Search Results forAirbnb
Airbnb sees an increase in travel searches among Indian Travellers
Representative Image Airbnb reveals trending travel destinations among Indian travelers for the upcoming festive and autumn season (September-November), showcasing a blend of trending domestic and international destinations captivating Indian travelers. Airbnb reveals trending domestic and international destinations for the festive and autumn season Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trends: "The festive and autumn season presents a unique opportunity for Indian travellers to explore both domestic and international destinations. We're seeing an exciting trend in travel patterns, with more Indians seeking unique travel experiences in culturally rich cities or enjoying the serene beauty of international landscapes especially during the autumn season. This trend not only boosts tourism but also promotes cultural exchange, aligning perfectly with this year's World Tourism Day theme." Leading the list of trending domestic destinations is Kanpur, celebrated for its grand Dussehra festivities, and Lakshadweep, known for its tropical allure, also ranks high among traveller searches. Other standout domestic picks include Ujjain’s spiritual aura during the festive season, and Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, offering breathtaking Himalayan views set against vibrant autumn foliage. This highlights a growing interest in destinations that combine cultural significance with natural beauty, providing memorable escapes within India. Indian travellers are increasingly exploring international locales known for stunning views and unique seasonal activities. Tokyo leads the pack, captivating visitors with momijigari (autumn leaf viewing) across its parks. The picturesque Amalfi Coast, with its Mediterranean charm, offers Indian tourists a quieter, off-season retreat. Meanwhile, Baku is emerging as a favorite, where the blend of modern architecture and rich history comes alive against the backdrop of colourful autumn landscapes. Other top trending international destinations include Kyoto’s historic temples amidst fiery fall hues, and Spain’s Nord de Palma District, known for its sun-drenched autumn days. In terms of countries, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Montenegro are emerging as top trending destinations for Indian travellers during this period. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan captivate with their rich history and scenic autumn landscapes, while Montenegro enchants with its stunning coastlines and mountainous terrain. Additionally, countries like Japan, Norway, Luxembourg, and Georgia are popular for their favourable weather, picturesque autumn scenery, and rich cultural offerings. These countries appeal to Indian travellers seeking diverse and immersive autumn experiences, enhanced by good connectivity and appealing seasonal conditions. As Indian travellers embrace the festive and autumn season, these destinations-both familiar and newly discovered-offer the perfect combination of natural splendour, cultural depth, and seasonal charm, creating unforgettable getaways.
Should travel sellers pivot to second tier cities to benefit from Airbnb bans driving up ADRs in other cities?
Representative Image: A modern building in the Technology Center of Virginia, Reston Virginia. The building contains short-term rental properties Following last year’s short-term rental ban in New York City, reports showed “staggering gains” in neighbouring cities like New Jersey. And it’s not just short-term rental owners that are benefiting, the diverted tourism to these areas is rubbing off on other industries too. It’s clear that consumer appetite for short-term rentals remains high, so should the travel industry now be focusing its attention more on ‘second cities’? Could there be lucrative opportunities on both the corporate and leisure side for savvy travel companies? We spoke with a range of travel technology professionals to find out what they think. Gareth Matthews, CMO at global travel distribution provider Didatravel,points out that the demand for second tier cities is driven in part by price: “This is not so much about people wanting short-term-rental properties and going to New Jersey to find them, and more about people wanting accommodation that is affordable. For companies selling lodging, having a wide range of directly sourced, competitively priced accommodation in more than just the typical well-known destinations is therefore really a big key to success. Often, the yields can be higher in second- and third-tier cities, as there isn’t as much competition.” But the ban shows how volatile the hospitality industry can be – price fluctuations can make income more unpredictable for hoteliers. Alex Barros, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at hotel revenue management expert BEONx says the key is in diversification. “Based on what we’ve seen, the ban in New York City has driven up its hotel prices – perhaps in surrounding regions too. Hoteliers need to be aware of this as bans happen in real time, being prepared for sudden market changes can help inform pricing strategies in advance. And this could work the other way too: if a ban is lifted, hotel prices are likely to fall again. These price fluctuations make it more difficult to rely on income from room rates alone, hoteliers should position their properties as more than just a place to stay – offering other guest services that can increase revenues, like food and beverage, or unique experiences.” For some the growth of tourism in New Jersey has shown how much travellers value short-term rentals, so travel companies should be focusing on them more – not less. “Gaining access to a big supply of short-term rental properties in any city, whether first- or second-teir, will be difficult for travel intermediaries dealing with multiple destinations,” says Ayşe Yaşar, VP of Sales from B2B accommodation booking platform Bedsopia. “So, it is important to have in place the right third-party supplier partnerships and also the technology to handle and process these too. The demand for short-term rentals isn’t going away; the situations in New York City and New Jersey have proven