Category: Travel

PayPal study: 79% of people in Ireland are making daily cutbacks to prioritise travel

PayPal’s new Travel Check-in report* reveals the latest trends in the world of travel, as 85 per cent of Irish consumers either have or are planning to book a holiday for 2023 and almost a third (29%) are set to go on more than two holidays this year.

The research, carried out by Censuswide and involving more than 1,000 consumers across Ireland, found travel remains a priority for 62 per cent of people. While 64 per cent are looking to make up for lost travel time over the last couple of years, the high cost-of-living isn’t going unnoticed, with eight in ten (83%) being willing to adapt travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel and more than three quarters (79%) looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays.

Where are people headed for their vacations? Eight out of ten (81%) are planning to leave the Emerald Isles for their holidays. The most popular international destination picked was Spain (including Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza) (30%), followed by the UK (20%), Italy (16%) and France (16%). For those planning to stay closer to home, the top destinations within Ireland were Galway (22%), Cork (20%), Donegal (20%) and Dublin (20%).

Trips involving quality time with loved ones are high on the agenda for 71 per cent, with other popular trip types including enjoying the outdoors (40%), experiencing a different culture (29%) and focusing on health and wellness (20%) – this was important for almost a quarter of millennials (23% vs 20% general population). Gen Z were most open to ‘bleisure trips’ (mixing work and leisure) to enjoy more flexibility during their time off (12% vs 6% general population).

The average estimated spend on holidays for the year (including booking and all in travel costs) came in at approximately €2,320. The biggest spenders were from Clare (approx. €2,834), Cork (approx. €2,579) and Donegal (approx. €2,577).

“At PayPal, we’re seeing a surge in travel bookings and it’s encouraging to see that Irish people are being mindful of their budgets when it comes to being able to better afford that long-awaited trip,” said Maeve Dorman, Senior Vice President, PayPal. “We’re here to help Irish holiday goers make the most of their trip by providing peace of mind and simplicity for a seamless checkout from the moment they book flights, trains and accommodation all the way to after they’ve checked-in and are looking for local experiences and ticking off bucket lists.”

Check-out five tactics Irish holidaymakers are utilising to better afford travel this year:

  • Daily changes for weeks away: More than three quarters (79%) of consumers in Ireland are looking to save money in their daily lives to prioritise travel/holidays this year. The top cutbacks are cooking at home instead of getting a takeaway or eating out (58%), cutting back on nights out (50%), and making their own coffee at home instead of going to a coffee shop (42%).

  • Being savvy for sun, sea and… savings: The money-saving mindset doesn’t stop when it comes to booking with many using money-saving techniques to get the best price, including looking for discounts (53%), travelling on days when costs are cheaper (38%) and signing up for offers (26%).

 

  • Adapting for adventures: Some 83 per cent of people are willing to adapt their travel plans to be more cost-effective rather than cancel completely, be that looking for budget accommodation (29%), having just one main holiday (23%) or going on shorter trips (22%).

 

  • Planning perfection:  Eight in ten (78%) would rather book in advance to guarantee a price than take a risk on getting a better price closer to the time. Those from Leitrim are the most organised, booking nine months before their break, while those from Clare tend to book three months ahead of time.

 

  • Smart budgeting in the sun: Almost three quarters (73%) of consumers plan to adopt a saving approach on holidays, as opposed to splurging. In terms of other budgeting behaviours, over half (52%) will go cashless and 67 per cent of people will book everything in advance, instead of going with the flow. The most cited challenges/concerns for people when managing their budget on holiday, being able to track their spending ranks highest (46%), followed by fears of being scammed (37%) and security of funds (25%).

To learn more about how PayPal can be the perfect travel companion, visit paypal.com/ie.

GoMo World Release Top Destinations as an Estimated 420,000 People Prepare to Travel Abroad Easter Weekend

With the Easter bank holiday fast approaching, it has been estimated that 420,000 people will travel abroad from Ireland over the Easter holidays. According to data released today from the GoMoWorld team, the most popular destination for Irish based GoMoWorld travellers is the United States of America. In second position are European destinations where ‘roam like home’ is not available, such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland, followed by the United Arab Emirates.

