When we think about jetting off somewhere, our minds usually hop straight to booking flights and finding the perfect place to stay.
But, have you ever stopped to consider the experiences that truly make a trip unforgettable? That's exactly where Airbnb Experiences shine, offering a unique and captivating way for travelers to dive deep into their destination, guided by the locals who know it best.
What are Airbnb Experiences?
Airbnb Experiences are curated activities or tours hosted by locals in various destinations worldwide. These experiences can range from cooking classes and hiking adventures to art workshops and historical tours. The goal is for travelers to connect more intimately and authentically with the culture and people of the place they're visiting
The best part? Guests can access the hidden gems of a city, learn a new skill or engage in their favorite hobbies, all while being guided by passionate hosts who are experts in their respective fields. It's not just about seeing a place – it's about experiencing it in a way that goes beyond the traditional tourist attractions.
Why Airbnb Experiences Are The Heart of Travel
Authenticity: Forget the tourist traps. Airbnb Experiences are all about living in a place like a local. It's about those secret spots only locals know, their traditions and making friends along the way. It transforms travel from just visiting to truly belonging.
Uniqueness: Each Airbnb Experience is one of a kind. You're not just another face in a crowd but part of a special journey, whether crafting a unique souvenir, hearing stories untold or discovering culinary delights hidden from the typical tourist paths.
Personalized attention: With smaller groups, your host has the time to get personal - answering your quirks, diving deep into discussions, making it feel more like hanging out with a friend who's got the insider scoop.
Supporting locals: By choosing Airbnb Experiences, you’re not just having the time of your life but also supporting local economies. Hosts share their passion and culture, turning their love into a livelihood, which in turn, enriches the community.
The Lowdown on Becoming an Airbnb Experiences Host
Becoming an Airbnb Experiences host is an exciting opportunity to showcase your expertise, insider knowledge and connection to your city.
To become a host, you'll need to meet these basic requirements:
- Expertise: Share what you love and know best. Whether it’s culinary skills, artistic flair or historical knowledge, your passion is the key.
- Insider: Offer something out of the ordinary. This could mean exclusive tours access to hidden spots or unique local encounters.
- Connection: Your love for your craft and desire to share it with others is what will make your experience unforgettable.
What’s Off The Table?
Not everything fits the bill for an Airbnb Experience. Here's what's out:
- Accommodations: Airbnb Experiences are distinct from the primary Airbnb platform, which is focused on providing accommodations.
- Services: While services like laundry, transportation, cleaning and similar amenities are vital for travelers during their stay, they don't fall under the category of Airbnb Experiences.
Stepping Stones to Hosting
Sign up
The first step is to create an Airbnb account if you still need to create one. You can do this by visiting the Airbnb website, downloading the Airbnb app and signing up using your email address or social media accounts.
Create a listing
Once you have logged in, you can create a listing for your experience. This is like a profile for your activity. Provide detailed information about your experience, including the activity, location, duration, group size and any special requirements. High-quality photos are a must - they help your listing stand out and give potential guests a glimpse of what to expect.
Specialize
To attract guests, showcase your expertise and passion. Highlight what makes your experience unique and why you're the ideal person to host it. Whether you're teaching a cooking class, guiding a hiking tour or sharing your artistic talents, emphasize your special touch.
Review the Airbnb Experience guidelines
Airbnb has specific guidelines and standards for experiences to ensure quality and safety. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure your experience aligns with Airbnb's requirements. This step is essential to ensure your guests a secure and enjoyable experience.
Communicate with guests
Be responsive to inquiries and messages from potential guests. Prompt communication helps build trust and can be the key to securing bookings. Answer questions, provide additional information and make guests comfortable choosing your experience.
Host your experience
Once your experience is live on the Airbnb platform and you've received bookings, it's time to host your first experience. Ensure you're well-prepared, have all the necessary materials or equipment and that you're ready to provide a memorable and enjoyable time for your guests. Be punctual, friendly and enthusiastic. Engage with your guests, share your knowledge and passion, and make their experience one to remember.
Understanding Airbnb Experiences Commission Costs
When you list your awesome experience on Airbnb, they charge a service fee. Usually, it's around 20% of the total price your guests pay. However, remember that this percentage might vary if you've made special arrangements with Airbnb.
Now, what does this service fee cover? Well, it's like your all-in-one package. It handles things like customer support, so if you or your guests need help, a team can assist. Plus, it takes care of payment processing, ensuring everything is secure and smooth. It also contributes to Airbnb's liability insurance which gives you and your guests extra peace of mind.
When you set your experience's price, Airbnb already factors in the service fee. So, what your guests see on the website is the total amount, including the fee. No surprises!
After booking and completing your experience, Airbnb will automatically deduct this service fee from your earnings. You can expect to receive your payout (minus the fee) approximately 24 hours after the experience is over. It's super convenient because you'll always know exactly what you're getting without worrying about hidden fees. Everything's transparent and your payout includes all the costs.
Streamline Your Hosting Experience with Vacation Rental Software
Airbnb Experiences is an exciting adventure but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing your listings, bookings and guest communications. This is precisely where vacation rental software like Hostaway becomes your lifesaver.
Imagine seamlessly syncing your Airbnb calendar with other platforms, sending automated welcome messages to your guests or effortlessly managing multiple experiences.
Incorporating Airbnb management software will streamline your hosting responsibilities and elevate the overall guest experience. It shifts the focus from managing logistics to what you're passionate about — crafting memorable experiences for your guests.
Your Next Move
Sharing your expertise with curious travelers isn't just fun. It's a chance to showcase your city's hidden gems and make a real impact on your local community.
So, don't hold back! Light that fire within, dive headfirst into creating your Airbnb Experience and prepare to weave memories that will last a lifetime for you and your guests.
