Travel – Page 10 – Jellybeans in the City

Airbnb’s top 3 magical destinations and Airbnb Stays to book this Christmas

The holiday spirit in the Philippines is definitely in full swing now that December has come around. From malls blasting Christmas carols to streets lined up with colorful lights and parols, it definitely feels like Christmas wherever one goes!

For Filipinos looking for festive spots to visit during this season, several destinations around the country have gone the extra mile to spread the holiday joy. From the wintery mountaintops of Baguio down to the sparkling lights displays in Makati, here are some of the must-visit Christmas getaways in the Philippines this year — plus amazing Airbnb Stays for those planning to spend a night or more exploring these destinations.

Witness the giant lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga

Pampanga not only dishes up the most delicious sisig, but it is also home to giant lanterns adorned with colorful motifs and dazzling lights. Every year, the province holds its Ligligan Parul where they display the excellent craftsmanship of Kapampangans and award the “brightest star” among the year’s lanterns. People flock to the province not only to witness these “stars” in action but also to bring home gorgeous lanterns to be displayed in their own homes.

For large families or barkadas planning to visit Pampanga, the province boasts spacious villas with pools and amenities such as this modern tropical villa specifically built for staycations. This three-bedroom guesthouse is another option, and previous guests have raved about how every nook and corner is aesthetically curated — serving as the perfect backdrop for those holiday photos.

Experience Baguio’s cozy Christmas vibes

The City of Pines is a popular go-to for the holidays for incredible Christmas vibes. Besides its cool temperature and breathtaking scenery, travelers can enjoy holiday favourites including the famous tsokolate de batirol, and explore fun destinations like the Christmas Village known for its gigantic lanterns, lights, and even artificial snow!

Complete your Baguio experience by booking a cosy cabin getaway, like this mid-century A-frame cabin that can comfortably sleep 8 guests and is located near favorite spots like Wright Park. For an additional Christmas spirit, what about this rustic cabin that comes adorned with Christmas decorations plus a working brick fireplace? Both cabins are also pet-friendly so your fur babies won’t feel left out!

Watch the spectacular lights show in Ayala Triangle Gardens

The Festival of Lights has been widely considered to be a contemporary Christmas tradition in Makati. Trees bedecked with lights twinkling in unison to holiday music — it’s sure a magical sight. Now in its 14th year, the lights and sound display promises Filipinos a more thrilling and whimsical experience this year.

Skip the traffic and book these well-designed homes within the metro that are sure to be family favorites. This cozy three-bedroom family home in Taguig makes a perfect home away from home with its well-equipped living, dining, and kitchen areas. Another option is this luxury home in Makati complete with a fully furnished master suite, ensuite jacuzzi, and a cozy recliner to boot!

Discover more incredible homes for the holidays by downloading the Airbnb app or visiting https://www.airbnb.com/.

All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

AirAsia Philippines launches 12.12 Holideals, ends 2022 strong with high load factor

AirAsia Philippines joins the repdigit sales craze with its 12.12 Holideals, which features one-way base fare tickets as low as Php 112 for domestic and Php 412 for international. Bacolod, Kalibo and Cagayan De Oro are some of the destinations that guests can book at discounted rates.

AirAsia guests can avail of the 12.12 Holideals until December 18, 2022 for travels happening until June 30, 2023. Also among the AirAsia routes with a discounted fare is Manila-Tokyo, which is set to be inaugurated in February of next year.

The world’s best low-cost airline – which recently closed November as the month with the highest total passengers flown in 2022 – rolls out its 12.12 Holideals as it is set to end the year with a high load factor of 90 percent for domestic and 80 percent for international. Key drivers of the airline’s high year-end load factor are its Manila-Caticlan, Manila-Cebu, Manila-Bangkok and Manila-Incheon routes. AirAsia Philippines is expecting full operational recovery from the pandemic in the first half of 2023 as it reactivates more of its fleet, grows its flight frequency, and expands its route network.

AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla shares: “We are determined to support the travel demand this holiday season going into 2023 with the attainable fares and world-class service our company is known for globally. We are thankful for the trust and confidence invested in us by our guests, which enabled us to end 2022 as the strongest we’ve been in the past two years.”

The AirAsia 12.12 Holideals also features discounts as high as 69 percent for bookings with hotels present on the airasia Super App. Guests booking stays from January 10 to June 30, 2023 may check out Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, Tides Hotel Boracay, and many more on the Asean Super App.

Guests are reminded that all AirAsia flights departing and arriving in Manila to and from Caticlan and Cebu shall be operated at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 beginning December 16, 2022. This transfer is in anticipation of peak foot traffic coming end-year.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Hole up like a hobbit during your Hobbiton Airbnb vacation

For the first time ever, fans from around the world can explore the faraway lands of their favorite holiday films with an exclusive overnight stay at the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Russell Alexander is inviting guests to his family’s property to live like Bilbo Baggins and retreat to The Shire™ for an overnight stay at Hobbiton, as featured in the famed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.

Nestled in the picturesque pastures of New Zealand’s Waikato region on a 2,500-acre working farm, the property’s rolling, green hills – bear a striking similarity to The Shire™ as described by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, and captivated Sir Peter Jackson’s movie scouts more than two decades ago. The team quickly realized the Hobbits had found their home – and this holiday season, it could be yours.

Alexander will host three individual two-night stays for up to four guests at NZD $10 per night* as an homage to the 10th anniversary of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, courtesy of Airbnb.

With access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other beloved locations from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, guests will take an unexpected journey into Middle-earth for an experience unlike any other.

With sweeping views of The Shire, they’ll enjoy:

Cozy overnight accommodation curated by the trilogies’ Creative Director Brian Massey, including a writing nook fit for Bilbo Baggins at The Millhouse.
Private access to a personal Hobbit Hole, set up for relaxing moments of Preciousss™ downtime and afternoon tea.
An evening banquet in The Green Dragon Inn with a feast featuring beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, freshly baked breads and plenty of ale, plus Second Breakfast™ and Elevenses™ served daily.
A behind-the-scenes private tour of Hobbiton Movie Set.

Now, one does not simply walk into Middle-earth. There are rules!

No unexpected parties, please – unless with Gandalf and company.
Bare feet are allowed but wipe them first.
Magical rings permitted, but keep them secret, keep them safe.
Pony parking is provided only at The Green Dragon Inn.
Straying far at night is discouraged, thanks to multiple troll sightings of late.
No pets are allowed, except Pickles the resident Hobbiton cat.
Never laugh at live dragons…

05 - Hobbiton Airbnb - Aerial Millhouse - Credit Larnie Nicolson

“For more than two decades, we’ve welcomed millions of passionate fans to Hobbiton Movie Set, but never before has anyone had the opportunity to spend a night in Middle-earth. I am delighted to share the beauty of my family’s farm and pleased to be hosting this iconic location on Airbnb for fans from around the world,” shares Host Russel Alexander.

How to book

Hobbits, elves, wizards and others may request to book one of three overnight stays on Wednesday, December 14 from 10:00AM NZDT/5:00AM PHT at airbnb.com/hobbiton. Stays will take place March 2-4, March 9-11, and March 16-18, 2023. You Shall Not Pass! (without requesting to book, of course).

To request to book, guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews and be aged 18+. Maximum occupancy is four persons. Two bedrooms are configured, featuring one queen bed, and the other two king-singles.

Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Auckland, New Zealand. Round trip car transportation will be provided for the two-hour journey between the airport and the property. (And just as a Wizard is never late, it’s important our guests arrive at their stay precisely when they mean to).

Travellers looking to book should note that this stay’s rules require strict adherence with local COVID-19 guidelines. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Auckland. Airbnb is closely monitoring COVID-19 infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a refund of the booking fee ($31) and $1,000 USD Airbnb travel credit if Airbnb determines it is necessary to cancel the stay due to COVID-19 guidelines.