that. Short-term rentals are only likely to become increasingly important for travellers, so B2C sellers need to make sure they can offer this option if they want to remain competitive.” To seize this burgeoning market, however, hoteliers in ‘second cities’ must also cater to the unique needs of those guests who are day-trippers to the bigger cities nearby. “For example, in the case of New Jersey hotels catering to NYC tourists, early breakfast hours and bundled transit passes can help enhance a hotel’s offering, ensuring tourists can make day trips to their main destination and get the most out of their day,” says Chris Hovanessian, Senior Product Manager at leading hospitality tech platform Cloudbeds. Chris, who oversees the company’s guest experience product, continues: “Digital guest guides — accessed online via a mobile link, not through an app that must be downloaded — with useful links to maps, sightseeing tips, dining recommendations, and local neighborhood guides are also a nice touch for guests that are typically on the go. These tailored offerings will help create a memorable experience that could spark repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.” As a final thought, tapping into this theme, Manuel Núñez from Servantrip, a leading B2B hub for tours & activities used by travel agents and tour operators, points out that when it comes to second or third tier cities people don’t just want accommodation – they also want something to do when there. “Offering tours & activities as an ancillary option not only gives the intermediary a commission, but in many cases can also make or break a sale in a retail environment and even online if you can package it well. Make sure that your suppliers of experiences have a wide geographic range of options, too often they’re just focused on the obvious cities and products.” comments Manuel.
New research reveals the most profitable US cities for Airbnb hosts
A new study has found Scottsdale, Arizona, to be the most profitable city for Airbnb hosts. The research, carried out by personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks, calculated how much extra homeowners could earn by renting out properties per night, using the average cost of an Airbnb in each location. The cost was then compared to the average weekly wage using statewide data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the final ranking. Location Airbnb income as % of average weekly wage Scottsdale, Arizona 55.90% Tempe, Arizona & Charlestown, South Carolina 50.00% Phoenix, Arizona 47.90% Las Vegas, Nevada 43.10% Glendale, Arizona 42.80% Gilbert, Arizona 40.90% Chandler, Arizona 40.00% Virginia Beach, Virginia 38.70% North Charleston, South Carolina 36.70% Mesa, Arizona 36.30% Figures reveal that Scottsdale, Arizona, is the best city for Airbnb hosts, with one night’s stay at a property costing $449 on average, which is 55.9% of the median weekly salary in the city. While Scottsdale has one of the highest weekly incomes of any location at $804, the cost of renting an Airbnb is the highest on the list by $47. Another Arizonan city places next, with Tempe sharing second place alongside Charleston, South Carolina. The cost of a single night stay in both locations adds up to 50% of the average weekly wage; the former at $402 per night and the latter at $345. Phoenix follows closely in third with an average cost per night of $385, equaling 47.9% of the weekly $804 average wage. The city in Arizona boasts many tourist attractions, including the impressive Chase Stadium, Mystery Castle, and Papago Park, all of which help to entice huge numbers, with 19.5 million people visiting in 2022. Las Vegas proceeds in fourth, costing $312 per night on average, adding up to 43.1% of Nevada's median weekly wage of $724. The internationally renowned resort city has approximately 2.9 million visitors per year and is the sixth most visited city in the country. Glendale, Arizona rounds out the top five, costing $344 on average per night, equating to 42.8% of the state’s average weekly salary. The city lies just nine miles away from Phoenix and houses State Farm Stadium, where NFL franchise, the Arizona Cardinals, host scheduled fixtures. Neighboring town Gilbert, Arizona follows next, with a solitary night’s stay at an Airbnb costing $329 on average, equating to 40.9% of residents' average income per week. Attractions to visitors include Gilbert Regional Park and Desert Sky Park, both of which underwent multi-million-dollar renovations in 2019. Chandler, Arizona is very close behind, with the cost of an Airbnb just $7 less than Gilbert, which means it adds up to 40% of the $804 weekly wage. Numerous buildings in the city are either in the National Register of Historic Places or listed as such by the Chandler Historical Society, as well as being home to the Arizona Railway Museum. Ranking in eighth place is Virginia Beach. The city in Virginia has the highest average weekly salary of any other in the top ten at $857, and a $332 average Airbnb cost per night, equating to 38.7% of earnings. The city is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest pleasure beach in the world and attracted a huge 13.6 million visitors in 2022. North Charleston places ninth and is the second city in South Carolina to make the top ten. It also has the lowest cost per night compared to the other ranking cities at an average of $254, which equates to 36.7% of its $690 average weekly salary – the second lowest of any city analyzed in the research. Mesa completed the top ten and is the seventh city in Arizona to rank in the list's upper echelons. It also has the second-lowest average Airbnb cost at $292 per night, which works out at 36.3% of median weekly earnings. Commenting on the research findings, Michael Dinich, founder of Wealth of Geeks said: “It’s clear to see by the numbers that Arizona is a hub for vacationers, reflected in the fact the prices appear to be in the higher bracket compared to cities in other states. “The ability for residents to earn over half their weekly salary from renting out a property for a single night is impressive, not to mention, an extremely convenient way to earn extra income – it’s much easier than time-consuming second jobs or side hustles.”
