If you’ve heard of Airbnb, you probably know it’s a great resource for finding good deals when you travel. We’ve used it many times for budget-friendly places to stay. Unlike hotels, Airbnb gives you a unique experience.
But there’s more to Airbnb than just lodging. They also offer something called “Airbnb Experiences,” which a friend told us about. This feature has fascinated us ever since. Let me explain the difference.
Airbnb has been around for quite a while and is well-known. It helps people travel affordably by offering a variety of places to stay. Hosts can list different types of spaces, such as:
– A single room or an entire floor of their house
– A cottage next to their home
– A vacation home (though short-term rentals like this can be illegal in many places and might get taken down from the site)
These places often come with amenities like linens, toiletries, home appliances, and sometimes even breakfast, making your trip more comfortable and helping you pack lighter.
Airbnb Experiences is a bit different. Instead of lodging, it’s about offering unique activities. What you can do depends on where you are. The service isn’t available everywhere yet, but it’s doing well in big cities. Some examples of experiences are:
– Photo tours
– Cooking classes
– Vineyard or brewery tours
– Art classes
– Walking or adventure tours
To host one of these experiences, you need to prove you’re an expert in that field. This could mean having a relevant degree, a professional certificate, or work experience.
This feature adds a new twist to the usual Airbnb offerings, appealing to those looking for unique experiences. It can also be a way to earn extra income if you have some expertise and free time.
As a blended family, we thought about using Airbnb to make some money when our kids were away. But it wasn’t worth it because we didn’t have a separate guest space, and providing breakfast for every guest didn’t generate enough returns.
Similarly, we tried hosting cooking and cocktail pairing classes through Airbnb Experiences. My spouse is a chef and I have a background in baking. Despite our passion, high overhead costs and Airbnb’s 20% commission made it less profitable than we’d hoped.
Depending on your situation and the market, Airbnb and its related services can still be good side businesses.
Overall, we find Airbnb to be a great platform for both finding places to stay and discovering exciting activities. Whether you want to make some extra money or are seeking a unique travel experience, Airbnb has something to offer.
I think it’s a win-win situation! What about you? Have you ever used Airbnb as a guest or a host? I’d love to hear your experiences.