airbnb work trip

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Many travelers book with Airbnb to save on lodging for personal and leisure trips, but it’s equally convenient to use Airbnb for Work. It encourages stronger company culture through team building, local experiences and increased collaboration when traveling — all while saving about 50% on expenses. 

These days, some 700,000 businesses use Airbnb for Work to book spaces. In this guide, we’ll show you how find them, how the program works and why it might be a fit for your company’s travel style.

And although Airbnb doesn’t have a loyalty program, you can earn miles, points or cash back by paying with  the best small business credit cards .

Let’s take a look.

Overview:  What’s Airbnb for Work?

Airbnb for Work  is a dashboard designed for small business travel. It’s a simple but powerful interface that addresses difficulties in booking traditional lodging for teams.

When you sign up as a business, you’ll have access to travel reports, invoices and expense reports. You can even set limits on how much an employee can spend per night — right down to custom limits for specific cities. You can set the maximum at, say, $75 a night in Kansas City and $150 a night in New York or San Francisco.

You’ll save money by not having to pay for multiple rooms as you would with hotels. Instead, you can book a big place with several rooms for one nightly price — which on average is 50% cheaper. Most rentals come with a kitchen, work spaces and a living room, so you’ll also save on eating out and paying for multiple Wi-Fi passes.

Plus, everyone will have their own room for work and sleep and be more available for team meetings, brainstorming sessions and social gatherings.

Many Fortune 500 companies, like Domino’s, Hyundai and PayPal, use Airbnb for Work for team lodging. Airbnb locations are in ~200 countries around the world.

And you can also book a cottage, cabin or castle just to get away for a while.

Advantages of Airbnb for Work

1.  you can save nearly 50% compared to hotels.

In addition to making it easier to book team travel, Airbnb for Work can also save a lot of money. Airbnbs for teams are 49% cheaper on average for travel within the U.S. and can save even more on international lodgings.

Which makes sense because booking multiple hotel rooms can get expensive quickly.  If you can book one place with extra bedrooms, you’re only paying one total cost per night.

2.  Airbnb encourages team building and collaboration

The other advantage to Airbnb for Work is the opportunity to have your team in the same place, but with enough privacy so everyone has their own space.

When you can hang out in the living room, instead of a hotel lobby, your team can bond faster with fewer distractions. And having a full kitchen for meal preparation encourages folks to spend more time in shared spaces.

Plus, you can book  Airbnb Experiences  to arrange shared activities off-site, like sailing, pastry-making classes, a canoe trip and much more.

3.  Airbnb for Work offers a corporate dashboard for travel management

Airbnb knows business travelers need easy ways to book and pay for their stays, keep track of employee spending and generate invoices. The Airbnb for Work dashboard accomplishes this.

The Corporate Dashboard allows you to easily reserve stays for your team, so there’s no need for your employees to book their own reservation. You’re also able to directly reimburse your employees for their paid stays and pay any outstanding invoices related to the stay.

We’ll talk about the dashboard more in a moment.

4.  Airbnb for Work is great for long-term projects or employee relocation

Instead of bland corporate housing, Airbnb for Work can provide long-term accommodations for big projects or employee relocation. In fact, you can usually save even more for a longer booking.

Airbnb offers travelers certain amenities that most hotels simply do not. You’ll have an entire house/apartment to yourself and a full kitchen that’s a welcome convenience for folks who don’t want to eat at a restaurant every day.

5.  Airbnb for Work’s standards and host expectations

Airbnb requires hosts to meet certain standards before their listing will appear as work-ready. Hosts have to ensure:

• Guaranteed constant Wi-Fi
• Laptop-friendly work spaces
• Travel essentials like basic toiletries, iron, hair dryer, and hangers
• Self check-in with a keypad code or lock box
• Flexible and/or free cancellations

In addition to these requirements, each work-friendly listing must have at least an average 4.8 rating (out of 5) and at least five reviews.

Metrics are updated constantly. If a listing fails to meet expectations or falls below standards, it will no longer appear in business travel searches.

How to use Airbnb for Work

To get started, navigate to the Airbnb for Work  website  and click “Sign up.” You’ll have to use a work email, or an email separate from your personal Airbnb account.

You’ll get a verification email with a link to click to confirm it’s the correct email address.

Afterward, you can access and set up your dashboard.

Here, you can:

• Invite employees to book stays through your company’s portal
• Add a company credit card
• Generate invoices
• Track team spending

You can also add employees to groups and designate other admins to approve company travel, if you have a lot of employees.

You can also opt to receive alerts if a stay exceeds a nightly rate. And you can set limits for any specific city, say, $120 for Chicago or $150 for New York City.

This is a useful feature for giving employees more wiggle room in expensive markets. Or making sure they don’t spend too much in cheaper locations.

After you’ve set up your dashboard, you can invite your team members to join. From there, they can start booking their trips any time they log in with their company email address.

Trips will show up automatically in the “Reporting” section of your dashboard. And you can see who booked the trip, where they went, dates of the stay and how much it cost.

The dashboard is laid out simply and easy to use. The advantage of using it is to have everything in one place instead of waiting for each employee to submit expense reports and invoices. Plus, you can add a company credit card so they won’t have to use their own payment methods, which is another way to track spending.

Important considerations

Airbnb for Work is best for business travel involving small groups. If you have 2,000+ employees and want to organize a conference or meeting, you’d definitely want to look elsewhere for that kind of space.

Also, Airbnb isn’t subject to the same safety controls as major hotels, like marked exits, ADA compliance and sprinklers in every room in case of a fire. You’re often staying in a home intended for residential, not commercial, use. Although that provides “homey” space, you might need something with a ramp and an elevator or other special features.

And beware of cancellations. Things can (and do) happen — the heat goes out in winter or a pipe bursts. The landlord can’t move you to another room like in a regular hotel. If there’s a last-monute disaster, it could throw your plans into turmoil, although I’ve personally found Airbnb to be fast and accommodating in the case of emergencies like this.

This can happen in a regular hotel too, of course. For example, when I showed up to a Marriott hotel in Orlando, they told me the water was out on the entire floor — and sent me to another hotel across the street. Or you might arrive at a hotel to find a broken elevator, noisy guests next to your room or loud construction right outside your window (all of these have happened to me).

And hotels undergo frequent renovations. When I arrived at my Hyatt hotel in New Mexico, we had to walk around the entire building to check in because the lobby was closed. So being flexible is important when you travel, not just with Airbnb.

Finally, consider that some communities aren’t welcoming  of Airbnbs and their a constant rotation of new guests. You might experience hostility from neighbors.

If you have any safety concerns, be sure to ask your host. And always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t question it — just walk away.

Again, that applies to every travel experience. Just know what you’re getting into as much as you can before you show up. Safety first, always.

There’s no loyalty program, but you can still save with the best business credit cards

An Airbnb loyalty program is rumored to be in the works, but until it arrives,  applying for a small-business credit card  allows you to earn valuable welcome bonuses and miles and points on your Airbnb business travel.

