AirBnB: Travellers & Creatives best friend-Exploring the world at an affordable & adventurous package.

By: Neema Doreen. 

I am one of those people who would download a mobile app & think ‘maybe’ one day it will come in handy; days, months, years go by, eventually you forget your login credentials, luckily you still use your e-mail. 

That wasn’t relationship with Airbnb app until 2018-2019, saying it saved my business reputation would be an understatement. 

After several days of hunting for accomodation for 6 people in Diani Beach with so many disappointments, due to either over budget accommodation or being fully booked for the season, I sorted out to Airbnb, not once had I ever used previously but it seemed like it was the only option I was left with. 

Diani Beach, being voted as the best beach in Africa consecutive years, it sure is a very posh residential area, beautiful beaches with the perfect sunrise & sunset, the white sand, perfect weather for skydiving, a number of fun activities to do in Diani, it is no by surprise accomodation prices skyrocket especially during the holiday season, Diani is on demand! 

The Universe was definitely on our side, after a thoroughly search for accomodation on the ap, I stumbled upon a particular bungalow, images of the bungalow were not flattering at all, neither were there enough reviews from previous guests but it was suitable for me & my team of 6 people, & we were to meet the rest in Diani. It didn’t look so good in the eyes, it had enough rooms, kitchen to cook for ourselves, & the amenities worked for us, we finally got a place to sleep. I had to make sure my team made it to Diani by 28th December ready for Diani Beach Festival. I secured the accomodation from 28th-31st December, by making payments right away with my debit card. We were to check out on the 1st January, noon but Diani exceeded our expectation, our host was very welcoming, also due to fatigue after working the night I extended a day to our stay for the team to have a good rest before travelling back to Nairobi. 

Based on the bungalow images I was very skeptical on its appeal, I notified my team on the booking on our WhatsApp group & I had to manage their expectations so I told them we were going for work, the accomodation my not be so appealing, at least we had a place to relax, enjoy our intimate not monitored stay unlike the hotels, surprisingly everyone was rather excited, we were going to Diani, on a budget. Hurraaay! 

A Trip To Remember

My team and I were set to travel on 27th December, I had booked a private transport, we were to drive ourselves to Diani, unfortunately there was last minute hiccups that occured same night, we had to find an alternative, very quick. As the universe was on our side, I found 6 seats available next to each other, on the Modern bus to Mombasa- I booked them immediately via M-pesa, it was 3 in the morning, by 7 am we rushed to the station ready for our trip to Diani. 

On our way to Mombasa, we saw a stunning clayed humongous Elephant, what a beautiful sight to watch, & the driver parked on the side for a few minutes for people to take pictures, so much excitement in the bus, nostalgic. 

First time in Diani,we arrived at 9pm in Ukunda town, at the fueling station where our host came to pick us up. It was a long trip, but we were so excited we made it there. Our host resides at the same premises, there are two houses, he took us to our bungalow, it was beyond our expectations, sometimes, what you see on the App, is not what you necessary get. This time, we got more than what we expected. 

The quality of our holiday rental & design was perfect, intimate. Airbnb gives you an opportunity to select places of your choice based on your budget & preference. Airbnb has now introduced ‘Airbnb Adventures’, multi-day trips led by local experts; which include, activities, meals, & stays inclusively. 

Over the years since it started, priceonomics studies found that Airbnb was 21% cheaper to rent out than a hotel room. It is currently so popular than traditional hotel, in demand & it is a 30 billion dollar business. 

Its popularity lies in its affordability & adventurous nature, and what’s more appealing to frequent travellers, creatives & millennials is the ‘affordability & adventure’.