Airbnb Will Now Offer Special ‘Trips’ Experiences

Airbnb is expanding beyond the rental-sphere. The ubiquitous home-sharing platform announced today that it will now connect travelers and locals for more than just a place to sleep. “Trips” is a new Airbnb feature that allows locals to list their own “Experiences” and “Places” for visitors to try out. They include classes, guided tours, and hidden local spots in the following 12 cities, with more to be added:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Miami
• Detroit
• Havana
• London
• Paris
• Florence
• Nairobi
• Cape Town
• Tokyo
• Seoul

The 500 “Experiences” listed upon launch vary greatly, from an expert-led samurai sword workshop in Tokyo to a truffle-hunting expedition in Tuscany and a multi-day vintage car driving experience in Malibu, according to the announcement.

In “Places,” insider tips like guidebooks, meet-up spots, and audio tours are also available. The initial 100 Insider Guidebooks will launch in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Havana, Nairobi, Detroit, and Seoul.

Anyone who’s appreciated Airbnb rentals for their ability to put visitors in touch with a seasoned local can now apply the same thinking to finding things to do. “Trips” aims to merge “where you stay, what you do, and the people you meet all in one place,” according to Airbnb.

Will you be adding Airbnb to-dos to your upcoming trips? Comment below.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Instant Booking to Become Widespread on Airbnb
• New York Wants to Kill Airbnb, and It Might
• The Definitive Guide to Airbnb for Newbies

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.