Our favorite cards include:

• Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – Best business card overall
• Ink Business Cash Credit Card – Best business card with no annual fee
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express– Best business card for travel and airport lounge access

Check out  the full list of small-business cards . They’re our ticket to award travel — which includes cheap stays through Airbnb, even for business travel.

Bottom line

Airbnb for Work is an easy way to manage team travel, save money on lodging and bring colleagues closer together for team building and collaboration. On average, it’s 49% cheaper within the U.S. to book an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel.

The dashboard is simple to use and offers organizational features to keep everything in one central hub. When you book through Airbnb for Work, you can expect to find fast Wi-Fi, self check-in, toiletries and flexible cancellation policies.

Airbnbs are usually reliable, but stay flexible in case your host has to cancel because of an emergency or another sudden issue. And it’s not the best option for huge corporations. The ideal client here is a small business team or a solo traveler.

Until Airbnb creates a loyalty program, you can use  the best business credit cards  to earn miles, points and valuable welcome bonuses when you travel.

It’s a viable and money-saving alternative to hotels, especially if you usually book several rooms for your team. In fact, some folks prefer it.

Have you used Airbnb for Work during your business travels? Let us know how it’s helped you and your team.

Meghan Hunter

Contributor

Meghan Hunter is an editor for Million Mile Secrets. She covers points, miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels and general travel. Her work has also appeared in The Points Guy.

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Signing your company up to Airbnb for Work

Joining Airbnb for Work makes it easy to book and manage company travel, with access to listings around the world for short or extended business travel. If you manage your employer’s travel or human resources department, you can enrol your company in Airbnb for Work.

Enrol your company

First, fill in the contact form . Our team will determine if your company qualifies for a corporate account.

Set up your company's account

Next, you’ll need to confirm your email address. When you do, you’ll get access to the Airbnb for Work dashboard where you can:

• Invite your employees to the Airbnb for Work programme.
• Add your company’s credit card. This gives your colleagues an easy way to pay for any work trips they book on Airbnb.

Use an existing Airbnb account to manage your company’s travel

You can access your Airbnb for Work dashboard with an existing Airbnb account. Invite employees, check upcoming and active trips, review itineraries and more.

Add colleagues to your company's account

Your unique Airbnb for Work invite page makes it easy for you to invite your employees . After they sign up, they can book places to stay for work trips.

Add an admin or trip planner

Once your employee accepts the invitation and is on board, you can change their role and give them more responsibilities, such as making them an admin or a trip planner.

Related articles

Joining your company’s airbnb for work account, joining airbnb as a company or managing company info on an account.

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How to use Airbnb for corporate travel - A quick guide

Airbnb takes aim at the corporate travel industry, the benefits of airbnb for business travelers, hotels retain a slight upper hand, airbnb vs hotels – how do they stack up, should i book my next business trip on airbnb.

• Airbnb rentals are typically more suitable for trips that are over a week in length.
• Hosts offer discounts on weekly and monthly bookings.
• Ideal for relocators or longer itineraries where travelers would appreciate facilities like washing machines and kitchens.
• Better for groups of business travelers.
• Safety concerns and more remote locations could make Airbnb rentals unsuitable for solo travelers.
• Airbnb rentals are great bases for new starters who have relocated.
• Can serve as inspiring backdrops for corporate getaways, allowing teams to reconnect and have creative brainstorming sessions in a new location.
• It is less suitable for short trips as their location tends to be away from business districts.
• Business travelers might prefer to stay in a hotel where they can benefit from housekeeping, gym facilities, and room service.

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Unlocking the Business Travel Scene with Airbnb: Your Essential Guide for 2023

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Houst is a leading property management company specialising in short-term and medium-term bookings in eight countries. With over 7 years of experience and managing over 300,000 bookings, we help homeowners make the most of their properties.

Business travel can be both exciting and challenging. From finding the right accommodation to managing expenses, there are many factors to consider when planning a business trip. In recent years, Airbnb has emerged as a popular option for business travellers. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of using Airbnb for business travel and how to make the most of the platform when planning your next trip.

Table of Contents

Why Use Airbnb for Business Travel?

• Cost-Effective: One of the main reasons business travellers opt for Airbnb is the cost savings. In many cases, renting a room or an entire apartment through Airbnb can be significantly cheaper than booking a hotel room. This can be especially beneficial for companies looking to cut costs on travel expenses. Additionally, many Airbnb properties come with amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities, which can save money on meals and laundry service costs.
• Flexibility: Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation options, from private rooms to entire apartments. This flexibility allows business travellers to choose the type of accommodation that best suits their needs. For example, if you're traveling alone, a private room may be the best option. But if you're traveling with a team, an entire apartment may be more suitable.
• Local Experience: Staying in a hotel can be a bit isolating, but with Airbnb, you have the opportunity to experience the local culture and neighbourhood. Many Airbnb hosts are happy to share their local knowledge and recommendations, which can make your business trip more enjoyable and productive. Airbnb properties are often located in residential areas, providing business travelers with the opportunity to experience the local culture and neighborhood. This can be a great way to gain a more authentic and immersive experience while on a business trip, and many hosts are happy to provide local tips and recommendations.
• Amenities: Airbnb properties often come with amenities such as a kitchen and laundry facilities, which can be very convenient for business travellers. Having access to a kitchen allows you to prepare your own meals, which can be a great way to save money. And the ability to do your own laundry can be a real lifesaver on longer trips.  

How to Make the Most of Airbnb for Business Travel?

• Research: Before booking your accommodation, take the time to research different properties and read reviews from previous guests. This will help you find a property that meets your needs and has a good reputation.
• Communicate with your host: Before your trip, reach out to your host and let them know what you need. For example, if you need to check in early or need a quiet place to work, let them know. This will help ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
• Take advantage of the app's features: The Airbnb app has a number of features that can make your business trip more efficient. For example, the "Notes" feature allows you to leave important information for your host, such as your arrival time or any special requests. And the "Messages" feature allows you to easily communicate with your host throughout your stay.
• Manage your expenses: Keep track of your expenses by saving your receipts and taking note of any additional costs, such as cleaning fees or extra guests. This will make it easier to manage your expenses and submit your travel expenses report when you return.
• Safety and security: It's important to ensure your safety and security during your stay. Research the neighbourhood, check the property's security features and make sure you have a way to contact the host or Airbnb support in case of an emergency.
• Business travel policies: Some companies have policies in place for their employees' business travel. Before booking your accommodation, make sure you are aware of your company's policies, and if necessary, get approval from your employer.
• How to handle last-minute changes: Business travel can be unpredictable and plans may change last-minute, it's important to have a plan in case of any changes. Airbnb's flexible cancellation policy can help in this situation, but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of any unexpected changes.