*Plus taxes and fees. These three individual two-night stays are not a contest. The Hobbiton Movie Set is privately owned and operated.

SHIRE TOURS, SHIRE’S REST, MIDDLE-EARTH, GREEN DRAGON, HOBBITON, THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the characters, places, events and items contained therein, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Middle-Earth Enterprises, LLC and are used under license by Rings Scenic Tours Limited and Wingnut Film Productions Limited, which are independently owned and operated.

About Hobbiton Movie Set

From the moment you journey through the rolling green hills of the Waikato and get your first glimpse of real Middle-earth™, Hobbiton Movie Set will enchant you as a fictional world comes to life and captivating stories are shared. Since that fateful knock at the door in 1998, to the permanent reconstruction in 2009, every detail of the 12-acre movie set is lovingly maintained, creating the experience that exists today. Guests from around the world will feel welcomed to our slice of New Zealand countryside with iconic storybook landscapes, where each encounter offers a unique and authentic behind-the-scenes movie set experience.

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 more than 1 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.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Hosting on Airbnb gains momentum in the Philippines amidst growing appetite for travel

As the holiday season awaits and the travel rebound continues to unfold, more Filipino travelers are embracing flexible travel while more homeowners turn to hosting on Airbnb for additional income. A new survey commissioned by Airbnb* reveals that over half of Filipinos polled expressed interest in becoming Airbnb Hosts to take advantage of the new appetite for travel.

Around the world, Airbnb has seen strong growth rates of new Hosts, especially in countries with high inflation rates. Notably, 77 percent of Filipinos polled said they were looking for ways to offset rising costs of living. The survey also shows that desire for travel remains high, with over a quarter of respondents saying that they will continue to find ways to travel even if general costs of living rise.

In a trend that started since the pandemic, millions are now enjoying their newfound freedom to live and work anywhere. Notably, 65 percent of Filipinos polled said that they are now more flexible in terms of their type of holidays and time of travel. Notably, of those who plan to travel within the next year, 1 in 4 Filipinos said they plan to travel without set dates.

This new approach to travel and living continues to shape the choice of accommodation among Filipino travellers. When asked about factors that influence when and how they travel:

Almost half indicated they are likely to travel if they can find accommodation that makes longer stays easy and comfortable
35% pointed to destinations offering unique styles of accommodations
25% prioritised access to amenities that make it easy to combine remote work with travel, such as a dedicated workspace and a fast, reliable internet connection

This growing appetite for travel among Filipinos puts homeowners in a unique position to take advantage of the Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb one’s home which was announced early this month. In Q3, Pasay ranked as the #1 trending domestic destination for Filipino guests on Airbnb, followed by El Nido, Cebu City, Paranaque, and Iloilo City.**

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said the fundamental shifts towards long-term stays and flexible travel point to the increasingly important role that short-term accommodations (STRA) like Airbnb play in the new era of travel.

“This growing appetite for travel is a positive sign as tourism recovery gathers pace. More keenly, this is an opportune moment for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs to Airbnb their homes and earn additional income to mitigate rising living costs or support their travels,” he added.

* Online survey of 1063 respondents in the Philippines commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by YouGov between 6-12 October 2022

** Based on increase in searches of destinations (minimum 1,000) in Q3 2021

About Airbnb

12 Stays of Christmas: 12 unique and luxurious Airbnb stays now available to book for only Php 1,222 each

As the country with the longest Christmas season in the world, celebrations in the Philippines are uniquely festive and filled with heartwarming homecomings, joyful reunions, and exhilarating merrymaking.

This year, to enable Filipinos to create more meaningful celebrations during this beautiful time of the year, 12 of the country’s most amazing Airbnb stays will be made available in December for only Php 1,222* each!