Airbnb acquires AI stealth company, GamePlanner.AI
“What makes GamePlanner.AI so special is that they combine expertise in AI, design, and community,” said Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky. “AI will rapidly alter our world more than any other technology in our lifetime, but we need to ensure that it augments humanity in a positive way. Airbnb is one of the more humanistic companies in technology, and I believe that, together with Adam and his team, we can develop some of the best interfaces and practical applications for AI.” While Airbnb is already using AI across our service, including large language models, computer vision models and machine learning—and most recently, an AI-powered Photo Tour tool launched in our 2023 Winter Release—Adam and Siamak’s team will focus on accelerating select AI projects and integrating their tools into our platform. Adam co-founded Siri, which was acquired by Apple, and then led server side engineering and AI for Siri, while working alongside Steve Jobs. He later co-founded Viv Labs, which was acquired by Samsung and is now known as the company’s voice assistant Bixby. Adam was also on the founding team of Change.org, the world’s largest petition platform. Alongside Adam, Siamak led the natural language processing team for Siri at Apple and led the largest engineering team for Viv Labs at Samsung. “A big part of what attracted us to Airbnb was our shared commitment to using AI to enable human connection,” said Adam Cheyer, co-founder and CEO of GamePlanner.AI. “Like Brian, I believe that without great design and community-based intelligence, AI can only achieve a fraction of its potential. But with them, the sky's the limit. The Airbnb team understands this better than anyone.” About Airbnb Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed over 1.5 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
Breezeway becomes official Airbnb partner
Breezeway has become an official Airbnb Software Partner, the integration leverages multiple data connections to bring automation and operational insights to hosts and property managers. By integrating with Airbnb, hosts and property managers can use Breezeway to coordinate their entire operations, including scheduling cleaning and property preparation, using smart checklists and automated messaging and workflows to drive a predictable guest experience. Using Airbnb’s reviews API, Breezeway also enables hosts and property managers to connect Airbnb guest reviews with individual tasks and specific property workflows, providing invaluable insights from review data to identify homes, cleaning processes, or other workflows that may benefit from additional management and support. This means hosts and property managers, including the thousands of Breezeway clients that also use a third-party property management system, can see what is working well and quickly implement improvements to the guest experience to address operational gaps, resulting in higher quality stays. The partnership makes it easier for hosts and property managers to prepare, communicate, and service guests. With fully-integrated messaging between Breezeway and Airbnb, hosts and property managers can now view and respond to Airbnb message threads within the Breezeway platform, using detailed property information to respond to guest questions and automatically update guests when a home is ready for check-in or update the status of open service requests. Breezeway Guide, a personalized digital welcome book, and Breezeway Assist, a 24-hour call-service supplemented with Breezeway’s AI-driven engine, are also connected through the Airbnb integration. Jeremy Gall, CEO and Founder of Breezeway, said: “We’re excited to become an official Airbnb Software Partner. We share a commitment to helping hosts and property managers create consistent hospitality experiences at unique and authentic homes. From cleaning and quality assurance to supply restocking, linens, routine maintenance, upkeep, property safety, and helping the guest enjoy all the amenities of the home, there is a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to create a great guest experience. Breezeway automates these workflows and reduces errors, to help hosts and property managers meet guest expectations every single time. Building Airbnb review insights into Breezeway gives property managers and hosts invaluable data that ties their property preparation tasks and activities directly to guest reviews. This is another way innovative technology is helping drive operational excellence and deliver better guest experiences, leading to higher ratings and more bookings. ” Breezeway, a platform for managing all the work of maintaining and cleaning short-term rental homes, has helped thousands of hosts and property managers deliver the highest quality hospitality experiences for millions of guests – across more than 250,000 homes in 80 countries.