How to Choose the Right Airbnb Property

• Location: When choosing a property, consider the location and its proximity to your business meetings or events. It's best to choose a property that's in a safe and convenient location, close to public transportation or within walking distance to your destination.
• Space: Consider the size of the property and the number of guests it can accommodate. For business trips, it's often best to choose a property that offers separate sleeping and living areas, as well as a workspace.
• Amenities: Check the property's amenities and make sure they meet your needs. For example, if you need a property with a kitchen or laundry facilities, look for properties that have these amenities.
• Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of what to expect from the property and the host. Pay attention to comments about the cleanliness, communication, and location of the property.

Making the most of your stay

Even if you are traveling for a short duration, you need to make the most of your trip. Here are three ways you can achieve that:

• Utilise the space: Make use of the property's amenities to make your stay more comfortable. For example, if the property has a kitchen, prepare your own meals to save money. And if it has laundry facilities, take advantage of them to keep your clothes clean and fresh.
• Take advantage of the host's local knowledge: Your host can be a great resource for information about the local area. Ask them for recommendations on restaurants, transportation, and things to do.
• Stay organised: Keep your business documents and travel itinerary organised and easily accessible. This will help you stay on top of your schedule and be more productive during your stay.

Tips for having a successful business trip with Airbnb

• Be prepared : Before your trip, make sure you have all the necessary information and documents, such as your business cards, travel itinerary, and contact information for your host.
• Communicate with your host: Reach out to your host before your trip to discuss your needs and any special requests. This will help ensure that your stay is as comfortable and productive as possible.
• Set boundaries : If you need a quiet place to work, let your host know. If you need privacy, let them know that too.
• Pack smartly: Pack what you need for your business trip, but also pack what you will need to make your stay comfortable.

How to handle issues or complications during your stay?

Complications can arise during any part of your trip, so you need to make sure you are at the top of your game. 

• Contact your host: If you encounter any issues or complications during your stay, reach out to your host. They will be able to help you resolve any problems and ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
• Contact Airbnb support : If your host is unable to help, or if the issue is serious, contact Airbnb support. They will be able to provide assistance and help you find a solution.

How to optimise your business travel budget with Airbnb?

• Compare prices: Compare prices of Airbnb properties with hotels and other accommodation options to ensure you're getting the best deal.
• Book in advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and lower prices.
• Choose shared accommodation: If you're traveling alone, consider booking a shared room instead of a private room or entire apartment. This can be a great way to save money.
• Use the app's features: Take advantage of the app's features, such as "notes" and "messages", to communicate with your host and manage your expenses.

Airbnb has become a popular choice for business travellers due to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and local experience. By taking the time to research properties, communicate with your host, take advantage of the app's features, and manage your expenses, you can make the most of your business trip with Airbnb. 

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Airbnb makes it easier to find a place to stay on business trips

It now highlight listings with positive ratings from other business travelers..

Airbnb wants to make it easier to find work-friendly listings, and its solution is fairly simple. Before, the company would ask if you were traveling for business at checkout. Now, it's offering a work trip toggle that you can select at the beginning of your search. The feature will bring up listings that are more relevant for business trips.

The Airbnb for Work toggle will highlight listings that have received positive ratings from business travelers, as well as listings that have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors -- though you'd think everyone would want those. Users will also have access to Airbnb's existing business travel tools, like centralized billing, notes for expensing purposes and company admin dashboards.

Airbnb already helps businesses plan team-building exercises and lets users sign up for the nearest We Work office space. And while the new toggle is fairly straightforward, it could help the more than 500,000 companies who use Airbnb for Work. It could also give Airbnb more leverage in its fight against traditional hotels like Marriott .

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Table of Contents

How does Airbnb work?

How to book an airbnb, check in processes vary from airbnb to airbnb, you may have to clean up before checking out of your airbnb, is airbnb safe, how to save money on airbnb bookings.

Lodging during your vacations or business trips doesn’t necessarily have to be a standard hotel, bed and breakfast or campground. These days, more and more travelers are staying at someone’s house, coordinated through home rental sites like Airbnb.

Renting a vacation home via Airbnb can sometimes be the cheapest option. What’s more, on Airbnb you’ll typically have better luck finding more beds in the same unit than you’d find in a hotel room. Airbnbs often tend to include couches or futons so you can sleep more people. They typically have washing machines and kitchens to better accommodate extended stays, giving travelers the option to save a little money by cooking at home.

Airbnbs are also often located in places that might not have many hotels to choose from, providing you with more lodging options (and sometimes the only lodging option). And many properties are delightfully unexpected. There are treehouses, lighthouses and geodesic domes for rent, and there’s even a replica of The Hundred Acre Wood near London.

But Airbnbs also have challenges. Check-in processes are inconsistent, as some hosts make you meet up with them in-person to exchange keys while other units unlock remotely so you never meet the owner. Policies, for instance about parties and cancellations, vary by property. There are tons of fees (which again, vary by property). Couple that with Airbnb’s lack of a loyalty program, and the platform sometimes doesn’t net out to be any cheaper than hotels.

But if the vacation home life is the life for you, here’s what you need to know about renting an Airbnb.

An Airbnb listing in Ashdown Forest near London is inspired by A.A. Milne’s original tales of Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood. (Photo courtesy of Airbnb)

Airbnb launched in 2007 as an online, peer-to-peer home rental service, when its founders were seeking a way to help pay their rent — in this case renting out a portion of their home to someone else. CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky inflated three air mattresses to make what was the first-ever Airbnb listing, and today there are millions of listings worldwide (and you can actually still book a room in Chesky's own house , though it's rarely actually available to book).

A listing photo for Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky's own home, which is offered for rent on the site.

The premise of Airbnb is simple: A person lists their home for rent, sets available dates and the price, and you can opt to rent it. Some listings give you the entire home to yourself, while others provide private areas within a home (such as an in-law unit). Sometimes, you might even share a room with someone else.

Listings vary across pretty much every aspect of your stay, including amenities offered, cancellation policies and the number of guests allowed to stay. But Airbnb’s platform has about 4 million hosts across 220 countries and regions, so there’s a good chance you’ll find an Airbnb that matches your needs.

How to make an account on Airbnb

To get started on Airbnb, you’ll need to create an online account, which usually entails more than just a name and email address if you want to book a stay. You’ll typically have to upload your government ID, which Airbnb requires for security (after all, you’re staying in someone else’s house, and sometimes even with them or other guests present).

Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, passport, identity card or visa. Airbnb says it does not share your ID with anyone else who uses Airbnb, including hosts.

Finding your rental

Use Airbnb’s filters to find your perfect rental, or try the new categories feature.

Booking an Airbnb is fairly straightforward. The website offers robust filters, so you can narrow down rentals based on available dates and number of guests, and other features like whether the rental offers amenities like cribs, accessible showers or free parking.

