Travelers are no longer looking for just a stamp in their passport or a snow globe souvenir from their trips. Meaningful, authentic, experiential travel has been a growing trend amongst jetsetters.
Airbnb, which has already benefitted from the shift toward authentic travel, took that one step further this past year with the launch of "Trips" a service that offers add-on, locals-led "experiences" that help travelers connect with their destination in a more authentic way.
Now those Airbnb-approved experiences are available in Chicago.
Airbnb just announced the launch of 20 Chicago experiences. The experiences, which are led by local Chicago residents and experts, are available to be booked by travelers and locals alike. The initial offerings range from $20 to $90 and include:
- An afternoon playing beach volleyball on North Avenue beach with refreshments ($20)
- A walking tour of the historic sites in Bronzeville with the CEO of Centers for New Horizons and a third-generation Bronzeville resident ($25)
- An introduction to podcasting production with local podcast host Jaime Black ($50)
- A 2.5 hour lakeside workout and stretching class hosted by a former Marine ($89)
- A tour of three Wicker Park speakeasies and hidden bars, with first drinks included ($62)
- Dinner and an insider's introduction to Chicago's comedy scene ($80)
- Among others
Airbnb hosts or Chicago locals can also apply to host an experience.
Since launching the Trips service in November of 2016, Airbnb now offers over 1,800 experiences total in over 30 markets worldwide.