Ahead of the busy travel weekend, GoMoWorld, the revolutionary new roaming app, is helping people prepare with an incredibly simple to use, one app that unlocks a world of connected travel. Data is pre-purchased for the user’s selected destination ensuring that there will be no ‘bill-shock’ to ruin Easter travel with no subscriptions or hidden fees.  To help, GoMoWorld has added a free trial option so that customers can try before they fly!

Launched earlier this year GoMoWorld is unique; by downloading one simple app travellers can automatically connect to the best available mobile networks, including 5G, across more than 160 countries. In recent weeks far flung destinations such as Belize in Central America and Guinea Bissau in West Africa have been added to the ever expanding GoMoWorld global list.

Eoghan Corry, Irish Travel Expert: “Coming out of the pandemic the world is ready and eager to travel again, and this year we will see some of the busiest moments for travel. Leaving through Dublin alone will be over 380,000 people, with an estimated total of 420,000 people travelling abroad this weekend, with the USA obviously still a favourite for Irish people looking for an Easter break.”

Heloise Abraham, Director GoMoWorld: “With Irish people looking again to explore the world, we have had an exciting start to the year introducing GoMoWorld. Its popularity is gaining momentum quickly, particularly across the United Kingdom, in the wake of Brexit and the removal of EU roaming agreements by many operators. We see downloads increase significantly during special occasions such as big sporting events and peak travel times like Easter mid-term. Our GoMoWorld customers want to share their experiences with loved ones at home and with access to the best available networks, and the best value prices, there is no reason to limit what you share.

GoMoWorld is the latest innovation from the world of entrepreneur and telecom operator Xavier Niel, the owner of Monaco Telecom, Salt Mobile SA and eir Ireland. We have brought together the very best of our telco network expertise to create GoMoWorld. Created for people who have a passion for travel, for connections and exploring the world! Incredible roaming value is just one app download away.”

The user experience is seamless, harnessing the power of the embedded eSIM, a function of recent smartphone devices users can change mobile network carrier, data, or service plan through software, without the need of a new SIM or mobile phone. Customers can ‘roam like home’ simply, by downloading the app, choosing a planned destination and activating the eSIM. GoMoWorld provides customers with a range of great value prepaid data plans with entry level from just €3.99. GoMoWorld is available to download now on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

To see GoMoWorld destination availability visit: GoMoWorld.com/Howitworks

Devices compatible with GoMoWorld include the following, with new devices and countries being added all of the time:

 

– Apple iPhone 11 series

– Apple iPhone 12 series

– Apple iPhone 13 series

– Apple iPhone 14 series

– Apple iPhone XS

– Apple iPhone XR

– Apple iPhone SE (2020)

– Apple iPad Air (3rd Generation) WiFi + Cellular

– Apple iPad Pro (3rd Generation) WiFi + Cellular

– Apple iPad Mini (5th Generation) WiFi + Cellular

– Samsung Galaxy S21 series (except FE)

– Samsung Galaxy S22 series (except FE)

– Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

– Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and above

– Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL*

– Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL*

– Google Pixel 4, 4a, & 4 XL

– Google Pixel 5

– Google Pixel 6, 6a & 6 Pro

– Google Pixel 7 & 7 Pro

– Oppo Find X3 Pro

– Oppo Reno 5A

– Oppo Find X5 & Find X5 Pro

– Fairphone 4

Top Tips When Moving To Ireland

Moving to Ireland is something that many people dream of, but it’s also something that can be pretty stressful if you’re not prepared. Ireland is a stunning country with a lot to offer, but it can be challenging to get settled in. The weather can be unpredictable, the language can be difficult to learn, and there are many things that you would need to do before moving. The best way to get the legalities and paperwork sorted is to contact well-reputed Ireland immigration solicitors. If you’re moving to Ireland soon, these tips are for you. They’ll give you great advice on preparing yourself, your family, and your home for the move.

