2014 – Rome. Our first exposure to staying with Airbnb. Max was our contact, and we got to stay in the middle of Rome, in the middle of summer (man, it’s hot over there!) with our daughter, while she was studying in the city for a year. Breakfast was provided for us each morning, and all went smoothly. (It helped having our own tour guide by the name of Meg!) The price was super-reasonable and all-in-all, a great experience.
Fast forward to about six weeks ago. John tells me we’re off to Wellington to see the All Blacks play Wales. I jump online to find accommodation in the city – and unless we were prepared to pay for two nights’ accommodation at some places, or, an exorbitant amount of money for one night – accommodation fell into the ‘hens’ teeth’ category.
So I decided to try Airbnb again – worth a try I thought. Well, fast track to mid June, and we got to experience a gorgeous little house in Island Bay, with a view of the ferry inching into view, and a chance to meet a wonderful lady by the name of Chris, who was welcoming, hospitable and just plain lovely! We had friends who came with us too, and the set up was perfect. And all for a reasonable price, plus in the morning we didn’t have to be gone by 10am for the cleaners to come in! John and I got to go for an invigorating walk along the coastline and take in a bit of Wellington we rarely get to see.
Technology has catapulted us forward into the 21st century and how we’ve lived and done business in the past has been transformed. Who would’ve thought of travelling ten years ago, and staying at someone’s home – someone you don’t even know? But with online reviews that keep businesses honest, the playing field has been levelled, and you can get a feel of what a place will be like, prior to booking.
Go check out the website and get inspired!
Kristine Barber
WealthDesign – a life well planned