Airbnb data reveals people are looking for travel away from hotspots
Key Takeaways
- New data from Airbnb highlights a growing desire for travel experiences that provide a taste of local life, away from the crowds and queues of tourist hotspots
- Over one in five seek out local experiences when travelling, with one in 10 using Airbnb to find stays outside of popular areas
- To unlock travel experiences that immerse you in the culture of a destination, Airbnb has revealed the most wishlisted private rooms in neighbourhoods across the globe
Key Takeaways
- New data from Airbnb highlights a growing desire for travel experiences that provide a taste of local life, away from the crowds and queues of tourist hotspots
- Over one in five seek out local experiences when travelling, with one in 10 using Airbnb to find stays outside of popular areas
- To unlock travel experiences that immerse you in the culture of a destination, Airbnb has revealed the most wishlisted private rooms in neighbourhoods across the globe
Ahead of the busy summer season, new data from Airbnb* has revealed how holidaymakers are looking for more authentic experiences. Airbnb data highlights how there is a trend towards holiday experiences that more closely resemble what life as a local is like – indicating a move towards more authentic travel this year.
As many as one in five (22%) say they travel on Airbnb because they want a local experience and responding to the same survey, almost two thirds of guests (64%) said that travelling on Airbnb provided a closer connection to the culture than staying in a hotel would have. There was a 72% increase in people booking private rooms between 2021 and 20231, pointing towards a growing desire for affordable travel that is also immersed in local culture.
When it comes to finding hidden gems and discovering contemporary culture – local Hosts are the go-to: they know far more about their area and the best things to see and do than holidaymakers could ever dream of finding online. Last year, nearly half of guests (48%) said they visited places recommended by their Host, which they may not have known about otherwise.
Airbnb superhost, Lucy, said: “Sharing all the brilliant things you can see and do in my local area is one of my favourite things about being a Host. I love sharing the most beautiful country walks, the local pubs where my guests can try local craft beers and as a foodie I know and share all the best spots for local cuisine.”
“Airbnb offers a wealth of options away from the hustle and bustle where you can stay right in the heart of local communities. Our Hosts are the ultimate local travel guides – providing lesser-known recommendations that you could only ever know about after a long time spent living in an area. By choosing to stay with a local, outside of a tourist hotspot and trying little known restaurants, shops and cafes, our guests are putting money back in the hands of local people, businesses and communities, helping them to thrive.”
Amanda Cupples, General Manager for the UK and Northern Europe at Airbnb
To unlock travel experiences that immerse you in the culture of a destination, here is a roundup of the most wishlisted private rooms in neighbourhoods across the globe:
Comfortable room located in a cosy family home, 800 metres away from downtown Chacras de Coria – a small town on the edge of the Argentinean city of Mendoza, near the Andes Mountains. Includes inviting features such as an organic garden, waterfall pool, and fireplace in the living room.
A stylish room located in Sydney’s inner-city village of Surry Hills, just 15 minutes to the city’s beautiful eastern suburb beaches – such as the world famous Bondi Beach. Includes a stunning private balcony with a picturesque garden view.
A bright and beautiful room in the stunning Spanish city of Valencia. Located on a quiet road with historic views to be enjoyed from a private balcony. A peaceful stay with very little noise, the room is just a stone’s throw from Valencia’s historic cathedral and a short bus trip down to the beach.
Elegant room located in the beautiful Italian city of Turin. Situated near the river Po, there are countless places to enjoy a glass of wine or eat traditional Piedmontese dishes at local restaurants. Nearby the cultural heart of Turin, the room offers close proximity to markets, shops, museums and galleries.
A spacious, open-plan room with breathtaking views of the Soi Nana neighbourhood of Bangkok. The room is situated on the third floor of a traditional renovated 40-year old shophouse, offering access to the vibrant atmosphere of Thai-Chinese commercial culture in the markets below.
A charming room located within a family home in the tranquil neighbourhood of San Angel, Mexico City. Just a 15-minute stroll down cobbled streets to reach the historic centre with its famous church and weekend markets, the villa also offers access to a homely space and quiet garden.
Based in Goncourt (11th Arrondissement), just a few metres from the Canal Saint-Martin and a stone’s throw away from République/Le Marais – this charming room offers a spacious living room and beautiful views of the Parisian skyline.
A beautifully designed apartment located in Pigneto, the heart of Rome’s artistic and literary scene. A vivacious neighbourhood with many bars and restaurants, the area offers a cosy respite from the bustle of the city’s centre. The apartment includes a kitchen-living area, decorated with beautiful vintage objects.
An eclectic and minimalist room within a quiet townhouse in southern Ottawa. The room is thoughtfully designed and bathed in natural light with a cool, contemporary feel. Features include a private back garden and parking on premises.
An effortlessly stylish room within a renovated apartment on the mythical Croix Rousse hill. The room boasts thoughtful design and a tranquil green setting, with a private garden and balcony from which to enjoy the city’s views. The area has a unique atmosphere, animated by its market – with products that make the reputation of Lyon’s gastronomy.
*Based on feedback from 21,422 Airbnb UK guests (travelling anywhere globally) surveyed between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. All additional guest-centric survey data in this report originates from this survey.
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