Tag: Airbnb

  • ‘Tis the Season for Stays: Embrace the Holiday Spirit with Airbnb Stays in the Philippines

    As the Philippines welcomes the ‘ber-months’, there’s a palpable shift in the atmosphere — a familiar scent of the holiday cheer that warms the air. It’s a time when Christmas carols resonate through bustling malls and streets, and homes transform into glittering wonderlands adorned with festive lights and parols, marking the arrival of the most enchanting season of the year.

    With domestic travel continuing to be popular among Filipinos, the holiday season offers an irresistible opportunity for creating more meaningful travel moments. Whether you are adventuring with a travel buddy, relishing the joy with family, or embarking on a solo escapade — this is an Airbnb Stay for everyone. Discover some of the perfect Airbnb Stays to make your holiday travel dreams come true.

    Family-friendly getaways for September

    Every family is unique which can make planning a trip a delightful puzzle to solve. Whether your family is close-knit or a lively extended bunch, Airbnb offers homes crafted to cater to every member — from the youngest explorers to the seasoned adventurers.

    AirBnb 1

    Take, for instance, this stunning lake house in Cavinti. It not only offers breathtaking panoramic lake views but also an array of water activities for all ages. Kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding are just some of the options for kids and the young at heart. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a taste of rustic countryside charm,  look no further than this idyllic farmstay in Batangas. With its modern-native design, it embodies a unique blend of comfort and authenticity. Immerse yourself in experiences like permaculture farm exploration, ziplining adventures, and invigorating mountain hikes. It’s a retreat where family bonds are forged amidst the beauty of nature.

    October is the month to embark on a soul-searching solo journey

    Why wait for a sign when you can make solo travel an integral part of your holiday plans?  Solo exploration isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a lifestyle that continues to enrich lives. With Airbnb Rooms and our welcoming local hosts, your solo adventure promises to be a voyage of profound experiences, all while leaving solitude behind.

    Airbnb 2 1

    When life feels stagnant, they say the remedy is a dose of ‘vitamin sea’. Set your sight on this Airbnb Room in Siargao, a budget-friendly gem conveniently located near the New Tourism Road. It’s not just a room, it’s a getaway to meet locals, savour the flavours of the island,  immerse yourself in beach sunsets, and master the art of surfing. This stay offers a comprehensive package of the island life experiences. But if you find solace in tranquility, then this A-frame Airbnb Room in Laguna beckons. Here, time seems to stand still as you lose yourself in the mesmerizing scenery right from your cabin’s balcony. It’s a haven where hours drift away, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated by nature’s embrace.

    Gather the ‘kada for an adventure-packed November

    It’s time to turn those long-awaited barkada plans from your group chats into a thrilling reality this November.  With extended weekends gracing the calendar, why not venture off the beaten path and transform your reunions into memorable adventures?

    Airbnb3 1

    Crafted to seamlessly blend the wonders of the great outdoors with the serenity of tropical landscapes, this villa in Liwa offers an ideal beach town escape for your barkada. Nestled in Zambales, renowned for its pristine beaches and surf-worthy waves, this stay boasts ample outdoor spaces for various activities and picturesque spots for Instagram-worthy moments. Or, if you’re seeking a more secluded retreat, consider this tranquil sanctuary stay in Mabini. With its horizon-expanding views and exclusive beach access within a marine sanctuary, it guarantees encounters with a fascinating array of wildlife, from Kingfishers and Orioles to Geckos and Sea Turtles. It’s an authentic adventure immersed in the heart of nature.

    Home for Christmas

    No matter where they are in the world, Filipinos cherish the heartwarming tradition of being at home for the holidays. Christmas is all about embracing the familiar comforts of home, no matter where you are. And if you’re looking to spend quality time with your loved ones in a different setting, Airbnb’s passionate Hosts are here to extend a warm ‘home away from home’ welcome this festive season.

    Airbnb4 1

    Straight from the pages of a Christmas storybook,  this country stone house in Cebu boasts a 180-degree panoramic view, a misty ambiance, and majestic pine trees. Its cathedral-esque interiors provide a splendid backdrop for family gatherings. On the other hand, for those seeking a snug Christmas sweater experience, check out this cozy Baguio stay offering mountain views from every floor. It’s perfect for cocoa sipping and family moments around the Christmas tree. If you plan to explore Baguio during the season, this stay is conveniently located near the city’s attractions.