Spanning across six of Airbnb’s unique Categories ranging from Design to Amazing Views, these incredible homes will be available to book for an exclusive one-night stay over two weekends: December 10 to 11, or December 17 to 18.

“Christmas is a very special time for Filipinos. More than the colorful light displays and the exchanging of gifts, Christmas represents an opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate what really matters most — their loved ones. We hope that this special offer will encourage Filipinos to create precious memories with family and friends, while celebrating our Host community and the diversity of stays and destinations that the Philippines offer,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Each of the 12 homes below are available to book for only PHP 1,222 starting today for an unforgettable Christmas vacation — fastest fingers first!

December 10 to 11: Farm Stays, Amazing Views, and Cabins

1 Farm Stay - La Casa in Pampanga — For the perfect holiday escapade, drive up north for La Casa in Pampanga. This farm stay comes with lush fruit orchards and a crystal-clear pool for loads of splashing fun with the family.

2 Farm Stay - Hidden Rose Farm Villa in Batangas — Located in the south, Hidden Rose Farm Villa in Batangas offers a cosy bonfire pit, reading lounge, and a half-mile hiking trail and hanging bridge for a thrilling adventure.

3 Amazing Views - Beach House in Pagbilao — Fancy going off-grid this Christmas? This Beach House in Pagbilao offers the luxury of privacy amidst beautiful blue waters. You’ll even need to ride a *bangka* to reach the island!

4 Amazing Views - San Juan Garden Hill in Talisay — San Juan Garden Hill in Talisay promises a breath of fresh air – this mountainside home is a sanctuary for nature lovers and boasts unprecedented views of the waters of Taal Lake.

5 Amazing Views - Kasbah Remo in Puerto Galera — Seated at the cliff edge of the Punta del Este promontory, Kasbah Remo in Puerto Galera offers guests a relaxing feeling of serenity and simplicity — thanks to its uninterrupted views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and ocean.

6 Cabin - Bufi Log Home in Tagaytay 2 — One of the most beautiful cabins in Tagaytay, Bufi Log Home comes fully decked out in Christmas decor with a warming fireplace that will surely rouse everyone’s holiday spirit.

7 Cabin - Home in Tagaytay — For a classic, no-fuss getaway, this home in Tagaytay is perfect for large families or *barkadas*. Make sure to pack sweaters and lots of stories for long Christmas nights.

December 17 to 18: Design, Amazing Pools and Beachfront

8 Design - Moriz Place in Tagaytay — A modern-style *bahay kubo* made of bamboo, glass, and anahaw, Moriz Place in Tagaytay offers a perfect break from the bustle of urban living. It comes with a spacious backyard including a billiards table, darts, arcade, and roof deck.

9 Design - Modern Contemporary Villa in Bacolod — Traveling to the City of Smiles? This modern contemporary villa in Bacolod comes complete with a spacious dining area for feasting and a luxurious pool.

10 Amazing Pool - House in Pampanga — Originally a warehouse built in the 1970s, this spacious house in Pampanga reminiscent of the traditional *bahay na bato* sits in the middle of a 3-hectare fruit orchard.

11 Amazing Pool - Casa Nordell — Also located in the Christmas capital is Casa Nordell, a three-bedroom Spanish-inspired villa ideal for a family gathering with a huge pool and garden lined with lush trees.

12 Beachfront - Casa Angelina in Zambales — A beachfront home offering guests respite from the metro is Casa Angelina in Zambales. This wheelchair-accessible beachfront cottage is pet-friendly and *lolo* and *lola*-friendly!

Introduced in May this year, Airbnb Categories allow millions of travelers to discover homes they never knew existed and have since revolutionized how people search for vacation homes. Discover more unique stays for festive getaways by downloading the Airbnb app or visiting https://www.airbnb.com.

All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

*Plus taxes and fees.