In May 2022, the company launched its Airbnb Categories feature which gives you the option to browse properties by some more nebulous criteria. Rather than searching for a specific city or region, you can see properties all around the world that fall into categories like "OMG!" (for weird and whimsical homes) or "Grand Pianos" for, well, homes with grand pianos. Other categories include homes with chef's kitchens, homes located near national parks and, simply, yurts. The Categories feature has caught on, and at the end of 2022, Airbnb launched six new categories for you to browse through: Trending, Adapted, Play, Hanoks (which are traditional Korean homes), New and Top of the World (indicating homes at least about 10,000 feet above sea level or higher).

The Adapted Category displays homes that are adapted for wheelchair access, with verified step-free paths into the home, bedroom and bathroom.

Most listings include multiple photos, detailed descriptions and reviews to give you a solid idea of what you’re in for. If there aren’t many high-quality photos, or there are no reviews, be cautious. It could simply be a brand-new listing and just fine, but it might also be a warning sign.

Read the descriptions carefully, as they typically detail important information such as pet rules, noise rules and limits on guests. Some owners also require you to sign separate contracts or rental agreements outside of the standard Airbnb contracts, which will typically be spelled out in the description as well. Airbnb has features that let you message the host before booking if you’re unsure about something.

If you're planning a longer trip, you might want to take advantage of Airbnb's Split Stay feature. Split Stays give guests the opportunity to split a longer trip between two properties. Individually, those properties might not allow for a long enough stay to match your trip needs, but Split Stays (which will appear in location-specific search results as well as certain categories) provides travelers with automated suggestions for coordinating lodging on a longer trip.

When you’ve found your rental of choice, the actual booking process varies. Some homes let you book instantly, while other homes require you to send the owner a request for approval.

Booking and paying for your Airbnb

Once accepted, you’ll be charged for the reservation. If your rental requires a request for approval and the owner either declines or doesn’t respond, you won’t be charged.

All payments are handled via Airbnb. Acceptable payment methods in most countries include major credit cards (like Visa, Mastercard and American Express), most debit cards that can be processed as credit cards and other payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you find yourself in a situation where the host is asking to be paid separately (such as through a Venmo payment or bank transfer), it could be a scam.

The actual time of when you need to pay varies depending on location and length of stay. Most properties let you pay via a payment plan, where you pay a portion upon confirmation, and the rest is automatically charged upon checkout.

Payments are handled within Airbnb, which typically gives you the option to pay in full or in installments. Some properties include additional taxes and fees, like cleaning fees, service fees and occupancy taxes.

Between acceptance and your trip date, you’ll be able to chat with your host within the Airbnb app or website. You might find that feature handy to coordinate check-in times, or simply to find out more details about amenities (for example, you might want to know whether the kitchen is stocked with certain cookware).

Checking in to an Airbnb can sometimes be the biggest adventure of your trip. Unlike a hotel where there’s typically someone working at the front desk 24/7 to issue your key, Airbnb check-in policies vary widely by property.

In-person key exchanges: The most conventional method is meeting up with your host face to face, where they’ll likely hand you the keys and show you around the property. Some property tours might last only a couple of minutes but be prepared: Properties with more complicated features, such as guard gates or even an oddly designed shower, can entail a longer tour. Budget enough time between check-in and your next vacation adventure just in case.

Be aware that check-in may require some thoughtful coordination if the host isn’t planning on waiting at the property for your arrival. If you’re trying to text a host to meet up in a foreign country, ensure you have adequate international cell phone coverage or access to Wi-Fi so you can actually chat, especially if your transportation is delayed and you’ll have to meet up later than expected.

Other possible check-in methods that might not require you to meet the host include:

A host leaves instructions to enter (e.g., the key is under this flower pot).

Keys are left in a numbered lockbox, and the host messages you with the code.

A neighbor, co-host or building doorperson meets you.

Typically, the host will message you with check-in details 48 hours prior to your trip via the Airbnb app or website.

Just as the check-in process varies by property, the checkout process varies, too. Some hosts have specific cleanup instructions, such as asking you to put used towels and sheets in the laundry room or to start the dishwasher. Other hosts let you leave the house as-is and handle cleanup themselves.

The majority of hosts also charge cleaning fees , which are a one-time charge pocketed by hosts to cover costs such as doing laundry or scrubbing toilets between guest stays. They’re separate from the base price and are in addition to service fees or charges for optional add-ons. While Airbnb maintains that the average cost of the fee is less than 10% of your total reservation, a NerdWallet analysis of Airbnb cleaning fees found that the median cleaning fee was $75 per stay.

It's not entirely clear at booking how much you'll be on the hook for cleaning. However, Airbnb said it eventually plans to require hosts to post the cleaning requirements on the listing before guests book. Guests will also be able to leave feedback on the checkout process (and have an avenue to complain if the cleaning process is too onerous).

The process for locking up will also vary. If you met your host in person for check-in, you might also meet them to check out. Other hosts might ask you to lock the door behind you and throw the key through a slot in the door, or to return it to the lockbox you initially got it from.

Your host will likely share the specific checkout details either before or upon arrival.

Airbnb certainly has safety measures in place, but the company isn’t immune from challenges that come from a service where you enter a stranger's home.

Safety measures between guests and hosts

Airbnb conducts background checks on guests and hosts. It uses machine learning to analyze data with the intent to spot suspicious activity such as fraudulent listings. And because Airbnb acts as the intermediary in handling the transaction, your account and payments are more secure than if you were to directly pay the host.

Yet, while there can certainly be shady hotel practices or rowdy guests at any other form of lodging, Airbnb has gotten a hefty amount of bad press when it comes to behavior-related safety issues. Airbnb has experienced what experts have coined the “ party house problem ,” where large properties morph into sites for raucous parties that sometimes get out of hand. A deadly shooting in 2019 at a Northern California Airbnb made national headlines.

Meanwhile, guests have complained about questionable and sometimes downright dangerous hosts. A 2021 research project at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs in Colorado Springs, conducted in partnership with data scientist and travel safety expert Asher Fergusson, looked at more than 100,000 public Airbnb guest complaints via Twitter published between January 2015 and September 2020. That study found more than 28,000 complaints around scams, and more than 7,700 complaints about unsafe conditions purely submitted on Twitter.

Safety measures pertaining to property condition

Airbnb has taken some steps to ensure properties are physically safe. It provides smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to hosts at no cost, and you can filter by homes that have one when searching for listings.

However, Airbnb doesn’t necessarily inspect properties for other important safety features that you might expect, such as having at least two exits out of every room, or whether appliances and heating systems are up to code.

And unlike most hotels, most Airbnbs lack features that can keep you safe, including a safe (which you might want to use to stash valuables like jewelry or passports). It also doesn’t offer 24/7 lobby staffing, which could be helpful if you need support from a fellow human in an emergency. Airbnb does, however, offer a 24-hour safety line you can access through the app through its AirCover program, which launched in 2021. AirCover also offers a Get-What-You-Booked Guarantee through which guests can get refunded or switched to a similar property if there's anything materially wrong with the property they originally booked.