    ‘Tis indeed is the season to explore more of the country and go on immersive travel experiences with the family, your friends, and even solo. Discover more holiday homes on Airbnb by visiting https://www.airbnb.com/.

  • Airbnb: Philippines is the second-largest women-powered Host community in the world, women make up two thirds of all Hosts

    Airbnb today revealed that its Host community in the Philippines is its second-largest women-powered Host community in the world after New Zealand. Women make up for two-thirds of all Airbnb Hosts* in the country — proof that Filipinas are powering the local tourism industry now more than ever.

    Known for their iconic warmth and hospitality, Filipinos – and especially Filipinas – are increasingly contributing to the country’s tourism economy by welcoming travelers into their homes, and employing fellow women to support them in their daily operations. Hosting is also providing a significant financial opportunity amidst rising costs of living, with Filipina Hosts collectively earning over Php 2.5 billion in 2022*.

    Airbnb WomenInTravel Industry Dialogue Key Visual 1
    Featuring Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mich Goh, Mayor of Quezon City Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao, Airbnb Host and content creator Colleen Vidal, and Airbnb Senior Communications Manager for Southeast Asia Cheryl Tay (Photo: Airbnb)

    Women are a cornerstone in Airbnb’s guest and Host community and comprise 55% of all Hosts globally.* They also comprise 40% of Airbnb’s 1 million Superhosts**, who provide guests with outstanding hospitality in more than 200 countries and territories. Solo travel is also gaining momentum in the Philippines. In the Philippines, 56% of all solo traveler nights in 2022 were booked by women.

    Timed to International Women’s Month this year, Airbnb is celebrating the growing role of women in driving greater equity in the Philippines travel and tourism industry. The global hospitality platform today launched its inaugural #WomenInTravel industry dialogue discussing how travel is challenging stereotypes and breaking boundaries, as more Filipinas take action to uplift and empower new generations of Filipinas in the travel and tourism industry.

    Speakers included Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City; Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative; Noelle Wenceslao, Philippine Coast Guard officer, mountaineer, and the first Filipina to summit Mount Everest; and Colleen Vidal, tourism entrepreneur, Airbnb Host, and Filipina content creator. 

    Highlighting the importance of Airbnb’s women-powered Host community in the Philippines, Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan said, “Women Hosts are playing an increasingly pivotal role in the travel and tourism sector, and especially in the Philippines. We are heartened to see more and more women open their homes to travelers and provide the authentic hospitality that Filipinos are renowned for. As more Pinays step up to lead our Host communities and share hosting tips with one another, we remain committed to supporting and growing our Pinay Host community and ensuring that their roles in contributing to the industry are recognized.”

    Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City shared, “Quezon City is committed to ensuring that every woman is recognized, empowered and celebrated through various initiatives that promote economic empowerment, equality in business and livelihood opportunities for all genders, including women tourism entrepreneurs. We will continue to be a leader and model of local governance to create a society that is inclusive and unbiased. We look forward to industry players such as Airbnb supporting our goal to make Quezon City and the Philippines a go-to destination, with women at the forefront of tourism development.”

    Echoing the need to drive more visibility of Filipinas in the tourism industry, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme added, “The Philippine Commission on Women fully supports initiatives to empower Filipinas in the tourism sector. We are excited to see companies like Airbnb showcasing their expertise in tourism development and promotion of women entrepreneurship in the country while advocating the safety of women tourism travelers. We look forward to more discussions on women’s sector development with the private sector in the country.”

    Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao added, “Throughout my years in the Coast Guard, I’ve worked alongside so many diverse and strong women, including a two-time Olympian, a world champion dragon boat paddler, women rescue divers and bomb squad members. To top it off, they are mothers – proving that stereotypes exist only if we allow them to.” On being the first Filipino to summit Everest, Noelle shared that she drew strength by looking at the journey as her ‘highest’ goal, “I believe everyone has their own Mount Everest, an ultimate goal we want to achieve. It took me three years of preparation and three months on expedition to spend just thirty minutes on the summit, but it meant so much that the long preparation was nothing compared to what I felt when I conquered it.”