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 more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

AirAsia celebrates 21st Birthday with Php21 one-way base fare sale

AirAsia, in celebration of its founding 21 years ago, rolls out its Birthday Sale from November 28 to December 04, effectively slashing one-way base fares to as low as Php 21. The promo is applicable to travels happening from March 01, 2023 to March 30, 2024.

The one-way base fare markdown applies to all domestic routes of AirAsia Philippines, which include top-leisure destinations Caticlan, Tagbilaran and Cebu. The AirAsia Birthday Sale is also bringing down the one-way base fare to international routes to as low as Php 421.

Karen Chan, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia (Airline) shares: “It’s incredibly humbling to be celebrating 21 years of being a market leader in delivering the best value fares to now over 700 million passengers – and counting. Historically, only the affluent could afford the right to air travel but AirAsia has revolutionised and democratised the aviation industry by making travel affordable. Many millions of our guests are first time travellers who couldn’t afford to fly before AirAsia took to the skies on 8 December 2001. For the last 21 years, we have connected people to their loved ones and to exciting new places at affordable prices never seen before and we remain committed to providing accessibility to high-value air travel for the masses.”

Ricky Isla, Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Philippines notes: “We join all the other airline operating centers in celebrating the innovation and disruption that AirAsia has been bringing into the airline industry since its launch more thn two decades ago. AirAsia Philippines is proud to offer to Filipinos the world-class flight service our company is known for worldwide. We shall never lose sight of our core value of attainable air travel for everyone as we diversify and transform for the modern-day traveller. Happy birthday, AirAsia!”

Avid globetrotters who wish to avail of the birthday promo may also visit the the Travel Sale Fair – tagged as December’s biggest travel convention – which is happening from December 03 to 04, 2022 at the Hall 1 of SMX Convention Manila. The airline’s birthday celebration is set to be sustained with a 21 percent discount on all seats across all flights of AirAsia Philippines from December 05 to December 11, 2022.

Interested guests may visit the AirAsia website for more information on the Php21 Birthday Sale.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Photo Credit: Shantum Singh on Pexels

New Year New Adventures in San Diego for 2023

Is going on an adventure one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, you should look into San Diego whale watching tours. These family-friendly activities offer wonderful experiences, making them the perfect way to start your new year.

Why Should You Start Your Year With Whale Watching?

Watching whales is a truly unique experience. After all, how often do you get to see animals in their natural habitat? Tours last about three hours, but the memories will stay with you forever.

Create Amazing Memories

Seeing whales’ true size can be a thrilling experience, especially if you’ve never seen one before. Witnessing the awesome might of these intelligent, powerful animals can help you connect with nature like you never have before.

Even better, you can share these memories with others. Tours allow cameras, so you can capture these magical moments and tell stories about them long afterward.

Learn About These Incredible Creatures

Whale-watching tours aren’t just about seeing whales — they’re also an opportunity to learn about them. Guides share information about the particular species you see, as well as facts about the ocean. You can even learn ways that you, as an individual, can help these aquatic creatures and keep their home safe. The more people prioritize the ocean’s health, the more opportunities you’ll have to witness nature’s incredible versatility.

Speaking of keeping whales safe, make sure you choose a whale-watching company that considers the ecosystem’s health. The best companies enforce rules for the safety of passengers and whales, ensuring everyone has the best experience.

Whale Species for Whale Watching

Whale watching San Diego December tours gives you access to some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Since whales migrate during this time, you have the opportunity to see whole pods making the journey. Of course, whales aren’t the only ones in the water — if you keep your eyes out, you can spot other playful mammals.

Whales

When you take a whale-watching tour, you have the opportunity to spot several common species:

Minke
North Atlantic right
Humpback
Sei
Fin

Unfortunately, the fin, sei and North Atlantic right whales fall under the endangered classification. So few of these whales exist that they may eventually die out, depriving the world of their majesty. Seeing them in person is an opportunity that may not last, so you should jump on the soonest tour possible.

