Warming up to AirBNB (+ $100 giveaway!)

As a veteran CouchSurfer, i’ve honestly not been a big fan of AirBNB – until recently.

Primarily because it commercialized what was always a no-expectations based community of hosts and ‘surfers’ (travelers).

So when Community Operations Specialist Shikha from AirBNB invited me for a ‘Superhost Meetup’ to meet and engage with a bunch of AirBNB hosts, i reluctantly agreed – having experienced it first hand in Rovaniemi, Finland last year.

Superhosts are quite simply – carefully curated hosts who go the extra mile with their hospitality.

My first pleasant surprise was meeting a very old and dear friend who i met 11 years later! As i mingled with these extraordinary folks and listened to their stories, i began to realize that AirBNB is perhaps just a more sustainable version of CouchSurfing with the introduction of commerce, validation and a very strong and passionate community.

Perspective, Perspective!

The second time they invited me over for the first ever Host Day India – where hosts from all across the country gather to exchange stories, discuss nuances and opportunities for improving the hosting experience.

This time, i completed the journey from being a skeptic to a believer. Amazing stories, cheerful people, fanboy moment with Rocky & Mayur and of course – all of this happening at one of my favorite spaces in Mumbai… Ministry of New.

Hanging out with @AirBNB hosts and fellow travelers today at the ever enchanting @MinistryOfNew #ToastToHost #AirBNBlove #HostDayIndia pic.twitter.com/1jrSWja84z

— Exotic Gringo ✈ (@exoticgringo) October 16, 2016

So a fun experience as a guest, the superhost meetup and the Host Day all put together helped in broadening my mind and realizing that it’s all about perspective and respecting others’ viewpoints.

$100 AirBNB Credits Giveaway!

To celebrate my newfound love for AirBNB & in the spirit of spreading the good vibes i soaked in, i’m giving away my $100 AirBNB credits coupon which they so kindly offered me 🙂

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

Step 1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Step 2. Comment below with your AirBNB wishlist link
OR AirBNB listing where you plan to spend the $$$

Simple and fun! Here’s what you stand to win…

* MEGA PRIZE: $100 worth of AirBNB credits
* Second Prize: a beautiful set of AirBNB shot glasses
* Third Prize: MakeMyTrip / Cleartrip voucher worth Rs.650 (or $10 equivalent)
* Assured Rs.1000 vouchers for all new AirBNB users (click to claim!)

Disclaimer & Caveats

* Last Date to Enter the MEGA PRIZE drawings: 31st Dec. 2016
* The AirBNB credits will be valid till 30th April, 2017 for international travel.
For domestic travel, this voucher is valid only post 30th Jan, 2017.