Plan Ahead:

Planning ahead is the best way to avoid stress and ensure you have everything you need when moving to Ireland. You should plan how long you will stay in Ireland, your arrival, and what you would like to do while living there. Everyone in the family must be on board with these plans so they can help prepare for all needs. These include packing clothes, toiletries and other items, buying furniture or renting an apartment or house if needed, arranging transportation between countries, finding an apartment/housekeeper who knows their way around town, etc.

Even something as small as planning luggage storage can make a big difference when planning a move to Ireland. You want to ensure that there are as few hassles as possible, so planning ahead and thinking about the finer details can only set you up for success. It’ll also ensure much less stress for you, so you can sit back and enjoy this next chapter in your life.

 

Don’t Travel Without Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance is not the same as health insurance, but it is a must-have for any trip. You should have travel insurance even if you’re not planning on staying in Ireland for long. Travel insurance covers any possible travel emergencies that may arise while you’re away from home, including medical expenses and lost luggage/personal effects. It also provides peace of mind by providing coverage against cancellations or delays due to weather conditions, illness, or other reasons beyond your control (like mechanical issues with an aeroplane).

While most standard health plans will cover medical treatment overseas (including emergency evacuation), they won’t do so without consulting with an insurer who may end up refusing a payment due to preexisting conditions or other factors like age and gender (women tend to pay more than men). This could leave you stuck without coverage when you need it most.

Register With The Department Of Foreign Affairs:

The Department of Foreign Affairs is the government body in charge of keeping Irish citizens informed about international events and travel warnings. It’s also responsible for issuing passports, so it’s a good idea to register with them as soon as you arrive in Ireland.

As well as registering with the department of foreign affairs, it’s also a good idea to register yourself with your local Garda station (the equivalent of a police force). This will ensure that any emergencies can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Check The Visa Requirements:

When you’re moving to Ireland, you’ll need to know if you will need a visa. Visa requirements vary depending on where you are from and the length of time you plan to stay in Ireland. If your country is on the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a 90-day visa waiver, then no formal documentation is required for your trip. However, if your country is not included in this list or if it’s unclear whether or not this applies to your specific situation (for example: if you’re going on holiday rather than moving permanently), then check with the Department of Foreign Affairs or contact your nearest Irish embassy for more information. 

Book Your Flights Early:

The earlier you book your flight, the more likely you will get the best deals. Due to low demand, many airlines have cut back on their flights between Ireland, the UK, and Europe.

If you do not book well ahead of time, there may be only one or two fares available at any given time. Booking early also gives you more flexibility regarding when exactly you want to go and for how long.

Find A Job First, Then Look For Accommodation:

If you are considering moving to Ireland, you must find a job before arriving. It can be challenging for people who move to Ireland without a job, so make sure your plans are well-prepared and finalized before leaving. 

Before you leave your home country, begin looking for jobs in Ireland—this can take some time but will eventually pay off if done correctly. When moving to another country, looking at available employment options is always best rather than trying to transfer from another company or organization. Doing this will help ensure that new employers know any skills or experience an employee might already have.

 

CitySwift closes €5M Series A round and launches world’s first Mobility-Intelligence-as-a-Service platform

CitySwift, the Galway-based leader in data and artificial intelligence for the public transport sector, today announces the closure of its Series A funding round of €5M, bringing total funding to date to €8.5M.

Led by Act Venture Capital with all existing investors following including Declan Ryan’s Irelandia Investments, Mike McGearty, former CEO of CarTrawler, Enterprise Ireland and the Western Development Commission, the round will fast-track expansion plans to help the public transport industry build resilience against ongoing issues like fuel hikes, driver shortages, funding uncertainty, and Covid-19 recovery

Brian O’Rourke, CitySwift Co-Founder and CEO commented, “This new era of CitySwift is one where we are focused on preparing our partners for a greener, cleaner future of mobility, by matching supply and demand across their networks now. CitySwift strongly believes the future is bright for public transport, and Mobility Intelligence is the key that will unlock attractive, efficient, and green public transport across cities globally.