Dolphins and Porpoises

Dolphins and porpoises are friendly aquatic mammals that hang around the harbor and sometimes appear near whale-watching boats. They’re much smaller than whales, with different species varying between five and nine feet, but they’re just as fun. If you’re lucky, they may come up to the boat, giving you an excellent photo opportunity, or perform tricks such as leaps and flips. Whale-watching is an experience you’ll never forget, as it offers an up-close look at some of the world’s largest animals. You can bring your significant others, kids and even furry companions since some companies accommodate sailing with a dog. Schedule your tour as soon as possible, as the spots fill up quickly.

Header photo by Andre Estevez on Pexels.

Holiday like an A-lister: Celebrity-owned Airbnb Stays to book this yuletide season

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and everyone’s social calendars are filling up with long-awaited get-togethers, and joyful merrymaking over meals and drinks. For those looking for a unique holiday destination this year, here’s an idea: experience living the life of the rich and the famous by booking their homes for a day.

From picturesque rest houses to a stunning lakefront property in Canada, all owned by top Filipina celebrities — these Airbnb Stays will definitely make you and your guests feel like a VIP for the weekend or however long you wish to stay!

Marjorie Barretto’s River Garden rest house in Calumpit, Bulacan

The Barrettos’ expansive rest house was made available on Airbnb for the first time this October, and mother-and-daughter duo Marjorie and Julia Barretto personally welcomed their first Airbnb guests. For Filipinos who missed the opportunity to book the idyllic resthouse for a refreshing getaway, Marjorie recently announced that the resthouse will remain bookable on Airbnb!

Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Casa Esperanza in Lucban, Quezon

Nestled between swaying coconut trees and emerald rice paddies is Casa Esperanza, the weekend home and passion project of the “Divine Diva”, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla and partner famed architect Conrad Onglao. The estate houses several main areas: the main house with a living, kitchen, and dining area; three casitas with their own luxurious bathrooms; a service area and garage; a greenhouse and the stunning infinity pool that overlooks a pond and fountain with lush foliage all around.

Yassi Pressman’s lakefront property in Ontario, Canada

British-Filipino model, and actress Yassi Pressman wrote in an Instagram post last 2021 that she had built a home in Lake Scugog, Ontario with the intention of opening its doors to travelers on Airbnb. Fast forward, the lakefront property has long since welcomed numerous travelers and many are raving about the luxurious yet tranquil experience it provides. Perfectly positioned facing west capturing all of the sun’s shine throughout the day, the space is equipped with a dock and a boathouse, and boasts an open-concept layout for travelers wanting a retreat outside of the city.

Soon-to-open farm property of journalists Susan, Mark, Atom, Branden, and Alex in Cavite

Television and radio host Susan Enriquez recently shared that her new bed-and-breakfast, Balustre Cerca, will be open to the public very soon. The property is situated within a shared farm lot she jointly owns with fellow news colleagues Mark Salazar, Atom Araullo, Branden Milla, and Alex Baltazar — and this is where the five and their families regularly go to take a breather from life in the metro. The beautiful farm comes with four A-frame air-conditioned cabins, one swimming pool, a pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, and parking.

For Filipinos interested to learn more about becoming an Airbnb Host, you can find useful tips and information at airbnb.com/host. To discover more unique stays for the holidays, visit airbnb.com or download the Airbnb app.

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 more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

The 2022 Winter Release: Introducing Airbnb Setup, the all-new easy way to Airbnb your home

In May, Airbnb introduced Airbnb Categories so that millions of people could discover homes they never knew existed. Today, Airbnb is introducing Airbnb Setup to make it easy for millions of people to Airbnb their home. Airbnb is also providing even more AirCover for Hosts and adding six new Airbnb Categories.

Introducing Airbnb Setup – The all-new, super easy way to Airbnb one’s home, with free one-to-one guidance from a Superhost.
Even more AirCover for Hosts – Now featuring even more top-to-bottom protection, with guest identity verification, reservation screening, and $3M damage protection, including coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables.
New Airbnb Categories – Adding six new categories of homes, as well as improving the way Airbnb Categories are displayed.

