Airbnb modifies in-person ‘experiences’ to offer virtual ones

Gulf Today Report

Overseas travel is for apparent reasons advised against by the authorities combating coronavirus.

But there are ways you can make up for your annual summer holiday travel plans with Airbnb's experiences feature, albeit virtually.

The online vacation rental and tourism platform has devised an alternative for those looking to have worldly experiences from the comfort of their home.

Airbnb’s “Experiences” normally give travellers unique tours of new cities, exciting group hikes, up-close animal encounters or personal cooking demos, among other things.

But in the absence of opportunities for in-person contact, Airbnb has drummed up a new idea: Online Experiences.

Have you ever wanted to meditate with a Japanese Buddhist monk? Learn how to cook Mexican street tacos with a professional chef? Set fitness goals with an Olympic gold medalist? How about a virtual visit to a goat rescue?

All of this and more is possible, thanks to the power of the internet and Airbnb.

A "forest bathing" excursion on Mt. Sutro in San Francisco, California organised through Airbnb's in-person 'Experiences' feature.

“As people weren’t able to travel anymore, we looked at, ‘How could we kind of allow people to forge these humans connections online?’ ” said Sam Randall, a spokesman for Airbnb. “This is a way for hosts to connect with a global community of guests online and make some extra money.”

The experiences are still time specific, as these experts show off their surroundings and their talents in real time to those gathered virtually.

Some virtual classes and tours are less than $10, while others can cost $40 or more.

These experiences can accommodate, on average, between 10-30 people, who users will see virtually and enjoy the experience with.

Kids can enjoy “Story Time with a Children’s Book Author” or families can gather together for the “Secrets of Magic.”

There are options that appeal to virtually every age and interest.

“It’s a great way to kind of spice up a weekday or spice up a weekend and jump into an experience that you wouldn’t have been able to do prior to this,” Randall said.