Airbnb sees strong travel interest to the Philippines among SEA travelers
Latest data from Airbnb reveals that Airbnb Hosts and guests are emerging as key drivers of economic activity in destinations and communities across the Philippines. While the pandemic had caused unprecedented disruption to global tourism and international visitor numbers to plummet by more than 70 percent, Airbnb is seeing a strong rebound in both international and domestic guest arrivals across the Southeast Asian region, including the Philippines. Chinese travellers keen to visit the Philippines Since the reopening of cross-border travel in China, Chinese travellers are increasingly expressing interest in visiting a wider variety of destinations. The Philippines have recorded more than 10x increases in guest searches among Chinese travellers on Airbnb year-on-year. Domestic tourism continues to grow across the region As international travel continues to rebound across Southeast Asia, domestic travel remains extremely popular amongst local travellers. In the Philippines, nights booked on Airbnb more than doubled last year from 2020 and domestic travel continued to lead the way as the Philippines ranked as the #1 travel destination among locals in 2022. Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “Domestic tourism has proved to be resilient in times of crisis and an option of a more immediate and positive economic impact to local economies. A weekend trip to a near destination to home is not only easier to plan, but also much more affordable. Airbnb has proven to be an option that can help support domestic tourism, by providing a greater variety of affordable accommodation in new destinations. Guests now have the ability to travel to many more places by using Airbnb.” Spreading tourism to more new towns and cities In 2022, Airbnb guests stayed in over 100,000 different cities and towns globally. The top 10 most-visited destinations on Airbnb accounted for around 7 percent of all trips, compared to 10 percent in 2019. The number of communities globally where guests stayed increased by over 25 percent in 2022 compared with five years ago, spreading tourism to new and different destinations. Since March 2020, more than 13,000 towns and cities globally received their first booking on Airbnb. In the Philippines, more than 900 new towns and cities have their first booking on Airbnb during this period. New Airbnb data shows that guests booking stays using Airbnb’s flexible search features are significantly less likely to stay in the most popular destinations on Airbnb, compared to those booking via traditional search – around 1 in 20 stays on Airbnb are booked using flexible search features. Globally, flexible bookers are approximately 23 percent less likely to stay in the top 20 destinations on Airbnb. Bajaj added, “Distributed travel is affordable, boosts local economies and local jobs, and immerses people in these communities – whereas too much travel to popular places concentrates tourism economically and geographically. Across Southeast Asia, Airbnb is helping disperse guests, income and tourism benefits beyond the usual hotspots to new and trending destinations. We see the challenges posed by mass tourism around the world, and are investing in solutions to help, while helping guests discover new communities and generating new income streams for locals.”
