Airbnb Just Made It Easier To Book Chefs, Massages, and Experiences With Improved App

Airbnb is kicking off the busy summer travel season with a major app overhaul designed to make trip planning easier and more memorable. Along with the redesigned look of its app, the company is introducing 2 new products: Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences.

Here’s what you need to know about the new, redesigned Airbnb app and these new features.

A More Personalized App for Modern Travelers

The new Airbnb mobile app (iOS, Android) focuses on making it easy to explore and personalize your experience. With a new Explore tab, travelers can easily find places to stay, fun activities, and services they need, all in the same place.

The new Explore tab, consisting of the 3 main pillars of the vacation rental giant’s new business model — Homes, Experiences, Services — takes the header position on the app’s homepage. It replaces “Categories,” which featured unique vacation rentals in quirky categories such as “OMG!,” “Treehouses,” and “Castles,” among others.

These unique properties are still available on the platform, but are no longer organized under the old categories.

In the meantime, the new Trip tab gives you a clear itinerary that includes your home details, activity bookings, and service reservations in the same place.

Communication has also improved. The updated Messages section lets you share photos and videos easily and has built-in payment options to help you coordinate extra services with hosts or providers.

A new social profile feature lets users share their past travels and the connections they’ve made, bringing a personal touch to the Airbnb community experience.

Introducing Airbnb Services

Airbnb is branching out from just places to stay and now has “Services” — a range of on-demand, in-home options you can find in more than 260 cities. Travelers can enhance their stays with the following options:

• Private Chefs: Savor meals made just for you by skilled chefs.
• Photography Sessions: Make lasting memories with nearby photographers.
• Enjoy massages and facials from the comfort of your rental.
• Fitness Training: Work with personal trainers to keep up with your fitness routine.
• Beauty Services: Get hair, makeup, and nail services right where you are.

These services fit neatly into the booking process, making the customer’s travel experience easier and more personalized.

Upgraded Airbnb Experiences Spotlight Unique, Expert-Led Activities

Airbnb has revamped its “Experiences” program, which features curated activities conducted by local experts. The redesigned platform focuses on quality and authenticity, including activities like cultural excursions, culinary lessons, and wellness sessions.

Notably, the program now includes “Airbnb Originals,” which are special events created in conjunction with celebrities. For example, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Otaku Hottie Quest” in Los Angeles combines anime culture with human engagement.

Enhanced Features for Group Travel

One thing that was often missing with Airbnb was a way for groups to easily collaborate when choosing accommodations. Now, Airbnb has introduced a much-needed solution. Recognizing the dynamics of group travel, the platform has rolled out features to make collaborative planning easier than ever:

• Shared Wishlists: Groups can now collectively curate and vote on potential accommodations, ensuring that everyone’s preferences are considered.
• Group Messaging: The new group messaging feature allows all members to communicate directly with each other and with hosts, making planning more cohesive and efficient.

This new feature makes Airbnb an ideal choice for group trips, making it easier to pick and book places to stay together.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb’s revamped app provides travelers with a more streamlined and personalized experience. The introduction of Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences has enhanced the platform’s convenience.

Services such as private chefs, in-home massages, and personalized workouts can now add to your Airbnb experience, while the expanded Experiences feature provides curated activities that connect you with local culture.

These updates show that Airbnb has evolved beyond merely being a platform for booking accommodations — it’s now trying to become an all-encompassing travel companion.