Safety measures to protect hosts

Speaking of AirCover, it's there to protect hosts too. AirCover includes guest identity verification and $3 million in damage protection to better protect hosts from issues that guests may cause.

Safety issues can happen at any form of lodging, and Airbnb is generally considered safe. Just be aware that problems can arise, so be aware of scams, unethical practices and physical issues with properties.

Since Airbnb prices are set by the hosts, the conventional tricks for saving money on hotels don’t always apply. But there are a few ways to save money on Airbnb rentals, including earning and redeeming credit card points and airline miles on Airbnb stays .

Book a longer stay

Many properties offer discounted rates for longer stays (typically a week or more). Some offer even deeper discounts for stays of a month or more.

Some properties offer weekly discounts for extended stays.

Rather than taking two separate four-day vacations this year, you might consider booking one, eight-day vacation in the same location. You’ll likely save money on not just your Airbnb, but other costs like airfare — and you’ll only have to pack once.

According to a NerdWallet analysis, the nightly rate for a 30-night stay was 46% cheaper per night than a one-night stay.

» Learn more: Why it's worth booking Airbnb for a week or longer

Split it with friends or family

Airbnbs are particularly cost-effective for large groups, especially when you compare it to the price of booking multiple hotel rooms.

NerdWallet compared the price per head at Airbnbs with a max capacity of two adults versus a hotel in the same city. It also compared the cost of an Airbnb with a max capacity of six people against the cost to book three hotel rooms (assuming two adults per room).

The average Airbnb for six was 33% cheaper than booking three hotel rooms . But the average hotel was 29% cheaper than booking an Airbnb for two.

Here’s how median costs broke down, per person:

Book about a month out

NerdWallet compared prices of Airbnbs booked 3 days out, 4 weeks out and 47 weeks out. The Airbnb prices included cleaning fees, long-term discounts and base costs when booking in advance versus short term. Here are our findings:

It turns out that booking an Airbnb four weeks in advance yields the lowest median price — $270.80. This is roughly $30 cheaper than booking it almost a year in advance, and about $50 cheaper than booking it last-minute.

Redeem travel statement credits for Airbnbs

Some credit cards offer travel statement credits, and those that do typically tend to cover Airbnb stays. In fact, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a statement credit that can be used to offset Airbnb purchases.

Purchase discounted gift cards

Airbnb sells gift cards on its own site, but major retailers that sell gift cards, such as Target, Sam’s Club and Best Buy, often can get you a better deal.

At the time of publication, Sam’s Club was selling $100 Airbnb gift cards for $96.96.

These stores frequently run promotions where they’ll sell you Airbnb gift cards at a lower cost than the gift card’s value. During certain times of year, you might find them sold at a 10% discount, though sometimes the discounts aren’t quite as deep.

Holding certain memberships or credit cards might qualify you for additional discounts. For example, if you purchase an Airbnb gift card from Target and pay with your Target Circle™ Credit Card , you’ll get an automatic 5% discount at checkout (so you’d only pay $95 for a $100 gift card).

Earn points by paying with a travel rewards credit card

This tip won’t necessarily save you money upfront, but it’ll earn you valuable travel currency on the other end. Most credit cards that offer you bonus points on travel classify purchases made through home-sharing platforms like Airbnb in the same way as hotels .

So if you’ve got a travel rewards credit card, use it. And if you don’t have one yet, consider applying for one. While premium travel credit cards can offer big rewards rates for your travel spending, there are plenty of travel credit cards with no annual fee .

on Bank of America's website

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.

• 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.

• 5 miles per $1 on flights through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on everything else.

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

• 1.25 miles per $1 on all purchases.

Earn airline miles, too

Your Airbnb stays are an easy way to rack up Delta SkyMiles , which you can accumulate and redeem for free flights. Once enrolled in the program, you’ll earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on qualifying Airbnb reservations, excluding taxes and fees. Note that you'll need to enter your SkyMiles number every time you book.

NerdWallet values a Delta Skymile at 1.2 cents each , so this isn’t necessarily going to make you rich. But, it’s an easy way to accumulate some extra Delta miles with minimal effort.

» Learn more: How to earn or redeem points on Airbnb stays

Travel when no one wants to

Your Airbnb host is likely aware of the principles of supply and demand, and will set rates for specific nights accordingly. A property in New York City with a view of the Times Square Ball will likely be more expensive on Dec. 31 than any other cold winter day.

If you can be flexible, search for the same property across various weekends versus weekdays to spot lower rates. Meanwhile, consider whether you really need to travel during that long weekend when everyone else is off of work and school. Shoulder season also tends to be an excellent time to travel.

Consider Airbnb alternatives

Airbnb's reign over the vacation rental kingdom is undeniable. But between questionable cleaning fees, quirky cancellation policies, and the occasional horror story, even the most loyal Glampacker might start daydreaming of greener pastures.

Whether you just want to comparison shop to ensure you're getting the best deal from Airbnb, or you'd rather swear off Airbnb entirely, there's no shortage of Airbnb alternatives . One of its biggest competitors is Vrbo (consider it the Lyft to Airbnb's Uber ). It offers a better browsing experience plus the ability to earn rewards through the One Key Rewards program .

You might also consider Vacasa, which stands out as a full-service vacation rental management company. That means homeowners partnering with Vacasa to have their properties professionally managed (and generally means an overall more polished vacation rental experience while still getting the unique, hometown feel of renting a home from its actual owner).

Superhost is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

Airbnb offers a filter that allows you to narrow your search exclusively to properties from superhosts. Superhosts also have a badge on their profile that indicates their status.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s Contact Us page to report your issue online.

Airbnb also has a chat bot, which you can find on the inbox feature on your account. That can get you quick answers to simple issues, or can connect you to a human support staffer if necessary.

If you're unable to check-in for whatever reason, and the host is unable to address the issue, Airbnb's new Check-In Guarantee means the company will either refund you or will find you a similar home for the length of your booking.

If it’s truly an emergency that impacts your personal safety, skip trying to reach out to Airbnb and instead contact local police or emergency services immediately.

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account to travel or host on Airbnb.

To cancel your Airbnb reservation, go to the “Trips” tab, then select “Show more trip plans.” From there, navigate to “Show details,” where you’ll be able to change or cancel your reservation.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a full refund . Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

If a host cancels your booking within 30 days of check-in, Airbnb will find you a similar home or provide a refund, depending on availability, through its new Booking Protection Guarantee.

is a designation Airbnb gives to certain hosts who have high ratings, low cancellation rates and host frequently. Consider it an added layer of confidence that your rental will be a positive experience should you rent from a superhost.

If something is wrong at check-in, Airbnb first recommends reaching out to the host to solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, or you have another issue that the host can’t resolve, then use Airbnb’s

Contact Us page

to report your issue online.

