate the reviews are shams. You can also copy and paste key phrases from reviews into search engines to see if the reviewer is copying and pasting from another listing. “It may sound counter-intuitive, but look for a bad review,” says TravelFreak founder and CEO Jeremy Scott Foster. “We all know you can't please everyone. Fake reviewers will never have a bad review, so it’s a great signal that your holiday let is real when somebody hasn't enjoyed themselves as much.”

Related:   17 Things You Should Never Do in a Hotel Room

Scam: Fake Photos

Great photos can make or break a listing. Some deceitful hosts will grab stock photos to make their property look appealing and to justify a higher price. Of course, these photos don’t reflect what the accommodation looks like, and you’re not getting what you thought you were paying for.

Solution: Verify the Images

“The best way to avoid being scammed like this is to reverse image search the property’s photos,” says real estate expert Jeff Johnson. “If the property looks too good to be true, it probably is. If you find images of the property lying around as stock photos, it’s a clear indication that the listing was fake.”

Scam: Property Switch

This scenario has played out for countless victims : Shortly before a guest arrives, the host contacts them saying the property they booked is experiencing plumbing problems. Apologetically, the host offers a stay at another of their properties. The traveler arrives only to find the new place is a shack compared to the original booking — and wondering if the promised property ever existed in the first place. 

Solution: Make the Host Cancel, Rebook

Jeff Johnson, real estate agent and acquisition manager of Simple Homebuyers , says the best solution is to refuse the alternate option and rebook one of your choosing. “If you have to, keep on arguing with them until they cancel,” he says. “Remember, if you cancel, the onus is on you to pay the cancellation fees. If you find yourself in a tough spot due to the cancellation, contact Airbnb to find alternative options.”

Scam: Pay Outside of Airbnb

Hosts sometimes ask potential renters to pay outside of the Airbnb platform, whether through a wire transfer, a third-party payment site such as PayPal or Zelle, or even Bitcoin. Thrifty hosts may be trying to avoid the fees, but others are hoping to pick your pocket digitally. Hosts may also offer to extend your stay for a cash or digital payment rather than a rebooking through Airbnb.  

Solution: Pay Only Through the Platform

Any invitation to leave the Airbnb site should be an immediate red flag. When you pay on Airbnb, the company holds the funds in abeyance, then releases it to the host (minus their fees). This protects you in case you decide to cancel, for which you’ll receive a credit, or other issues arise. If you decide to extend your stay, book again through Airbnb. 

Scam: Fake Pages

Nick Wharton, of Goats on the Road travel blog , is a savvy booker, but in 2020 he nearly lost $3,300 to a fraudulent Airbnb account. After chatting online with a supposed host, Wharton received a link to book. But when Wharton navigated to the link to pay, he noticed it was a mock-Airbnb webpage, not the real Airbnb. The URL was off by only a few characters from the real site, and the difference would escape many guests’ notice.  

Solution: Stay on Airbnb

Never navigate away from Airbnb. If you click on a link from a host, closely verify that you’re still using the Airbnb platform. Wharton advises, “If you’re booking on Airbnb, be very wary of communicating outside of the platform and don’t book apartments through any Airbnb websites that don’t look exactly like the regular site.”

Scam: Systemizing Apartments

Professional Airbnb operators are grabbing newly built apartment buildings and turning them into short-term rentals. In London, in 2020, the rental frenzy inspired operators to systematize rentals by using the same photos and descriptions for listings for multiple real-life properties — not all of which looked like the photos. When the renters arrive, they’re often baffled to find a place that hardly resembles the booking they thought they were getting.

Solution: Read the Reviews

“Reviews can literally make or break an Airbnb listing because you’re getting the inside scoop from someone that actually experienced the location,” says digital nomad Janelle (Jash) Cooper, of Joyriding with Jash . Reviews will reveal the real experiences of people who’ve stayed there — well, mostly.

Scam: In for a Penny

Hosts may offer discounts or better rates if you book directly with them. However, once you navigate away from Airbnb, you’re susceptible to having your money stolen — and perhaps even your private information with it. Leaving the app “should be avoided at all costs especially before you’ve even been to the property. When you leave the platform, you no longer have the security of the app and leave everything up to chance,” Cooper says. 

Solution: Negotiate in Airbnb

Cooper recommends negotiating — just stay in the app. “My biggest tip for savvy booking is to ask for a discount especially when you’re booking an extended stay,” she says. Message within the Airbnb platform and book the stay there too once the price has been settled.

Scam: Best-Price Booking

Podcast host Dave Anthony ran afoul of this scam during his travels. As he found, hosts — and third-party booking sites — will list a single property at different rates. If the host receives a booking for a higher rate, they will cancel the lower-priced booking and leave the traveler hanging. As a make-good, the host will occasionally offer a back-up booking, though this accommodation is often lower quality than the initial lodging.

Related:   Your New Air Travel Checklist

Solution: Price Shop

If you believe you’re getting a property for a price that’s too good to be true, it likely is. Scan listings to see if the property you’re interested in is duplicated and at a higher price.

Scam: Property Damage

When CJ Infantino arrived at his rental with his family in 2021, he got more than he bargained for : holes in the walls, dirty floors, and broken fixtures. After they checked out, they received a bill from the host for $1,500 in property damage they hadn’t caused. When this type of con occurs, the hosts often threaten to leave the traveler a poor review, which could cause eventual suspension from the site, or legal action to create urgency.

Solution: Document, Document

If you arrive at a property and there’s damage, take photos of it immediately. Then, message the host with the images through the Airbnb app so there’s a record of your communications. In fact, this is always wise, says Couch-Friedman. “Keep all of your communication with the host within the Airbnb message center. That way if a scam does happen, you've got all the evidence you need to receive assistance from Airbnb,” she advises. When in doubt, contact Airbnb for assistance.

Related:   33 Ways The Travel Industry is Picking Your Pocket

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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