    Colleen Vidal, Airbnb Host, and content creator, shared her journey from content creator to travel entrepreneur, “When I first started creating travel content, I wanted to share tips to guide my followers on how best to plan their vacations. Along the way, I realised that I could provide these very accommodations and activities – and that’s how my journey as a tourism entrepreneur came about. Throughout the years that I have called Siargao my home, I have learned that us locals make up its very soul. Promoting the island’s travel offerings has meant giving back more economic opportunities to local communities, while also helping tourists experience what Siargao is all about.”

    *Based on internal Airbnb data from January to December 2022
    **Refers to Hosts who held Superhosts status and identified themselves as women as of September 30, 2022

  • Airbnb Reveals the Philippines is One of its Most Romantic Destinations for Valentine’s Day

    Ever wondered which countries top the tables for travel over the Valentine’s Day period? Airbnb today reveals the Philippines as one of Airbnb’s most romantic destinations around the world. The country has one of the highest proportions of couples traveling together for Valentine’s Day, alongside Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Greece, and New Zealand.

    This Valentine, why not create new memories with your loved ones with a memorable travel getaway? No matter how you celebrate love, there surely is an ideal and easy-on-the-pocket Airbnb Stay for you. 

    For the solo traveler: Lose — and find — yourself amidst scenic views

    Awaken the solo traveler in you with this Moroccan-style tropical island home in Siargao. Enjoy the peaceful calm of watching the sun rise and set from your private rooftop, feel the breeze in your open living space overlooking the ocean, and explore the island’s best restaurants and surfing spots just a few minutes away.     

    If you’re not much of a planner but still enjoy an activity-filled vacation, Soultribe Beach Cabana offers a spacious beach retreat with island activities for the spontaneous traveler including island hopping, horse riding and even day trips. Host Tracey also offers surfing lessons, massages and yoga classes — an ideal way to meet new friends and bond over shared passions. 

    For the couple: Spend alone time with bae in a romantic destination

    Have your dream romantic escapade with your love at Casa Malaya, a tropical-inspired villa in El Nido, Palawan adorned with unique antiques and tribal Filipino pieces. Immerse yourselves in this nature-inspired villa that comes with a private pool and spacious sun lounge. Wake up to the soothing sound of hummingbirds at another El Nido villa: Colibris Corner. Featuring two exclusive rooms with beautiful island views, enjoy basking in the Palawan sun and happy hour with live music at the beaches nearby. 

    For the barkada: Go camping and make new memories with the squad

    Celebrate with the friends who have been there through ups and down with a getaway at Peakway Bell Tent in Cebu –a glamping dome that can accommodate up to six guests and, yes, pets too. The dome offers some of nature’s best: mountains, lush greenery and starry night views. This stay comes with an outdoor dining area exclusive to your barkada for barbecue nights.

    If you’re in the mood for glamping but somewhere a little closer to the metro, try this Rizal-based camp at Windfarm Nature Escape. Gather your best buddies for a catch-up around the campfire, where you’ll also get your own outdoor kitchen and camping tables and chairs. The stay includes free parking, power outlets and perimeter lights to walk safely at night.

    For the family: Escape the city bustle and experience farm life with the family

    Book an adventure the entire family will remember for years to come in this mountain farmhouse that promises the right balance of comfort and access to nature. Located in Tanay, Rizal, enjoy the cold breeze as youy awake to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. From hiking, trekking, swimming to visiting dragonfruit and butterfly pea plantations, this place has something for every one in the family.

    For families who love the slow life, Alperi Farm is a 2,000 sqm private farmhouse in Amadeo, Cavite perfect for large families. This spacious stay offers a sala, full kitchen, patio, outdoor dining area, three bedrooms, and two toilets and baths, all for your exclusive use. Let the adults enjoy the gym, theatre, and arcade room, whilst the youngsters explore the tree playhouse and outdoor pool.