Cancellation policies vary by property, but they’ll be spelled out on the listings page so you can see them before you book and pay. The most flexible Airbnb cancellation policies let you cancel up until 24 hours before check-in for a

full refund

. Meanwhile, other listings are completely nonrefundable.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Citibank's application

1%-5% Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

$200 Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

on Wells Fargo's website

2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

$200 Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Senior Talent Business Partner, Employee Experience (Senior HR Business Partner)

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

The Community You Will Join: 

We’re the Airbnb Talent team - playful, fun, helpful, and deadly serious. We’re tasked with one of the company’s most important goals: preserving and driving Airbnb’s amazing culture. We do this by making sure we work with brilliant, inspiring individuals and teams. It’s our job to make sure we help all of our people raise the bar with their work and career. We work hard - very hard - but every day, we are rewarded by the amazing, joyful people around us. We’re creating the best team in the world.

The Difference You Will Make:

We're looking for an experienced Senior Talent Business Partner (HR Business Partner Lead)  to partner with our Employee Experience - HR   organization. 

The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced and challenging environment and has a passion for partnering with business leaders to deliver impactful talent solutions.  The Sr. Talent Partner will be skilled in driving business transformations, designing HR practices, is strong in influencing and mentoring others and builds strong relationships with leaders and employees. We need an HR thought leader who can balance the need to be a strategic, data driven business partner along with a roll up your sleeves attitude. Experience in a high growth organization and/or tech organization is a plus as is a leadership role in a multinational organization. 

This is a critical role which will partner with multiple senior leaders in Employee Experience and reports to the Talent Director for EX. 

A Typical Day: 

• Partner with EX leaders to provide thought leadership regarding organizational and people-related strategy and execution that’s aligned with business strategies.
• Is a trusted advisor to senior leaders who operates with a strong business mindset and understanding of business needs. Is an expert in stakeholder management and is able to communicate effectively to influence and deliver high impact. 
• Take risks in designing and delivering 21st Century Talent programs and solutions to creatively solve business challenges in areas such as employee engagement, talent design, workforce planning, cultural change, organizational design, and change management. Is comfortable to lead through ambiguous situations and effectively manage trade-offs between short term long-term strategic plans.
• Have a data driven mindset to assess organizational metrics and provide insights to leaders to drive business outcomes
• Partner with leaders to build high performing leadership teams and coaches executives to enhance their leadership effectiveness.
• Design and deliver key inclusion programs/initiatives that continue to build a sustained culture of belonging 
• Actively engage in various leadership forums  to diagnose and solve talent and organization related problems
• Advocate for and represent teams’ needs to the global EX team and senior leadership
• Provide consultative support and guidance to managers on implementation of core HR/Talent programs
• Guide and coach managers on how to appropriately manage and resolve complex HR issues (e.g., performance management, rewards, mutual separations, conflict management...)
• Work closely with Talent COE partners (Total Rewards, Learning, D&B, Talent Design and Internal Comms) to deliver world class talent programs to deliver business results
• Promote a culture of feedback and open communication, reinforcing our mission and core values
• Serve as a mentor to other Talent Partners and support their development through knowledge sharing and partnership 

Your Expertise:

• 15+ years of progressive HR experience in a high speed, high growth environment; BA/BS in related field; MA/MBA is a plus.
• A collaborative, thoughtful HR leader who sees the big picture and is comfortable getting into the details (can operationalize a strategy)
• Strong analytical skills and uses data to influence strategic decisions at the executive level.
• Genuine curiosity and strong desire to continuously learn, grow and develop others
• Proven ability to think creatively, participate fully and work collaboratively to develop and execute programs. Ability to work in and navigate a matrixed environment.
• Comfortable with open communication and giving and receiving open, constructive feedback respectfully
• Impeccable judgment and ability to balance the needs of the company, managers and employees
• Not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get involved in all aspects of the role - no job too big or too small
• Unquestioned integrity and a confident presence to effectively resolve sensitive issues.
• A sense of humor and passion for Airbnb are essential - we are really excited to work here, and you should be too!

Your Location:

This position is US - Remote Eligible. The role may include occasional work at an Airbnb office or attendance at offsites, as agreed to with your manager. While the position is Remote Eligible, you must live in a state where Airbnb, Inc. has a registered entity.  Click here for the up-to-date list of excluded states. This list is continuously evolving, so please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. If your position is employed by another Airbnb entity, your recruiter will inform you what states you are eligible to work from.

Our Commitment To Inclusion & Belonging:

Airbnb is committed to working with the broadest talent pool possible. We believe diverse ideas foster innovation and engagement, and allow us to attract creatively-led people, and to develop the best products, services and solutions. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

We strive to also provide a disability inclusive application and interview process. If you are a candidate with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in order to submit an application, please contact us at: [email protected] . Please include your full name, the role you’re applying for and the accommodation necessary to assist you with the recruiting process. 

We ask that you only reach out to us if you are a candidate whose disability prevents you from being able to complete our online application.

How We'll Take Care of You:

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for bonus, equity, benefits, and Employee Travel Credits.  

'Hush trip' hideouts: Where to go for your next remote work vacation

COVID-19 changed our lives and gave us a new normal on many things including the way that we work and where we work from. An increasing number of employees are embracing the concept of "hush trips" — a secret vacation away from the office that combines remote work with an enjoyable getaway.

A hush trip, sometimes called a workcation, gives employees a change of scenery away from their regular office environment to achieve their work responsibilities while also balancing vacation activities including dining, wellness, outdoor adventures, and more. The name "hush" reflects the fact that typically the employer does not know that their employee is out of town and on vacation.

While there are some that are against hush trips, there can be some benefits that include:

Work-life balance — Traveling to a new destination can provide a more favorable work-life balance. Employees can leave workplace stress behind while still tending to professional duties from a relaxing environment better suited for work-life integration.

Renewed focus — A change of scenery and routine can reinvigorate employees’ motivation, mental sharpness, and creativity. New sights and experiences recharge their focus.

Wellness boost — With more time for fitness, mindfulness, sleep, and nutrition, hush trips are a prime opportunity to reboot mental and physical health.

Relationship strengthening — Bringing a partner or family along can maximize quality time together in a new, exciting setting.

Cultural experiences — Immersion in a different locale allows for new cultures, cuisines, and customs that can broaden horizons.

The rise of remote work has made hush trips a viable option for many professionals looking to mix business with leisure (“bleisure”) while they are traveling. With just a laptop and WiFi, employees can embrace the digital nomad lifestyle for days or weeks at a time at accommodations and destinations that are responding to the increased demand of remote workers for bleisure travel. An increasing number of hotels are rolling out specialized packages catering to those seeking a workcation experience. There are also a number of destinations that are welcoming travelers for hush trips. Here are some standout "hush trip" offerings:

AC Clearwater Beach (Clearwater Beach, Florida)

The AC Clearwater Beach Hotel has created a fabulous offer for hush trip travelers. Their Hush Trip Haven package includes a Worker's Welcome Packet that has a portable charging dock, printing credits, a branded notepad, an eye mask for rest, lavender sachets for relaxation, a complimentary drink voucher, and a door hanger with custom messaging for the room service team. Guests will also have access to a personal refreshment concierge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make sure that they stay energized and hydrated without distraction.