6 reasons to NOT use this viral TikTok AirBnB hack
A recent video by TikTok user Anna (@annathingbutanimals) has been garnering attention for her travel hack, which she says has purportedly saved her thousands of dollars while travelling. In her video, Anna reveals the hack where she saves Airbnb hosts' numbers, contacts them directly for future stays, and negotiates lower prices, often paying in cash. This strategy has allegedly saved her considerable money, but bypasses Airbnb's platform and safeguards. In a recent collaboration, Cottagely.co.uk and travel expert Joshua Rasia listed 6 reasons to NOT use this travel hack. 1. The Host Can Cancel Your Stay at the Last Minute Without an official booking confirmation from Airbnb, there's no guarantee the host will uphold their end of the deal. You could potentially find yourself without accommodation at the last minute if the host decides to rent to someone who books officially through Airbnb. From Joshua’s point of view as a travel expert without a booking guarantee a lot of things can go wrong: "You could either arrive there and not find your room as they might have booked someone else last minute who pays more than you to start with." "If you are lucky and find effectively the room available at the discounted price mentioned, let’s say unfortunately you get damages on any of the values you carry with you during the trip there’s nobody that is going to assist you with that as the booking wasn’t done through an official application but just via message. This would even lead to bigger problems for disputes over damages to the room as you don’t have any confirmation on that." 2. You May Get Scammed Paying the host directly, especially in cash, opens the door for potential scams. A host could take your money without providing the accommodation, and without Airbnb involved in the transaction, there would be no way to claim a refund. Joshua commented: "Rarely as it can be, from my personal travel experience both in Europe and Asia, paying with cash can lead to some dodgy situations out there. Nobody can confirm to have received cash from for the accommodation, they can come in the middle of the night and pretend you leave the room while you don’t have anything to confirm that you paid for it." "If something doesn’t seem fine with your room there’s no chance to get your money back as Airbnb is not protecting a trip that wasn’t booked via the app and done directly from your message. In a few words, the saving that you might make isn't worth the risks connected to it." 3. You May Not Get Any Assistance During Your Stay Airbnb offers AirCover for guests. If you're unable to check-in, if your listing is significantly different than advertised, or if there's a serious issue with your accommodation that your host can't resolve, Airbnb will help. They can assist you in finding a similar place at comparable pricing or give you a full or partial refund, depending on the circumstances. By booking directly with the host, you risk missing out on this essential safety net. "I had a pigeon once entering through a broken window while traveling in Delhi. God knows what could have happened if I hadn’t stayed there with the host living below me, who changed the room immediately. But even other times, in Italy you can have issues with hot water and while in the summer it might not be a problem in the winter it is. If you stay with your host without a reservation he has no responsibilities nor he has to assist you with that", Joshua said. 4. You May Get Your Account Suspended Airbnb can suspend or delete accounts that violate their terms of service, including making deals outside their platform. Engaging in this travel hack might limit your future access to Airbnb properties worldwide. "While it might not sound as serious as it is losing your account for breaching regulations can lead to a full suspension of your access to Airbnb which leads to a loss of your potential great deals within the app all around the world", Joshua advices. 5. Your Personal Safety Might be Compromised Airbnb implements safety measures like host background checks and property safety guidelines. If you choose to bypass Airbnb, you lose these safety assurances and potentially expose yourself to risk. As a travel expert, Joshua has seen a lot of these things happening and hosts who aren’t reliable: "Airbnb continuously checks the background of all of them, assisting in keeping a high level of safety for the guests staying at the accommodation. If you, however, book directly with a host, you don’t know what can happen as they might look to take advantage of you, organize a drink with a friend, and so on. It might be enjoyable but you don’t want to expose yourself to unnecessary risks while abroad." 6. Potential of Legal Repercussions In some jurisdictions, it might be illegal to rent properties outside of approved platforms. Engaging in such activities could potentially expose you to legal action. Joshua commented: "As a Travel expert, I always remind travelers to not get involved in potential legal actions as they not only have their holidays but even their return home. These issues can lead to a lot of expenses and a few months of lawyers and stress. Do not take this for granted and be careful where you book your Airbnb, but most importantly, book it throughout the platform." In conclusion, while Anna's TikTok travel hack may seem like a clever way to save money on travel, it's essential to be aware of the risks. Using established platforms like Airbnb provides important protections for both guests and hosts, which can make your trip smoother and safer.