“Over the past decade, we have seen a significant shift in the way the world moves due to compounding crises such as climate change and the Covid19 pandemic. Cities worldwide have become more congested, travel patterns have changed, the cost of living has increased and sustainability is now a key issue of the political agenda. These shifts have presented us with an exciting opportunity. The public transport industry must rethink its traditional ways of operating and shift its focus from supply to demand in order to optimise networks for the future – and data is what will unlock these efficient and optimised networks. Private operators and public authorities require data-enriched insights to inform them on how to best adapt and operate their networks to provide more efficient, reliable and sustainable services,” added O’Rourke.

To coincide with the announcement, CitySwift has revealed new product announcements alongside a new visual identity and website. The new identity will take the company into its next phase as the world’s first “Mobility Intelligence as a Service” platform, blending the power of data and public transport together to prepare transport networks everywhere for the future of mobility.

The new suite of products includes CitySwift’s Evolve module that delivers scenario planning for AI-powered bus timetabling, and movement pattern simulation for accurately matching frequency with demand resulting in over 5x ROI, a 45% reduction in late buses and over 2% reduction in operating hours with existing clients – also equating to significant emission reductions, cost savings and increases in passenger demand in cities.

The company has also released the Discover offering, a range of dashboards catered to different pain points across transport organisations. These dashboards, which are already driving a massive spike in usage across CitySwift’s existing client base, include driver performance for punctuality insights and driver retention, and demand forecasting for understanding how service changes will impact passenger demand and revenue.

These new and upgraded products will help CitySwift to realise its vision of reducing global emissions from transport, supporting public transport networks to attract more people to choose public transportation over private car use.

Founded in 2016, CitySwift is a homegrown Galway headquartered company with a rapidly expanding team of 65 employees building an international roadmap. A market leader working with all the leading UK operators and Public Sector Authorities, the business has consistently doubled recurring revenue over the last 3 years and is expanding globally into Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and South East Asia. Listed as one of Linkedin’s Top Startups in Ireland, the company is currently hiring across Engineering, Commercial, and Product teams.

Esri maps Ireland’s best music and arts festivals for summer 2022

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map of some of the best music and arts festivals across the country this summer.

Using Esri’s ArcGIS digital mapping system, the interactive map highlights both popular and lesser-known festivals around Ireland.

Ireland’s festival scene has something for everyone, offering a mix of experiences and activities to suit all tastes and interests. From arts in Galway and storytelling on Cape Clear, to rocking at Indiependence and traditional music galore at Fleadh Cheoil, this map will help festival-goers to plan their itineraries for summer 2022.

The map also provides a helpful list of festival essentials including links to packing checklists, tips on how to survive a rainy festival, and Spotify playlists.

See here for more

Esri Maps Ireland’s Best Picnic Spots this International Picnic Day

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map of some of the best picnic spots across the island of Ireland ahead of International Picnic Day on Saturday, 18th June.

Using Esri’s ArcGIS digital mapping system, the interactive map highlights both popular and lesser-known spots for a picnic with family and friends this summer. Locations include forests, parks, lakes and beaches, with something to suit all interests and ages.

As the weather improves and picnic season begins in earnest, grab a blanket, get some snacks and use the map to find a picnic area near you.

Click the image below for the digital map

Dublin Bus partners with Voi – First of its kind pilot project in Ireland

Dublin Bus, the State’s largest public transport provider, joined with Europe’s largest micromobility company, Voi Technology (Voi) to launch an innovative new pilot project. From today Dublin Bus employees will be able to access a special fleet of Voi e-bikes to enable them to travel between the eight depots which house the 1,000 bus fleet of Dublin Bus. 

The new initiative, a pilot project to run for 12 months, will give Voi and Dublin Bus real time insights into micromobility in the capital. Part of a wider range of projects that Dublin Bus is pioneering to support sustainable transport, the e-bike usage data will provide invaluable insights to help Dublin Bus support customers in choosing how to journey on their first or last mile. The pilot programme will include 20 Voi bikes and all bikes will be co-branded in the unique Dublin Bus and the distinct Voi colour schemes. The bikes come equipped with all safety mechanisms and will be charged up and maintained at Dublin Bus depots across the city.  

