Travel might be halted right now, but you can still get out there and explore the world thanks to Airbnb's new Online Experiences [1]. The virtual travel experiences [2] offer a variety of opportunities for people feeling that wanderlust [3], including workshops with Olympic medalists, virtual trips to Chernobyl, and cooking classes [4] with people from around the world. The experiences allow you to do an activity at home with friends that you might have otherwise only done on vacation, or can bring together professionals who normally work as a team to bond and reconnect. If your group is large, you can even reserve a private experience and request a specific date for booking.
Each of the online experiences are led by hosts from over 30 countries, who give participants access to their culture and traditions even though participants can't physically travel to that destination. Bookings are open with more than 50 virtual experiences available through Airbnb's website [5]. And be on the lookout for even more offerings being added in the coming weeks. All experiences range in price from $1 to $40 and will be hosted on Zoom [6]. Keep reading to see just some of the Airbnb Online Experiences that are being offered!
Online Cello Meditation Concert
Find a quiet spot and turn yourself inwards as you meditate to an online cello concert [8]. The host is live from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and can also answer any questions you might have about their culture or country.
Guided Meditation With Sleepy Sheep
During this guided meditation, your online host will take you through a series of exercises while you virtually find your Zen with sleepy sheep [9]. You will also walk through the farm with the host as she feeds the sheep and other animals. The class is about one hour.
Personalized Interior Design Workshop
Live from San Francisco, CA, your host will walk you through how to spruce up your home [10] with a few simple tips. They will also be able to help you customize your home office to make it a more functional while still beautiful space.
Make Italian Grandma's Pasta
Learn to make fresh pasta [11] with a master who will join you in your kitchen virtually from Italy. Depending on what day you sign up, the pasta dish you will be making is different. For example, Tuesday is lasagna and Wednesday is fettuccini. The class will last about an hour and a half, and at the end, you'll have made dinner for yourself!
Secrets of Magic
Live from Berkhamsted, UK, Secrets of Magic [12] introduces you to a world-record-holding magician who will perform tricks and even show you how some of them are done. The host will also share personal stories of their time as a magician, including performing at a children's hospital.
Irish Dance Masterclass
Learn how to perform a traditional Irish dance [13] with this master class. The host will start by warming everyones legs up before diving right into the lesson for the day. And don't worry if you've never Irish danced before — the host will break everything down into manageable steps.
Make Swedish Pastries With a Professional Baker
If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a traditional pastry or dessert from another country, this is your chance! A professional baker from Stockholm, Sweden will welcome you into their home and make cinnamon and cardamom buns [14]. The class is about an hour and a half, and at the end you'll have a warm pastry to enjoy.
Turkish Fortune Coffee Reading
If you want to look into the future, this Turkish fortune coffee reading class [15] might be for you. You'll get your fortune read live after drinking your coffee, and all fortunes are lighthearted and fun.
Gentle Yoga and Slow Life Coaching Class
Live from the beautiful Florence, Italy, take a calming yoga class [16] that combines traditional yoga with meditation. The class will walk you through exercises to calm your inner self as you look out into the countryside of Florence.
Meet the Penguins
Meet the Penguins [17] is a family-friendly class that educates you on the marine bird, including how to tell how old one is, how to tell if it's a boy or girl, and how to keep it from going extinct. The virtual experience also has a hands-on activity where you can make your own penguin out of household items. The class is one hour and is hosted from Cape Town, South Africa.
Meet the Dogs of Chernobyl
During this experience [18], you'll learn about a program that helps the descendants of dogs who were left behind after the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl in 1986. While on the virtual tour, you'll meet some of the dogs and get to visit the Unit 4 reactor, which is the main disaster scene at Chernobyl.