“Airbnb was born during a recession. Joe and I couldn’t afford to pay our rent, so we inflated three air mattresses and created an AirBed & Breakfast. Soon, people all around the world joined us,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb. “Today, just like during the Great Recession in 2008, people are especially interested in earning extra income through hosting. That’s why we’re introducing an easy way for millions of people to Airbnb their homes. With Airbnb Setup, every new Host can get free, one-to-one guidance from a Superhost from their first question through their first reservation. And with even more AirCover for Hosts, now is the perfect time to put your place on Airbnb.”

New homes on Airbnb are getting booked almost immediately. Half of listings that were activated and booked in Q3 2022 received their first reservation within three days. Airbnb also saw strong growth rates of new Hosts, especially in certain countries with high inflation rates.

Introducing Airbnb Setup

Over the past year, more than 30 million people have visited Airbnb to learn about hosting. Today, Airbnb is making it easier for millions of people to get started. Introducing Airbnb Setup, the all-new, super easy way to Airbnb one’s home. Airbnb Setup includes:

One-to-one guidance from a Superhost – When a host begins Airbnb Setup, Airbnb will match them with a Superhost for free one-to-one guidance from their first question through their first guest. New Hosts can chat with their Superhost over audio, video, or messaging. Airbnb is launching with 1,500 Superhosts in over 80 countries who are dedicated to helping new Hosts get started.
An experienced guest for your first booking – For a new Host’s first booking, they can choose to welcome an experienced guest who has at least three stays and a good track record on Airbnb.
Specialized support from Airbnb – As a new Host, they get one-tap access to a specially-trained team of Community Support agents. They can help with everything from account issues to getting paid and are available via phone, messaging, or email in over 42 languages.

Even more AirCover for Hosts

Last November, Airbnb introduced AirCover to provide unmatched, top-to-bottom protection for every Host on Airbnb. Today, Airbnb is making major upgrades to AirCover for Hosts:

AirCover for Hosts - 2022 Winter Release

Airbnb Setup Match with a Superhost - 2022 Winter Release

Guest identity verification – Airbnb is expanding identity verification to all booking guests traveling to the top 35 countries and regions on Airbnb—representing 90% of all reservations. Airbnb will expand guest identity verification worldwide in Spring 2023.
Reservation screening technology – Airbnb is launching its proprietary reservation screening technology in the US and Canada, which helps reduce the chance of disruptive parties. Airbnb will expand its reservation screening technology worldwide in Spring 2023.
$3M damage protection – Airbnb is tripling damage protection from $1 million to $3 million – covering both Hosts’ homes and its contents.
Auto & boat protection – Airbnb now provides damage protection for cars, boats, and other watercraft that Hosts park or store at their properties.
Art & valuables protection – A wider range of fine art, jewelry, and collectibles will now be repaired or replaced at appraised value.
Easier to file a claim – Hosts can now file a claim for damage protection in a few simple steps and easily track its progress from submission through payout.

New Airbnb Categories

In May, Airbnb introduced a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories. Today, Airbnb is introducing six new categories:

Listing Highlights - Adapted Top of the World and Play Category - 2022 Winter Release

New Categories - Adapted - Canada - 2022 Winter Release

New – Homes added to Airbnb within the past 10 weeks.
Top of the world – Homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, often with stunning views.
Trending – Highly-rated homes that received more listing views compared to the previous week.
Adapted – Homes adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.
Play – Homes with basketball courts, game rooms, miniature golf, water slides and more.
Hanoks – Traditional Korean homes constructed of natural materials.

Airbnb is also improving what categories it shows guests. For example, when you launch the app, you’ll find the Vineyards category if you recently searched for homes in Napa. In addition, more details will be presented in search results when viewing categories. For example, homes with amazing views will list the type of view, and homes near national parks will show the distance to the park entrance.