Top 15 European destinations for most competitive Airbnb stays
Average hotel prices in Europe have risen above inflation this year, whilst airfares soar to a five-year high. With consumers becoming increasingly price-driven amid intense inflation, 80% of travellers have reportedly altered their plans for the summer. In light of this, the financial experts at Moneyzine were keen to unveil the European cities where Airbnb accommodations offer superior value compared to hotels, in a bid to alleviate financial stress for summer vacationers. To do this, the team scraped Airbnb.com and Trivago to retrieve the average cost per night for both Airbnbs and hotels across 35 European cities, and determined the European destinations where opting for an Airbnb is the more economical option. Best value for money: Airbnb vs hotel Rank City Country Average cost of a hotel ($ per night) Average cost of an Airbnb ($ per night) Price reduction 1 Istanbul Turkey 118.69 45.37 -61.77% 2 Athens Greece 138.05 69.67 -49.53% 3 Lisbon Portugal 210.30 107.51 -48.88% 4 Berlin Germany 236.10 126.44 -46.45% 5 Paris France 242.55 131.17 -45.92% 6 Barcelona Spain 220.62 123.64 -43.96% 7 Dubrovnik Croatia 188.36 108.59 -42.35% 8 Helsinki Finland 141.92 82.57 -41.82% 9 Chisinau Moldova 68.38 40.86 -40.25% 10 Kotor Montenegro 123.21 73.96 -39.97% 11 Luxembourg City Luxembourg 149.01 94.40 -36.65% 12 Budapest Hungary 127.73 81.28 -36.36% 13 Stockholm Sweden 127.73 82.57 -35.35% 14 Tallinn Estonia 86.44 58.70 -32.09% 15 Brussels Belgium 169.01 118.27 -30.02% *Average rates are on a per-night basis for one adult For the complete data of the 35 cities analysed, please click here. Moneyzine can reveal that Istanbul, the former Turkish capital, is the European city where Airbnbs provide the best value-for-money compared to hotels. With an average nightly rate of $45.37, Airbnbs are 61.77% cheaper than hotels (av. $118.69), while boasting the second lowest prices of all cities analysed. Declared to be one of the world’s cheapest destinations, the exotic Mediterranean city is ideal for travellers on a budget. In second place is Athens, with a staggering 49.53% price drop from a standard hotel room fare to an Airbnb. Price-conscious travellers would be better off booking an Airbnb ($69.67 per night) as it costs only half of the average hotel rate ($138.05 per night) in the historic Greek capital. Coming a close third is Lisbon, with an Airbnb averaging around $107.51 per night compared to a standard hotel room priced at $210.30. Ranked 7th out of 100 cities in a recent study on the most popular summer destinations of 2023, travellers are assured that Airbnbs are more cost-effective in the Portuguese capital, with nightly rates being 48.88% lower than hotels. Berlin and Paris follow in fourth and fifth place, respectively, with a significant difference in prices between Airbnbs and hotels. Opting for an Airbnb would save travellers on average a noteworthy $109.66 in the German capital and $111.38 in the City of Love. On the other hand, Oslo in Norway and Tirana in Albania stand out as cities where a single hotel room for a one-night stay is around $8 cheaper, on average, than an Airbnb. To prevent high costs from dampening summer travel plans, Jonathan Merry, CEO of Moneyzine, provided four money-saving tips for enthusiastic globetrotters: Plan ahead for meals Food and drink expenses are often the biggest budget-busters when travelling. Curb your food spending by choosing accommodations with kitchen facilities or a refrigerator, and opt to eat out for lunch instead of dinner, as well as seek restaurants that offer happy hour deals! Maximise your travel credit card benefits Sign up for travel rewards programmes and consider credit cards to earn points and miles which can be redeemed for flights, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses. Opt for credit cards that come with generous welcome bonuses and take advantage of various perks including free travel insurance, and discounts on attraction tickets. Look for vouchers and free activities Trim travel costs by planning your activities around vouchers and discount deals or do a simple Google search to find free or low-cost events and activities at your destination. From the Louvre in Paris to the Vatican Museums in Rome, many offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the week, so make sure to plan and research in advance. Pack strategically Keep your luggage lightweight to avoid check-in fees and opt for a carry-on only. Instead of folding, roll your clothes and wear your bulkiest garments to the airport. Don’t forget to check the airline’s luggage weight and dimension policies to avoid unexpected delays and fees!