For guests who do not want to work in their rooms, they will have access to a dedicated co-working space in the AC Business Center, equipped with essential amenities. If guests need a space for virtual meetings they will receive priority access to the AC Media Salon. To entice guests to stay longer, Hush Trip Haven guests can enjoy a 10% discount on stays of three or more weekday nights.

Bayfront Marin House (St. Augustine, Florida)

The Bayfront Marin House is a great option for guests who want an intimate vacation experience during their hush trip. The historic inn offers the Working Hard Hush Trip package that includes complimentary breakfast daily, a portable desk, printer access, and happy hour. Bayfront Marin House is also a wonderful option for couples who wish to travel together as they offer a complimentary trolley ticket for the non-working guest to occupy themselves during the day and in-room couples massage treatments. The Working Hard Hush Trip Package is currently available as an add-on to any reservation.

Grey Havens Inn (Georgetown, Maine)

At Grey Havens Inn they promise not to tell your boss if you indulge in their Hush Trip Extended Stay Package. This package includes daily breakfast, free internet, a complimentary upgrade, a welcome pack of snacks and libations, and personalized afternoon itineraries for guests to enjoy once all of their work is completed. Guests can receive 25% off if they stay 7 days or longer.

The William Vale (Brooklyn, New York)

The William Vale hotel is an excellent option for luxury travelers who are looking to take a hush trip work trip while simultaneously seeking leisurely experiences whilst in the city. The hotel offers their Workin Williamsburg package to employees who wish to work under the radar. The package includes a discount of up to 20% off of guest rooms and suites, complimentary daily breakfast, and a complimentary day pass to The Malin Williamsburg, a design-forward communal workspace located inside of the hotel’s building.

Destinations

While hotels are rolling out enticing hush trip packages, there are some cities that are also getting in on the action. Recognizing the appeal of destinations that combine remote work opportunities with urban amenities and outdoor adventures, these destinations are actively courting digital nomads and traveling professionals:

Visit Pittsburgh

Known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural attractions, Pittsburgh welcomes employees to experience hush trips amidst all that the city has to offer. Travelers can explore parks, museums, and serene neighborhoods. The former industrial city is rolling out the red carpet for digital nomads as they provide a detailed list and tips on where to stay, where to dine, and things to do while visiting the city.

Visit Dallas

With plentiful hotel options, free public WiFi lounges, and a lively mix of urban and outdoor pursuits, Dallas provides a perfect setting for hush trips. The city promises to keep your trip “hush-hush” and offers a range of bleisure experiences for travelers to enjoy during their hush trip. Dallas provides an extensive list of ‘hotspots for hush trips’ including coworking spaces and non-traditional spaces with free wi-fi for travelers to easily attend to their work obligations.

Hush trips offer a valuable opportunity for employees to recharge and revamp their productivity while exploring a new destination. Whether you choose to escape to a comfortable hotel property or explore a fun destination, a break away from the office will help you to prioritize work-life balance and mental well-being during your hush trip experience. Embrace the vacation vibes with a hush trip and then return to the office refreshed, ready to tackle new challenges with renewed energy and clarity.

I’m an Airbnb Host: Save Money on Your Next Vacation Stay with These 7 Hacks

A irbnb has over 7 million vacation rentals in more than 220 countries and regions across the world. That’s a lot of options for those looking for a short- or even long-term stay somewhere away from home.

Learn More: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Find Out: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

Generally speaking, Airbnb is a cheaper alternative to higher-end hotels and resorts. But costs can really add up when you account for things like guest service fees, housekeeping and taxes.

That doesn’t mean you should stop using the platform, however. Staying at an Airbnb is a neat way to experience a new area while feeling more like a local than you would at most standard hotels.

Plus, there are ways to save on your next Airbnb stay. Want to know how? These are some of the best money-saving hacks to use next time you book a vacation stay with Airbnb, according to hosts Veronica Hanson and Mariana Leung.

Book Ahead of Time

Just like with your plane tickets and events, it’s a good idea to book your vacation home ahead of time. This will help you get the best price possible.

“Most Airbnb hosts have some sort of demand-based pricing set up either via Airbnb’s internal setting or external pricing companies,” said Veronica Hanson, the owner of an Airbnb located in Lake Oswego, Oregon .

“This means that as other accommodations get booked the price for that Airbnb you’ve been eyeing will go up the same as a hotel room would.”

Additionally, booking in advance can reduce stress since you’ll have your accommodations figured out — and paid for — early. And since you generally pay when you book, you can also spread out travel costs this way.

Pick Your Location and Date Wisely

It’s no secret that certain locations and times of the year are more in demand than others. But higher demand often means higher costs and more strain on your wallet.

You should still go where you want to go but consider picking a place that’s slightly out of the way. As long as you can still figure out the ground transportation without much hassle, you can have a great trip and save money.

“Try to take vacations to off-the-beaten-path places,” suggested Hanson. “An Airbnb in Seattle might be pricey, but one in Everett (approx. 29 miles north of Seattle) can save you a lot of money. The same holds true with most major cities and their respective suburbs.”

Depending on where you choose to stay, you might even get to enjoy the local life more than you expected.

As for the date, Hanson said to be flexible. “Your best strategy for saving money is to be flexible on both dates and destinations for your trip,” she added.

If you only have specific dates or locations for your trip, you might not have as many opportunities for discounts or lower prices.

Trending Now: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper

Split the Cost With Others

Part of what makes traveling fun is sharing the experience with friends and family members. You can also share the financial burden by booking an Airbnb together.

What’s even better is that staying together lets you enjoy the trip without your traveling companions being spread across different rooms or hotels.

“If you have multiple parties, splitting the cost of a larger rental is often a good value,” said Mariana Leung, the Airbnb host of Wicked Finch Farm in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

“Airbnbs are ideal for multiple families to share and split costs,” continued Hanson. “Consider finding large accommodations and travel with other family or friends to reduce the cost per person.”

Choose Affordable or Free Local Activities

If you’re traveling, you’re not going to be able to avoid spending money altogether. But you can save some money by choosing an Airbnb that’s located near wherever you want to spend most of your time.

“If you have planned activities, being centrally located to them saves on time [and] additional travel expenses — especially if you don’t have a car!” said Leung. “For example, our Airbnb is located across the road from a farm that offers apple picking, a pumpkin patch, doughnuts and free hayrides.”

Since there are so many Airbnb rentals, you’re bound to find one located near the hub of whatever activities you prefer. Take the beach, for example. You could save money on things like parking or other fees by choosing a conveniently located property.

