The post Pack Some Onions Because You Can Spend a Weekend in Shrek’s Swamp appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>For a two nights this month, you will be transported to Far, Far Away, courtesy of Airbnb.
The home-sharing platform is offering guests a stay at Shrek’s Swamp, but it is not the green ogre who is renting it out. Instead, your host will be his partner-in-crime, Donkey.
“Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests,” claims Donkey. “You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it. I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”
The swamp, which is covered in mud and moss, is located among the hills of the Scottish Highlands. There, guests will find Shrek’s rustic treehouse, and, of course, the iconic outhouse. Expect to swap stories around the fire, indulge in a parfait, and relax amid earwax candlelight.
Up to three guests will be able to enjoy the grand stay from October 27-29. Bookings open at 6PM (BST) on October 13, for the enticing price of £0 a night.
And if that wasn’t incentive enough, Donkey is making waffles in the morning!
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]]>The post Airbnb’s CEO Thinks That Hosts Are Overcharging appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>When Brian Chesky co-founded the company with his friend Joe Gebbia in 2008, it was based on an idea to put an air mattress in their living room and creating a makeshift bed and breakfast. The simple concept has since grown into a business worth around $9 billion.
Over the years, millions of people have signed up as hosts, opening their homes to strangers. Yet, not all hosts are fit for the task and it has left a blemish on Airbnb’s reputation.
Many travelers feel that hosts charge too much to rent a room in their home, and that going to a hotel is better and cheaper. After all, hotels don’t expect guests to do chores or charge additional cleaning fees.
After analyzing millions of customer service complaints and social media posts, Chesky is trying to improve the platform. For example, the cleaning fee is now included in the price you see.
The CEO’s advice is for hosts to look at the going rate for hotels in their area when proving their properties “so they have a sense of what travelers are getting on other platforms.”
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]]>The post Wanna Live Like a Celebrity? Take a Look on Airbnb appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher
The couple who met on That ‘70s Show own a beach house in Santa Barbara that faces the ocean. White with touches of blue, the sunny home features a large back porch, hot tub, and two bedrooms. The actors listed the accommodation for one night only, with the deal being that they would stay with their guests.
Gwyneth Paltrow
The queen of Goop has listed her Montecito property which she refers to as her “sanctuary for respite and mental clarity.” With a large pool and fire place, the 1-bedroom home comes filled with Goop products for a nourishing stay. The house is available for one night only, on 9 September.
Seth Rogen
If you’re seeking creativity, Seth Rogen’s home is one to explore. The LA house features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wooden furniture, and greenery. The Fabelmans actor makes ceramics in his spare time and offered his guests an opportunity to witness the creative process. They were also invited to listen to his record collection and eat everything in the fridge.
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]]>The post AirBnB’s Craziest Houses appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This two-bedroom house is shaped like a giant seashell, complete with a rooftop pool and stunning ocean views. It’s the perfect getaway for anyone who loves the beach and wants a unique experience.
The Mushroom Dome, Aptos, California
This cozy geodesic dome is nestled in the woods and surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect retreat for anyone who wants to unplug and unwind. Plus, the hosts provide fresh eggs from their chickens every morning! Fun fact, this is the most booked AirBnB!
The UFO Futuro House, Redberth, Wales
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a UFO, now is your chance. This spaceship-inspired house is located in the Welsh countryside and has a retro-futuristic vibe. It’s the perfect place for sci-fi fans and anyone who wants to feel like they’re in a different world.
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]]>The post Hotel or Airbnb? Where Should You Stay on Your Next Trip? appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Hotels: Where Comfort Meets Convenience
Here are some reasons why hotels might be the perfect fit for your trip.
Service and Convenience: From check-in to check-out, you’ll be taken care of by friendly staff who can assist with booking tours, arranging transportation, and providing local recommendations. Daily housekeeping, room service, and on-site amenities like gyms and restaurants add convenience to your stay.
Safety and Security: Hotels prioritize guest safety with features such as security cameras, keycard access, and 24/7 front desk assistance. This provides peace of mind, especially when traveling to unfamiliar destinations.
Social Atmosphere: Hotels are great for meeting fellow travelers. You can mingle with other guests in common areas, such as lobbies or rooftop bars, creating opportunities for new friendships and shared travel experiences.
Airbnbs: Embrace the Local Flavor
Here are a few reasons why you might opt for an Airbnb on your next trip.
Local Authenticity: Whether it’s a cozy apartment in a residential neighborhood or a charming countryside cottage, you’ll have a more authentic experience and gain insights into the local way of life.
Flexibility and Privacy: You can choose from a variety of options, including entire homes, private rooms, or unique accommodations like treehouses or houseboats. Having your own space gives you privacy and the freedom to create your own schedule.
Cost-Effectiveness: For larger groups or longer stays, Airbnbs can often be more cost-effective than hotels. With access to a kitchen, you can save money by cooking your meals instead of eating out for every meal.
Where Should You Stay on Your Next Trip?
When deciding between a hotel or Airbnb for your next trip, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences, budget, and the type of experience you want to have. Ultimately, the choice depends on your travel style, desired level of comfort, and the type of adventure you’re seeking. So, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the option that best suits your travel needs.