Solo travel and private room stays on Airbnb gain momentum in the Philippines
New Airbnb data reveals that Filipino travellers are increasingly going solo, as solo travel by Filipinos on the platform increased over 185% year-on-year in 2022 compared to 2021. Platform data also revealed that Airbnb nights booked in private room listings in the Philippines surged over 200% last year. At an average rate of approximately PHP 2,200 per night, private rooms on Airbnb are an increasingly popular option amongst solo travellers. Hosting serves as an economic lifeline for many, with the typical private room Host earning more than ever. Last year, private room Hosts in the Philippines earned over PHP 540 Million. To support Airbnb’s growing community of solo travellers, Airbnb has expanded its dedicated Solo Traveller Safety feature to over 50 languages, including Tagalog. This allows solo travellers to access expert tips, share their reservation itinerary with loved ones, and add an emergency contact to their profile. From charming nature-inspired huts near renowned beaches to breathtaking domes with rooftop vistas, here is a selection of value-for-money private rooms on Airbnb that offer solo travellers an affordable and authentic way to explore a destination. Embrace nature in the surfing capital If you want to indulge in a solo tropical adventure, check out this room in a cottage in Siargao. It’s a haven for beach lovers and surf enthusiasts, and located just a stroll away from the famous beaches, cafes, and surfing spots in the area. The bonus: your Airbnb Host is committed to ensuring the stay is eco-friendly, so be sure to separate your trash and refill your own water bottles on site! Stay in the heart of Cebu City Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of the Queen City of the South while enjoying the comfort of this delightful Airbnb room. Situated in close proximity to vibrant lifestyle districts, trendy restaurants, and charming cafes, you'll have everything within reach to make the most of your stay. What makes this experience even more special is your Airbnb Host, who is an avid scuba diver. Take advantage of her vast knowledge and expertise to uncover the hidden gems of Cebu's diving scene. Attic living in Iloilo Relive the nostalgia of a classic Western movie as you claim your own attic room in this charming Iloilo home. While the entire house is a shared space, you’ll enjoy the attic’s ambiance and aesthetics. During your stay, make sure to indulge in Ilonggo delicacies, local art museums, and historic churches. Keep it cool and tropical in Bohol Immerse yourself in nipa hut-style living on Panglao Island in Bohol. This Airbnb Stay embraces the tropical paradise that surrounds it and boasts a prime location just minutes away from three famous beaches: Alona Beach, Dumaluan Beach, and Amarele Beach. Enjoy an unforgettable solo getaway, where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend your days fully embracing the island’s serene beaches. Cozy up in the mountains of Baguio Savour the cool breeze of Baguio while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee or hot cocoa, in this charming boutique homestay in the mountains. The charming interiors, coupled with the breathtaking view of the summer capital, set the perfect scene for a weekend getaway. This is a great budget-friendly stay for travellers looking to explore Baguio’s popular spots, while also offering a cosy retreat.
How to become a super host on Airbnb, as per AI
Deciding on the interior design for your Airbnb can be tough - especially if you don’t have panoramic views or an unbeatable location that will bring in the bookings. Whether you're a new Airbnb host or looking to renovate your stay to increase appeal, the interior designers at Graham & Brown asked AI tool Chat GPT exactly what the top rated stays have in common and here’s what it had to say… A minimalistic interior trend can add approximately £50-£60 to the Airbnb listing price The value of your Airbnb could decrease by £20 a night if you opt for a traditional/classic interior trend A neutral colour palette is the most common among super host stays, with neutral paintshades such as beige, grey, white and black popular Modern and minimalist décor is most popular amongst the top rated stays While neutrals are favoured, colour schemes with blue and green paint shades come in at second place1 To help increase your bookings, Paula Taylor, interior design expert at Graham & Brown reveals all… Opt for an interior with wide appeal Paula says: “When it comes to designing an accommodation space, it’s important to think about your audience first. “If you’re looking to gain wide appeal, opting for a minimalistic interior trend consisting of neutral paint shades, functional furniture and an open floor plan is a good place to start. To create the illusion of a lighter, brighter space, opt for neutral paint shades such as beige, grey and white. To make the room feel even bigger, play around with the position of mirrors to bounce the light around the room. “You can still look to add stand-out touches, but perhaps opt for these in the form of a feature wall, or a specific piece of furniture such as a rug. For a contemporary touch, opt for a mirror in an abstract shape.” Think about the location of your stay Before decorating your Airbnb, think about the location of your accommodation as this will help to determine your theme and tie it in with the surroundings of your stay. Paula says: “The location of your stay will help to determine the theme of your interior, so take this into consideration before decorating. For example, avoid a country cabin style if you’re designing a city stay and vice versa. “While a minimalistic style proves to be the most lucrative, there is still a time and a place for a more traditional style - especially if your stay is in a rural, country village. Take inspiration from your surroundings and sprinkle touches of this through your interiors to give guests the ultimate get-away experience.” Perfect your listing pictures If your stay isn’t blessed with panoramic views or a sought after location, getting the interior and the listing of your stay will be important. Paula says: “Before taking your listing pictures, make sure to remove any personal items and clutter to appeal to guests. “You can still add that home away from home feel by adding blankets, books and games to give the stay a cosy touch.”
Luxury Retreats (AirBNB)
Luxury Retreats, Aston Road, Bromsgrove, UK United Kingdom
August 2023 – Digital Travel Asia
Digital Travel APAC is the region's travel event where the ambitious and digitally savvy business leaders and marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and eCommerce heads meet.