It’s an extension of the original Airbnb platform. Instead of finding places to stay, you can search for and book experiences with local hosts. This is the best way to discover authentic local tours, cooking classes, outdoor adventures, cultural immersions, and more.
I’ve had a fantastic time with every one that I’ve tried. And there’s so much variety! For example, some of the Airbnb Experiences I’ve tried include:
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Explore Mayan Ruins and float a secret natural lazy river in Tulum, Mexico (after the tour and swimming in the lagoon, he drove me and the other three guests to his favorite taco place, then gave us great recommendations for the best sangria bar in Tulum)
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Scuba diving the famous 35° Silfra Fissure glacier (in between 2 tectonic plates) in Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park with a local dive master who brought hot chocolate and home-made cookies
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Sunrise temple tour of Angkor Wat, Cambodia (the guide was born and raised in Siem Reap and told us what it was like growing up in the country during the Khmer Rouge genocide)
Whether you’re interested in exploring local culture or food, learning a new skill, or indulging in adventurous activities, Airbnb Experiences has a HUGE range of options to enhance your travel experience!
I thought Airbnb was for accommodations. So what is Airbnb Experiences?
Airbnb Experiences is an extension of the original Airbnb platform. Instead of finding places to stay, you can search for tours and activities to book with local hosts.
Airbnb defaults to “Stays.” To view experiences instead of places to stay, navigate to the top of the screen and select “Experiences.” You can do make this change the exact same way on the mobile app!
With Airbnb Experiences, local hosts with specific expertise can list guided tours, workshops, classes, outdoor adventures, cultural immersions, and more. These experiences are designed to provide travelers with an opportunity to explore a destination in a more personal and authentic way, connecting you with local hosts who have extensive knowledge or passion in a particular area.
For example, here are some Airbnb Experiences that are offered if you select Paris as the location.
You can browse through the experiences on Airbnb’s website or app, filtering by location, date, price, and category. I usually type something specific into the Airbnb Experiences search bar, like “Cheese Tour, Paris” or “Canyoning, Interlaken Switzerland.” Each experience listing includes a description of the activity, duration, meeting point, price, and any necessary requirements or restrictions. Be sure to check out the reviews and ratings from previous participants to make sure that it’s what you have in mind.
How to Use Airbnb Experiences:
Step 1: Create an Airbnb account
Visit the Airbnb website (www.airbnb.com) or download the Airbnb app from your phone’s app store.
Sign up for a new account using your email address, Google account, or Facebook account.
Complete your profile by providing relevant information about yourself and adding a profile picture.
Step 2: Explore experiences
Log in and click the “Experiences” tab on the Airbnb homepage, or access it through the mobile app’s navigation menu.
Enter your destination or browse through the available options to discover experiences in different cities.
Use filters like date, price range, category, and duration to narrow down your search and find the activities that interest you.
Step 3: Select an experience
Review the details of each experience, including the description, duration, host information, and customer reviews.
Pay attention to the inclusions, requirements, and any special instructions provided by the host and check to make sure that the dates of the experience that align with your travel plans.
Step 4: Book an experience
When you find an experience you’d like to book, select the date and the number of participants.
Review the price and any additional fees associated with the experience. Click the “Book” button to proceed with the reservation.
Step 5: Complete the booking
Provide the necessary details requested during the booking process, such as your payment information and any additional participant information if required.
Review the booking summary, including the total cost and cancellation policy.
Confirm your reservation by clicking “Book Now” or “Confirm.”
Step 6: Prepare for the experience
After your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email or notification with the necessary details about the experience. Contact the host if you have any specific questions or need additional information.
Make sure to read any pre-activity instructions provided by the host, like meeting points or what to bring.
Thanks Sarah. Great tip. We have used other websites for this. Didn’t know Airbnb did this too