    Create new memories and experiences that last with Airbnb. For every travel and budget preference, there is surely an Airbnb Stay that suits your needs. Head over to www.airbnb.com.ph or download the Airbnb app to book your love month getaway now!

    Note: 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.

  • The Airbnb 2022 Summer Release: Introducing a new Airbnb for a new world of travel

    Last year, Airbnb released 150 upgrades to improve every aspect of the Airbnb service. Today, Airbnb launches the biggest change to the platform  in a decade including:

    • Airbnb Categories – A new way to search that makes it easy to discover millions of homes you never knew existed.
    • Split Stays – An innovative feature that provides more options for longer stays by splitting your trip between two homes.
    • AirCover for guests – The most comprehensive protection in travel, included for free with every stay.

    “The way people travel has changed forever. That’s why we’re introducing the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb. “First, people are more flexible about where they live and work, so we’ve designed a new way to search with Airbnb Categories. Second, people are taking longer trips, so we created Split Stays to give you more options by splitting your trip between two homes. And third, we’re introducing AirCover for guests, giving you the confidence to book knowing that Airbnb’s got your back.” 

    These platform updates come hot on the heels of the Philippines’ travel rebound, as travel interest amongst international and domestic guests continue to surge since the country’s international reopening on 1 April. The topmost trending summer destinations in the Philippines, ranked by searches by Philippine guests on Airbnb in Q1 2022, include: 

    1. Angeles, Central Luzon
    2. Subic, Central Luzon
    3. Mabalacat, Central Luzon 
    4. Antipolo, Calabarzon 
    5. Calatagan, Calabarzon 
    6. Cagayan De Oro City, Northern Mindanao 
    7. Panglao, Central Visayas 
    8. San Juan, Calabarzon
    9. Bacolod, Western Visayas 
    10. Silang, Calabarzon 

    Guests are also exploring more destinations than ever before, and more than 60 new cities and towns across the Philippines have welcomed their very first Airbnb guests since the pandemic. Among these are lesser-known, off-the-beaten tourist spots including nature-based destinations Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan and Bato in Leyte. 

    Airbnb Categories

    Millions of people are now more flexible about where they live and work. But travel search has been the same for 25 years — you enter a location and dates into a search box. Most of us can only think of a few dozen cities to type into the search box, but there are Airbnbs in 100,000 towns and cities around the world.

    That’s why Airbnb is introducing a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories, with 56 new categories that organize homes based on their style, location, or proximity to a travel activity. When you search for a destination, your search results are also organized by categories that are relevant to that destination, making it easy to discover millions of unique homes you never knew existed. As you view different categories, the map intelligently zooms in to show you where the homes are located. 

    To create Airbnb Categories, Airbnb evaluated millions of homes using machine learning to analyze titles, written descriptions, photo captions, structured data from Hosts, and reviews from guests. Members of Airbnb’s curation team review listings and hand-pick featured photos — so if a listing is in the Amazing Pools Category, the first photo shows a pool. Then, each category goes through a final check to help ensure consistency and photo quality.

    The 56 Airbnb Categories include more than 4 million unique homes that are made possible by Airbnb’s Hosts all around the world. Airbnb Categories organize homes by what makes them unique, which helps people discover places they wouldn’t have otherwise found. This can help alleviate over-tourism by redistributing travel to new locations beyond the same popular destinations.

    Split Stays

    In the last three months, nearly half of the nights booked on Airbnb were for trips of a week or more. That’s why Airbnb created Split Stays, an innovative feature that splits your trip between two homes. With Split Stays, you will typically see around 40% more listings when searching for longer stays.

    When searching a specific destination, Split Stays automatically appear in your search results. They also appear within 14 categories — including Camping, National Parks, Skiing, and Surfing — to inspire you to stay in two destinations as part of a longer trip. 

    When viewing Split Stays on a map, an animated line visually connects the two homes to show you the distance between them and the sequence of the stays. Once you select a Split Stay, you’re guided through an easy-to-use interface to book each stay, one home at a time.

    AirCover for Guests

    After staying home for over two years, millions of Filipinos are traveling again for the first time since the start of the pandemic. That’s why Airbnb  created AirCover, the most comprehensive protection in travel. AirCover is always included and always free, and it represents the biggest upgrade to Airbnb customer service in a decade.