With a focus on bringing world class solutions to consumers, Dublin Bus first began exploring the Voi solution 18 months ago. A special project task force led by Robert Lynn of Dublin Bus examined a broad range of options and technologies to use as part of this trial.  The options were examined for items like versatility, ease of use, user experience in booking, and supplier expertise. Voi, Europe’s leading micromobility operator was selected after an exhaustive process. 

Speaking about the initiative, Ray Coyne, Chief Executive of Dublin Bus said: “New technology is changing the way everything is done and transport services are no different.  We’ve always prided ourselves on how we help Dublin thrive and this new technology is part of that and is also enabling new ways of doing things in Dublin Bus. 

“We’ve been examining the area of mobility within the transport sector over the last 18 months and exploring markets in the UK and major European cities. During this process we have spoken to many local authorities, local operators, and IT suppliers to gain insight into emerging trends and gain an insight into operational lessons learned as various services are launched in various locations. This has resulted in the company being presented with a number of opportunities in different areas of mobility and we’re delighted today to launch this pilot project.”

Fredrik Hjelm, Co-founder and CEO at Voi said: “We are delighted to partner with such a reputable transport provider and give their employees an opportunity to use our e-bikes to travel around this fabulous city in a sustainable way.

“Integrating public transport with green transport modes such as scooters or e-bikes is fundamental to the decarbonisation of our cities and towns, and we couldn’t be more excited about working with Dublin Bus to bring our vision of creating better cities to live into the Irish capital.”

Technical elements

E-bikes: Starting with a fleet of 20 of our latest e-bikes. All vehicles GPS tracked and capable of speed and zone restrictions (as required)

Using the bikes: Unlimited access exclusively for Dublin Bus Employees. Free unlocking and riding for all employees via the Voi app

Data: Dashboard set up for Dublin Bus management to monitor usage and manage fleet.

Repairs: Inventory of spare parts to be held at Dublin Bus depots – supplied free of charge.

Short-term: Repairs to be conducted by Dublin Bus following training.

Charging batteries: To be conducted locally by Dublin Bus. Charging kits to be supplied by Voi.

Safety: training to be provided for employees to promote safe adoption.

Support: Relationship Manager to be assigned to Dublin Bus to ensure all needs are serviced.

Term: 12-month trial, after which we can review and discuss longer term installations

Locations:

  1. Broadstone
  2. Conyngham Road
  3. Clontarf
  4. Donnybrook
  5. Harristown
  6. Phibsboro
  7. Ringsend
  8. Summerhill
  9. O’Connell Street (Dublin Bus Head Office)

Top 5 coolest museums in Ireland

The land of saints and scholars boasts a vast and varied history that can be discovered at some of the coolest museums in Ireland.

Are you the kind of traveller who loves to find out something new and interesting about each new place you visit? If so, our list of the top five coolest museums in Ireland may just appeal to you.

The Emerald Isle boasts a wealth of fascinating history that is just waiting to be discovered. From ancient kings and medieval battles to the day-to-day life of regular Irish folk throughout the generations, there is always something new to learn.

Irish people are incredibly proud of their history and will often shout about it at any given opportunity. For this reason, much is displayed in top-class museums around the country. Curious to learn more? Here are the top five coolest museums in Ireland.

  1. The Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin – discover everything you need to know about Ireland’s favourite drink

The Irish are known for their fond love of a drink, especially a well-poured pint of Guinness. Whether you’re a fan of the black stuff yourself or just want to see what all the fuss is about, the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a must on any Ireland road trip.

During the tour, you will get to learn all about the history and process of making Ireland’s favourite drink. This fun and interactive museum allow guests to try a pint for themselves with an incredible view over Dublin, put their face on a pint, and if they’re lucky, pull their very own pint. 

Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland

  1. Medieval Mile Museum, Co. Kilkenny – one of the coolest museums in Ireland

Located about an hour and a half south of Dublin is the medieval city of Kilkenny. This fascinating city is a must-visit for any history buffs during a visit to Ireland.

