The Beginnings of Airbnb: Unveiling the Story Behind the Phenomenon
Since its launch in 2007, the Airbnb platform has connected 1.4 billion travelers with four million hosts in almost every nation. The story had an intriguing beginning. At the time, San Francisco roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky were having trouble paying their rent. During a massive design conference in the city, hotel occupancy reached a high and room rates rose precipitously. Gebbia proposed an idea. The roommates would open their home as a ‘bed and breakfast’ to potential conference-goers. This clever solution grew into a powerful lodging and experience platform that is now one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Stay on a plane in a French village
Our first out-of-the-ordinary Airbnb experience is an airplane in St. Tropez, in western France. Parked in the village of Le Haut in the Michel-Chef-Chef district, the aircraft can accommodate four guests. The plane, which also has a kitchen, is close to the beaches of Tharon, Pornic and St. Brevin. During the summer, the facility in which the aircraft is housed hosts a variety of entertaining activities.
A tower in the Irish countryside: Drummond Tower / Castle
Drummond Tower, located in Louth, about an hour from Dublin, is one of the most popular listings on Airbnb. A 43-step spiral staircase leads to the top of this four-story Victorian tower. The tower was recently decorated with modern elements and opened for accommodation, featuring a 360-degree terrace with splendid views. A one-night stay in Drummond Tower costs 244 EUR as of February 2023.
Extraordinary capsule houses suspended in the Peruvian mountains: Skylodge Adventure Suites
These unusual houses suspended from the top of a mountain in Peru’s Sacred Valley of Cuzco promise a truly one-of-a-kind accommodation experience. One night’s stay at Skylodge Adventure Suites in Urubamba, on the banks of the Urubamba River, costs USD 450. Before you book, please note that the houses are accessed via a 400-meter ascent on a difficult trail. The price of the lodging includes transportation from the Cuzco city center, a professional guide, breakfast and a gourmet dinner.
In pursuit of treasure: Treasure Hunt Tree House in Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
The house is consistently on the radar of nature- and adventure-loving travelers. Located about 20 minutes’ drive from the Atlanta city center, the Treasure Hunt Tree House is a three-story dwelling that can accommodate up to three guests. In addition, a fun treasure hunt is included with the stay.
Norway’s uninhabited island
This listing includes not just a house but an entire small island. Set in Hvaler, a municipality about 90 minutes’ drive from Oslo, the rustic 65-square-meter cabin can accommodate up to seven guests. Featuring an expansive veranda and a private dock, the home has been in the same family since 1979.
An Instagram favorite: Zion EcoCabin
Overlooking Zion National Park, the Zion EcoCabin in Hildale, Utah, was one of the most-liked Airbnb posts on Instagram in 2021. Featuring a tiny triangular roof, the one-bedroom cabin sleeps two people. Just a 45-minute drive from Zion National Park, this scenic lodging promises an extraordinary American experience in the midst of nature. The Zion EcoCabin is approximately USD 460 per night.
In the snow: An igloo in Finland
You may have seen modern versions of the igloo, which is a domed structure made from packed snow, but this isn’t one of those. In Lapland, next to Pyhäjärvi Lake and Pyhä-Luosto National Park, this authentic igloo can accommodate up to four people. There’s no bathroom in the one-room igloo and the temperatures are always below freezing, but guests can use the kitchen and bathroom in the host’s nearby house.
Resources:
Airbnb.com
Business Insider
Vogue.fr