    With AirCover, you’re covered by four protections every time you stay on Airbnb: 

    • Booking Protection Guarantee – In the unlikely event a Host needs to cancel your booking within 30 days of check-in, we’ll find you a similar or better home, or we’ll refund you.
    • Check-In Guarantee – If you can’t check into your home and the Host cannot resolve the issue, we’ll find you a similar or better home for the length of your original stay, or we’ll refund you.
    • Get-What-You-Booked Guarantee – If at any time during your stay you find your listing isn’t as advertised — for example, the refrigerator stops working and your Host can’t easily fix it, or there are fewer bedrooms than listed — you’ll have three days to report it and we’ll find you a similar or better home, or we’ll refund you.
    • 24-hour Safety Line – If you ever feel unsafe, you’ll get priority access to specially-trained safety agents, day or night.

    AirCover has been designed directly into the Airbnb app and website, making it easy for you to contact an agent and resolve issues quickly. We created a team of specially trained agents for last-minute rebooking assistance. We also significantly expanded our 24-hour safety line to cover 16 languages.

    The Airbnb 2022 Summer Release: Introducing a new Airbnb for a new world of travel

    Available starting this week

    Airbnb’s redesigned app and website with over 50 categories of unique homes, the innovative Split Stays feature, and AirCover for guests will be available worldwide this week.

  • Airbnb Reveals its First-Ever Travel Guide to The Philippines

    Global hospitality company Airbnb recently launched its very first Airbnb Travel Guide to the Philippines. With domestic tourism on the rebound and the country reopening its borders to both international visitors and balikbayans, the Airbnb Travel Guide 2022: The Philippines aims to inspire travelers to rediscover the country in style.

    “The Philippines has officially reopened to the world and we are seeing a promising rebound in both domestic and international travel, buoyed by the surge in overseas travelers keen to visit their loved ones and enjoy the wonders of the country,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. “Our inaugural Airbnb Travel Guide 2022: Philippines aims to provide a source of travel inspiration and stir in people a desire to travel to and around the Philippines, and to explore new destinations safely and responsibly.”

    ALSO READ:
    Airbnb Online Experiences: Discover The World at Home
    15 Unusual Places You Can Actually Rent on Airbnb

    The new travel guide showcases the hottest and most underrated destinations to visit, and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems unfamiliar even to most locals. It also shines a spotlight on thrilling activities, unique delicacies and the most extraordinary Airbnb stays across the country. 

    Here’s a quick look at some of Airbnb’s top recommendations from Airbnb Travel Guide 2022: The Philippines:

    Airbnb’s Top 5 Hottest, Most Underrated Destinations

    Airbnb Reveals its First-Ever Travel Guide to The Philippines
    Catanduanes, the happy island
    • Sorsogon
    • Catanduanes
    • Siquijor
    • Biliran
    • Zamboanga Peninsula

    Top 5 Extraordinary Airbnb Stays

    Airbnb Reveals its First-Ever Travel Guide to The Philippines
    Rustic treehouse by the riverside in Balamban, Cebu

     Top Must-Try Travel Activities

    Airbnb Reveals its First-Ever Travel Guide to The Philippines
    Pinoy-style go-kart one can ride down the hills of Valencia, Negros Oriental.
    • Zipline over seven waterfalls in North Cotabato
    • Pinoy-style go-kart ride down the hills of Valencia, Negros Oriental

    Top 5 Fantastical Treats for the Tastebuds

    Airbnb Reveals its First-Ever Travel Guide to The Philippines
    Tuslob Buwa: a mix of pig’s brain and liver simmered in a series of aromatics and spices
    • betute tugak (deep fried stuffed frog)
    • tuslob-buwa (mix of pig’s brain and liver simmered in a series of aromatics and spices)

    Top Airbnb Travel Tips

    • make health and safety your top priority
    • go local so the community can benefit from your travels
    • Bring small bills and check out smaller neighbourhood shops run by local artisans
    • follow the Philippines Department of Health’s public health standards

    For Airbnb’s full travel guide, visit ​​https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-travel-guide-2022-the-philippines.