Kilkenny is known for its incredible medieval history and monuments that draw in thousands of tourists every year. From the iconic Kilkenny Castle to the amazing Medieval Mile, there is so much to discover.

The Medieval Mile trail begins with the Medieval Mile Museum, which is located on the 13th-century site of St Mary’s cruciform church and graveyard. There are plenty of treasures and artefacts to discover here, so you could spend an entire day just soaking up the history.

Address: Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 K276, Ireland

  1. Titanic Belfast, Co. Antrim – learn all about Ireland’s famous ocean liner

Set in Belfast’s aptly named Titanic Quarter, Titanic Belfast has been ranked among the world’s leading tourist attractions on numerous occasions.

The attraction first opened in 2012, marking 100 years from the anniversary of the Titanic’s tragic sinking. Since then, Titanic Belfast has welcomed thousands of visitors curious to learn all about the ship and the famous story that comes along with it.

Visitors will be guided through various exhibitions that tell the tale of Belfast and the shipyard in the early 20th-century, the construction and design of the ship, the passengers on board, the sinking of the so-called ‘unsinkable’ ship, and, finally, excavation efforts and pop culture references.

This is a truly remarkable attraction and undoubtedly one of the coolest museums in Ireland.

Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP

  1. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare – take a step back in time

Ireland is home to a huge number of folk parks that allow visitors the opportunity to discover what Ireland was like in the past. However, arguably the best of the lot (and certainly the most famous) is Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare.

Located on the grounds of the 15th-century Bunratty Castle, guests can discover both the lives of the gentry and the common folk of Ireland’s Middle Ages. 

The interior of the castle is lavishly decorated to give a sense of luxury and glamour. Meanwhile, outside, you will find a reconstructed village full of thatched cottages where families would have lived, local shops, and cobbled streets.

Address: Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland

  1. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Co. Dublin – the best museum in Ireland

Topping our list of coolest museums in Ireland is the remarkable EPIC Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. First opened in 2016, EPIC has consistently been voted Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, making a visit here an absolute no-brainer.

Whether you claim Irish heritage and want to discover more about your ancestors or are just curious about the history of Irish emigration, this museum will cater for all. 

With a wide range of interactive exhibits, as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, EPIC is a truly memorable visitor experience.

Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland

Introducing a new Airbnb for a new world of travel

With a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories, the innovative Split Stays feature, and AirCover for guests, this launch represents the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade. 

Last year, Airbnb released 150 upgrades to improve every aspect of the Airbnb service. Today, they are launching the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade including: 

  • Airbnb Categories – A new way to search that makes it easy to discover millions of homes you never knew existed. 
  • Split Stays – An innovative feature that provides more options for longer stays by splitting your trip between two homes. 
  • AirCover for guests – The most comprehensive protection in travel, included for free with every stay. 

“The way people travel has changed forever. That’s why we’re introducing the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade,” said Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-Founder of Airbnb. “First, people are more flexible about where they live and work, so we’ve designed a new way to search with Airbnb Categories. Second, people are taking longer trips, so we created Split Stays to give you more options by splitting your trip between two homes. And third, we’re introducing AirCover for guests, giving you the confidence to book knowing that Airbnb’s got your back.” 

Airbnb Categories 

Millions of people are now more flexible about where they live and work. But travel search has been the same for 25 years — you enter a location and dates into a search box. Most of us can only think of a few dozen cities to type into the search box, but there are Airbnbs in 100,000 towns and cities around the world. 

That’s why they are introducing a new way to search designed around Airbnb Categories, making it easy to discover millions of unique homes you never knew existed. When you open Airbnb, you’re presented with 56 categories that organize homes based on their style, location, or proximity to a travel activity. When you search for a destination, your search results are also organized by categories that are relevant to that destination. As you view different categories, the map intelligently zooms to show you where the homes are located. 

To create Airbnb Categories, we evaluate millions of homes using machine learning to analyze titles, written descriptions, photo captions, structured data from Hosts, and reviews from guests. Members of Airbnb’s curation team review listings and hand-pick featured photos — so if a listing is in the Amazing Pools Category, the first photo shows a pool. Then, each category goes through a final check to help ensure consistency and photo quality. 