New Categories - Top of the World and Hanoks - 2022 Winter Release

New Categories - Top of the World listing - 2022 Winter Release

Worldwide rollout starting today

Airbnb Setup, upgrades to AirCover for Hosts, and new Airbnb Categories will begin rolling out worldwide this week.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals across over 220 countries and regions. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way. As the only platform offering hosted travel and the ability to live anywhere on a global scale, Airbnb has become a noun and a verb and most traffic to our platform remains organic. We will continue to invest in innovations that expand the travel market and lead the way in turning travel into a way of life.

Top 10 most wishlisted Airbnb Stays for your next trip to Japan

It’s time to include Japan on your travel destination list! The Land of the Rising Sun fully reopened for visa-free, individual travel earlier this month and the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has announced that they are now accepting applications for all visas.

According to latest data from an Airbnb survey conducted among Filipinos this October, 9 in 10 Filipino adults intend to travel to Japan when they are able to and 45 percent ranked Japan their number one travel wishlist destination. The data also showed that 71 percent of Filipino respondents would like to visit a major city in Japan. Approximately a third indicated that having a unique accommodation was important when traveling to Japan.*

Airbnb has further revealed the top searched destinations in Japan by global travelers on the platform:**

Osaka
Tokyo
Shinjuku
Shibuya
Fukuoka

Kyoto
Taito
Sapporo
Okinawa
Niseko

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, “We greatly welcome the lifting of Japan’s travel restrictions, as it is an extremely popular destination for international travelers including Filipinos. We know that many are excitedly gearing up to plan holidays for the end-of-year festive season and next year.”

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the buzzy vibes of downtown Tokyo, indulge in Osaka’s incredible culinary scene, or go off-the-beaten-track and discover something new in lesser known but equally beautiful regions like Tohoku — Japan definitely has something to offer for every type of traveler. To help you plan your much-awaited adventure, here are Airbnb’s top 10 most globally wishlisted stays in Japan.*** Dou itashimashite!

For a taste of Japanese living

1 tatami house — An old folk house guest house with a goat! Equipped with Wi-Fi – Matakitai (Iwate)

2 yanagdori home — A modern Japanese-style luxury house with an open-air bath limited to two people (Tokyo)

For an eccentric yet exciting experience

3 handmade strawbale house — Handmade strawbale house in in Koshimizu city (Hokkaido)

4 manga design home — Hotel room with MANGA design, all-you-can-read comics (Kyoto)

For the minimalist enthusiast

5 4 beds in tokyo — Cozy room in boutique hotel 3 minutes from the station (Tokyo)

6 ginza tokyo — Room in boutique hotel near Tsukiji and Ginza (Tokyo)

7 yanaka sow — Yanaka Sow studio rental unit (Tokyo)

8 shinagawa oimachi — A stylish designer hotel with good access to airport and Shinkansen (Kyoto)

For some off-grid exploration

9 anoie sauna house — Detached house with private sauna and superb view of Lake Nojiri (Nagano)

10 elegant secluded cabin — Elegant, secluded cabin for couples & families (Nagano)

As travel returns, Airbnb recently announced an exciting new partnership with MUJI Japan to renovate empty homes, shopfronts and government-owned real estate to drive new and creative types of travel accommodation in towns across the country. To start, both parties are converting accommodation owned by Shimizu-cho, Hokkaido into unique stays for travelers – with two MUJI-designed and styled homes now bookable exclusively on Airbnb here and here. Both feature local Hokkaido timber furniture and MUJI-branded tableware, cooking utensils, and home appliances.

*Based on data from a YouGov survey commissioned by Airbnb, that polled 1063 respondents in the Philippines between 6-12 October 2022.

**Based on guest locations that generated the most searches for Japan on the day of the

Japanese government’s announcement, 23 September.

***Based on most wishlisted listing data from Sept 1 – Sept 22, 2022. All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

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 more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Header photo by tawatchai07 on Freepik