Looking to travel? These days, finding an affordable place to stay often includes perusing Airbnb options - local property owners able to temporarily offer their apartments and homes for vacation spots. Often times these are more affordable, quaint, or convenient depending on what the customer is looking for, and has given individuals a viable way to make extra cash in competition with big chain hotels.
The idea started when the founders, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky, wanted to make some extra cash and thought to turn their apartment into a bed and breakfast during a design conference. For the next few years, they built up the idea and eventually marketed it at the 2008 DNC convention, knowing hotels would be overbooked. In doing so, they got the attention they needed and in the years following have created a massive service.
This creative approach to vacation housing has empowered consumers and property owners alike. Travelers looking for a cheaper alternative to a fully serviced hotel have the option to find a cozy airbnb for a weekend getaway at a fraction of the cost, while people who may be away from home for a period have the option to offer their unused property to make extra cash. It has helped individuals on savings for travel and cutting into the market usually overrun by bigger businesses. The free market approach also helps efficiently allocate unused resources - in this case currently unused homes and apartments.
Airbnb has been a fantastic tool for consumers and property owners alike to allow voluntary exchange to make traveling a better experience.