The 56 Airbnb Categories include more than 4 million unique homes that are made possible by Airbnb Hosts all around the world. Airbnb Categories organize homes by what makes them unique, which helps people discover places they wouldn’t have otherwise found. This can help alleviate over-tourism by redistributing travel to new locations beyond the same popular destinations. 

Split Stays 

In the last three months*, nearly half of nights booked on Airbnb were for trips of a week or more. That’s why we created Split Stays, an innovative feature that splits your trip between two homes. With Split Stays, you will typically see around 40% more listings when searching for longer stays. 

When searching a specific destination, Split Stays automatically appear in your search results. They also appear within 14 categories — including Camping, National Parks, Skiing, and Surfing — to inspire you to stay in two destinations as part of a longer trip. 

When viewing Split Stays on a map, an animated line visually connects the two homes to show you the distance between them and the sequence of the stays. Once you select a Split Stay, you’re guided through an easy-to-use interface to book each stay, one home at a time. 

AirCover for Guests 

This summer, millions of people will travel for the first time since the start of the pandemic. That’s why we created AirCover, the most comprehensive protection in travel. AirCover is always included and always free, and it represents the biggest upgrade to Airbnb customer service in a decade. 

With AirCover, you’re covered by four protections every time you stay on Airbnb: 

  • Booking Protection Guarantee – In the unlikely event a Host needs to cancel your booking within 30 days of check-in, we’ll find you a similar or better home, or we’ll refund you. ● Check-In Guarantee – If you can’t check into your home and the Host cannot resolve the issue, we’ll find you a similar or better home for the length of your original stay, or we’ll refund you. ● Get-What-You-Booked Guarantee – If at any time during your stay you find your listing isn’t as advertised — for example, the refrigerator stops working and your Host can’t easily fix it, or there are fewer bedrooms than listed — you’ll have three days to report it and we’ll find you a similar or better home, or we’ll refund you. 
  • 24-hour Safety Line – If you ever feel unsafe, you’ll get priority access to specially-trained safety agents, day or night. 

AirCover has been designed directly into the Airbnb app and website, making it easy for you to contact an agent and resolve issues quickly. We created a team of specially trained agents for last-minute rebooking assistance. We also significantly expanded our 24-hour safety line to cover 16 languages. 

Available starting today 

Airbnb’s redesigned app and website with over 50 categories of unique homes, the innovative Split Stays feature, and AirCover for guests will be available worldwide this week, with rollout starting in the US today. 

Airbnb Categories

56 Airbnb Categories Number of homes
Style categories
A-frames 4,500
Amazing pools 1,500,000
Amazing views 27,000
Barns 14,000
Bed & breakfasts 20,000
Boats 9,500
Cabins 240,000
Campers 12,500
Castles 2,600
Caves 750
Chef’s kitchens 7,500
Containers 2,200 Creative spaces 900 Design 27,000 Domes 3,000
Earth homes 4,000
Farms 150,000
Grand pianos 2,800
Historical homes 4,000
Houseboats 2,000
Luxe 3,800
Mansions 1,500
OMG! 700
Off-the-grid 2,300
Shared homes 650,000

 

Tiny homes 60,000
Towers 200
Treehouses 2,500
Windmills 190
Yurts 3,800
Location categories
Arctic 6,500
Beach 900,000
Beachfront 450,000
Casas particulares 7,500
Countryside 200,000
Cycladic homes 11,000
Dammusos 280
Desert 2,100 Iconic cities 490,000 Islands 1,200 Kezhans 19,000
Lake 160,000
Lakefront 90,000
Minsus 1,000
National parks 750,000
Riads 900
Ryokans 1,200
Shepherd’s huts 1,100
Tropical 500,000
Trulli 1,900
Vineyards 120,000

 

Activity categories
Camping 32,000
Golfing 150,000
Skiing 400,000
Ski-in/out 40,000
Surfing 240,000