Airbnb Online Experiences lets you go on virtual travel or tours
The top-rated experiences from Airbnb's latest service include sangria-making with DragTaste, magic classes and guided meditation with sheep.
Leila Najafi
Airbnb Online Experience for free
Many in the elderly population, which is especially vulnerable right now, might be able to access Airbnb Online Experiences for free through various partnerships with local organizations including:
- SAGE
- National Council on Aging (NCOA)
- Associazione Nazionale Alpini - Sezione di Milan
- and Amigos de los Mayores
“Millions of elders aren’t able to go outside and risk their health due to the current crisis, and need activities to help them stay connected to the world around them,” says Michael Adams, SAGE's CEO. “Through our partnership with Airbnb, SAGE is able to give older members of LGBT communities across the country an opportunity to not only meet other people but also learn a new hobby and travel to nearly anywhere around the world, all from the safety of their home.”
Who are Airbnb’s Experience hosts?
Anyone can sign up to be a host and share their local expertise. Hosts are encouraged to offer a unique experience that gives viewers a chance to fully immerse themselves within a new culture. In addition to offering hosts free support on how to get set up and capture their experience, Airbnb is also providing hosts complimentary Zoom Business accounts, where all the online experiences are hosted.
Related
Online experience might be healthy during a pandemic
As the number of days in quarantine increases, so might the preponderance of depression and anxiety. Research from nonprofit Mental Health of America showed a 19-percent increase in clinical anxiety in early February and a 12-percent increase during the first two weeks of March.
“Most of us are adjusting to big changes like loss of jobs, changes in lifestyle — and are physically disconnected now more than ever,” says Sevil Arli, PsyD. “Since the quarantine began, many people immediately found different ways to still connect — with nature, with others and within themselves. Finding ways to create some level of normalcy, like setting up Zoom calls to connect with family and friends or continue to engage in group activities via the internet, allows for self-care and survival. It instills within us a hopeful outlook.”
According to the National Institute on Aging, some studies have shown positive relationships between social interactions and mental health. “Platforms like the one Airbnb provides not only give options for users to connect but also help us to increase our mood and quality of life by giving us something to look forward to and a sense of purpose — not to mention, a fun distraction — which will elevate mood and shield from focusing on the news, social media or other platforms that may fill our minds with negative or anxiety-producing thoughts,” Arli said.
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Top-rated Airbnb Online Experiences to try this summer
To help give you an idea of some of the best Airbnb Online Experiences out right now, we compiled those with some of the top ratings across the site — and across the globe.
1. Meet the Dogs of Chernobyl
Meet some of the descendants of abandoned dogs from the Chernobyl disaster as Lucas Hixson, a radiation specialist, takes you directly to the scene and answers questions about the power plant and what he’s doing to help these animals.
2. Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens
Learn how to make authentic Portuguese sangria from with DragTaste's drag queens Teresa al Dente and Irina Ganache in this cabaret-style cocktail class
3. Secrets of Magic
This interactive, 90-minute class will teach you the secrets of magic tricks that can be done from your home — you’ll also have a chance to try them out during the class.
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4. Coffee Masterclass with National Judge
Master the art of brewing coffee with instructor Ricardo Lopez, founder of Borola Café in Mexico City and a judge in Mexico’s national coffee competitions.
5. Goal Setting with Olympic Gold Medalist
Olympic Gold Medalist Breeja Larson will inspire you to think and set goals like an Olympian, sharing anecdotes of her experience from the Olympics along the way.
6. Guided Meditation with Sleepy Sheep
Get up close and personal with these sheep and watch as they are fed — then enjoy a 10-minute guided meditation session as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature and barn life in the background.
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7. Cook Mexican Street Tacos with a Pro Chef
This class will teach you everything you need to know to make tacos from scratch, including how to make handmade flour tortillas.
8. Remote Rescue Goats
These rescue goats are entertaining (and cute) — you'll learn about their unique personalities and quirks, and then you'll vote for your favorite one.
9. Propagating Plants with Hilton Carter
Whether you have a green thumb or you’re planting for the first time, Wild Interiors author Hilton Carter will walk you through growing different plants through propagating.
10. Tango Concert with Latin Grammy Nominee
Enjoy the sounds of Argentinian tango music in this intimate living room concert hosted by Latin Grammy nominee María Volonté and Kevin Carrel Footer.
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