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]]>The post “Phantom of the Opera” Lovers Can Stay at the Iconic Opera House appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Since its release in 1986, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s version of Phantom of the Opera has become the longest running musical in Broadway history. The show has also traveled to the West End and was made into a film starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.
Sadly, Phantom is coming to an end on Broadway, but it is not the end for fans of the award-winning musical.
The story of the masked musical genius comes from a 1910 French novel by Gaston Leroux. Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, as it is known, is set at the Paris opera house, the Palais Garnier.
The prestigious hall exists in real life, and you now have the opportunity to stay there.
The novelist’s great-granddaughter, Véronique Leroux, is hosting an Airbnb stay that will allow guests to sleep in the beautifully renovated Box of Honor.
“My great-grandfather’s classic story has inspired so many people through the years,” she stated. “This is the perfect time to honor him and welcome ‘phans’ [Phantom of the Opera fans] to the famous setting of his much-loved novel for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.”
The experience also includes a private ballet initiation with one of the Opera de Paris Ballet dancers, an exclusive recital performed by the artists of the Paris Opera Academy, a lavish dinner in the Foyer de la Danse, and a tour of the iconic building.
Guests can book their overnight visit on July 16 for around $40.
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]]>The post This Space-Age Airbnb is Worth a Trip to the Desert appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In 1968, architect Matti Suuronen designed a house that resembled a flying saucer (it was the ‘60s, after all). Circular, with windows all around, it’s purpose was to be a ski cabin that was transportable.
The Futuro was also quite clever in its design. Composed of fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic and integrated polyurethane insulation, the house takes only 30 minutes to go from a chilly -20° to 60°F.
Although the chalet was innovative, it was met with hostility and taken off the market in the ‘70s. Nonetheless, there are still several Futuros located around the world, from Australia to Greece.
However, there is one in which you can actually stay.
Situated in Joshua Tree, California, it is part of a glamping experience that has been described as completely off-grid.
“The idea is to disconnect, kick back on the queen-size daybed and enjoy, but still have those perks of having some connected amenities when needed,” say the hosts.
Don’t worry, you won’t be left entirely in the woods. The home is equipped with fresh water for hot showers outdoors, a propane grill, electricity, and a Bluetooth sound system.
That said, considering the stunning desert views, we’d be quite happy just to sit outside and gaze.
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]]>The post Airbnb is Suing New York City Over New Hosting Restrictions appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Although the concept has been excellent for tourists, it has made life difficult for residents who are unable to find affordable housing as a result.
With hosts choosing to use apartments and houses as Airbnbs, it creates a shortage of places for locals to live, and greatly increases the cost of rent.
In 2022, New York City passed the Short-Term Rental Registration Law. According to the new rules, which come into effect in July, hosts must register with the mayor’s office, disclose who else lives on the property, and agree to comply with other city codes.
Airbnb has now chosen to challenge this and filed a lawsuit against the city on June 1.
Referring to the restrictions as an “extreme and oppressive regulatory scheme,” the San Francisco-based company claims that it is “intended to drive the short-term rental trade out of New York City once and for all.”
Mayoral spokesperson, Jonah Allon, has said that “administration is committed to protecting safety and community liveability for residents, preserving permanent housing stock, and ensuring our hospitality sector can continue to recover and thrive.”
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]]>The post Summer’s Top 3 Locations According to Airbnb appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The accommodation platform has revealed the top ten places that people are looking to travel to, with bookings having already been made in more than 72,000 cities and towns for this summer alone! Here are the Top 3 locations according to the site.
Interlaken, Switzerland
Heading to the Swiss Alps? Interlaken is a good place to stop. Owing to its location in the Bernese Oberland region, the tiny tourist town serves as an excellent base to explore the surrounding areas. From Interlaken it is possible to take transport to mountains, lakes, and even an amusement park.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Mother Nature was showing off when she made Niagara Falls. During the summer, the natural phenomenon becomes an attraction during both the day and night, with floodlights illuminating both sides of the falls until midnight. Take a trip on the historic Maid of the Mist boat cruise if you can.
(@wanderwith_thivilaksh)Mykonos, Greece
The Greek island of Mykonos is as dreamy as it comes. With pristine beaches and nightlife that doesn’t stop, it is a place to definitely have on your bucket list. Check out the iconic windmills across the island.
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]]>The post Airbnb is Putting a Stop to Those Ridiculous Checkout Chores appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>It follows reports that some guests were given a list of chores to perform before leaving their temporary homes. Think stripping the beds, doing the laundry, and vacuuming. No, we’re not making this up.
One of Airbnb’s new features allows guests to view the host’s checkout instructions before hitting the reserve button. They’ll also be able to highlight any ridiculous tasks in their post-stay review, with the listing being removed if it received too many complaints.
As for the local element, the platform is attempting to reinvigorate its original policy of renting a room in a hosted home.
“Airbnb’s original tagline was ‘travel like a human’ and the human part was always more important than the travel part, because the most memorable part of traveling is the other people you’re with,” says CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky. “Meeting somebody new, walking in their shoes, and seeing the city through their eyes: this is the soul of Airbnb.”
Those opting for Airbnb Rooms can get the vibe of their potential host through the new Host Passports which include their name, photo, and fun facts.
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