“If you’re looking for beach time, stay at a home that includes beach passes and [is located] right by the beach if an oceanfront property is too expensive,” said Leung.

Take Advantage of Other Freebies

“Finding properties that offer unique experiences can be a value-added part of your getaway,” said Leung. “If your hosts have specific connections, offer their own products, can show you personalized itineraries, [etc.] …going the extra mile is what sets them apart from hotels.”

Many Airbnbs also come with other included amenities like parking, internet, cleaning supplies, dishes, toiletries and the like. This cuts down on the need to bring or buy your own goods or pay additional amenity fees.

Choose an Airbnb with a Fully-Equipped Kitchen

Cooking food at home rather than dining out is a great way to cut down on vacation costs. And while you might want to eat out once or twice during your stay, you can also enjoy a nice meal together at your vacation home.

“If the kitchen is well equipped and the home has great entertaining spaces, you can save money on restaurants by cooking or getting takeout,” said Leung. “Your host should [also] be able to recommend the best places to shop and eat for reasonable prices as a local.”

And if your host doesn’t have any specific recommendations, or if you’re in the mood for something else, Hanson has some advice.

“Restaurants in popular tourist areas are always the most expensive,” she said. “For dining on a budget, you should always look for transit stops nobody gets off at or neighborhoods not mentioned in any articles.”

According to Hanson, you can find the best prices and more local restaurants there.

Stay Longer

You’ll need to pay for each night you stay at an Airbnb, but longer stays are usually cheaper on a per-night basis than shorter ones.

“Nightly Airbnb rates are usually comparable to hotels, but long term stays often reduce the nightly rate dramatically,” said Hanson. “So, instead of visiting somewhere for a week, consider staying for a month and target accommodations that are in jurisdictions that only allow 30+ day rentals.”

If you go this route, take the time to lay out your travel itinerary and budget to see where else you can save money. This could mean choosing lower-cost activities, cooking most meals at your Airbnb and walking instead of taking public transit.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m an Airbnb Host: Save Money on Your Next Vacation Stay with These 7 Hacks

How to find hidden cameras in an Airbnb, according to a security expert

Start with plugged-in objects, then activate your phone’s flashlight, a security consultant says.

Over the December holidays, I was house- and pet-sitting on a lavender farm in Sequim, Wash., when I received a message from the owners: “We peeked in on the girls tonight and they look content,” it read.

The text was comforting, a reassurance that the three alpacas were doing well under my care. But it was also alarming. The couple were more than a thousand miles away, in Denver.

I crept outside under the cover of darkness and searched the property for their proxy eyes. I didn’t need a spy manual from a Cold War espionage film to find them. I located the security cameras fairly easily in the driveway and around the pack animals’ pen.

The online profile of the alpaca-sitting house in Sequim clearly noted: “External camera monitoring the property.” I read right over that line. However, some rental-property cameras might be less conspicuous and more malicious, especially ones indoors. With the right clues, security experts say you can flush them out.

“Most people have a somewhat exaggerated sense of what a bug or video device is. They think it’s like the movies, where it’s extremely small and hidden behind something. That takes a lot of sophistication, a lot of technology and a lot of resources,” said Joe LaSorsa, founder and president of LaSorsa and Associates, a security consultancy firm that specializes in corporate counterespionage. “The overwhelming majority of stuff out there is going to be commercially available devices. People are going to buy them off Amazon, eBay, Alibaba.”

To prove his point, LaSorsa recently conducted a mock search for The Washington Post at a private home in the Raleigh, N.C., area. The Marine Corps veteran dressed in casual black and carried a mysterious suitcase filled with sophisticated equipment, even though all the gadgets he needed for the sweep fit in his back pocket.

What to know about privacy laws

Homeowners and managers who rent through Airbnb and other platforms often rely on cameras in their absence. In most cases, their motivations are to safeguard their property, not exploit the occupants.

“Most people are utilizing cameras to make sure there are no parties or people stealing things or unauthorized guests or pets,” LaSorsa said.

Even if you act responsibly, the idea of being watched can feel like a personal violation. The “Truman Show” experience can feel even creepier if you spent a portion of your trip unaware you were under surveillance.

Each state and the District of Columbia sets its own rules on covert recordings, though hidden cameras in rooms with an expectation of privacy, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and changing rooms, are generally unlawful. The regulations governing surveillance devices in less revealing spaces are patchier, but the major rental and homestay platforms have created universal policies that apply to all properties, regardless of location or local codes.

Airbnb announced in March it had banned the use of indoor security cameras. Vrbo and TrustedHousesitters have similar policies. Previously, Airbnb permitted cameras in hallways, living rooms and other common areas as long as the host disclosed the gadgets.

“Given the response from Airbnb and similar platforms in recently changing their policies, there must have been concerns in the frequency of people being surveilled or in incidents involving surveillance activities,” said Cobun Zweifel-Keegan, managing director of the D.C. office of the International Association of Privacy Professionals .

The short-term rental companies still allow cameras and smart technology outside, for security purposes only. The host must note the presence and location of the devices online or in the welcome materials.

LaSorsa said the more restrictive measures could push hosts to clandestinely record their guests inside the rental, but he said the likelihood of this is slim. For peace of mind, he recommends spending no more than 30 minutes inspecting your rental for devices. He said a basic understanding of camera operations and a cellphone will do.

“You can find 99 percent of devices with knowledge and awareness,” he said. “A cellphone can go a long way.”

Look for plugged-in household items

Our rental house had an overwhelming number of places to conceal a camera: in books, in musical instruments, in the eye of a giraffe sculpture. But LaSorsa said these are not realistic hiding places, because they don’t have an enduring power source.

“Furniture and decorative items are much less of a concern, because they would be battery-operated,” he said, “and most battery-operated devices only last a matter of hours.”

On the kitchen table, he displayed a sampling of more viable props for hiding cameras, some of which he bought online and a few that he built himself. The collection featured common household objects that would never raise suspicions, such as a USB charger, a smoke detector and a power strip. The objects all relied on a “parasitic” power source, such as an outlet, and WiFi to activate the camera tucked inside.

LaSorsa stepped outside while Post videographer Josh Carroll and I hid the items around the house. We placed them in plain sight and within context, such as the Bluetooth speaker on the kitchen counter. Back inside, he immediately set to work, scanning the rooms for plugged-in appliances and accessories. However, because we were using his devices, he had a clear advantage.

“The first thing that caught my attention was the carbon monoxide detector plugged into the wall. It’s a normal household item, but we don’t know if it’s legitimate,” he said. “It has power. It was added to the home.”

He zeroed in on other potentially doctored objects: the Bluetooth speaker on the kitchen counter, the alarm clock in the family room, the air freshener under the foyer table. He glanced at the speakers surrounding the entertainment center but dismissed them.

“There are several speakers,” he said, “which are probably legitimate for the TV room.”

Weird WiFi connections

LaSorsa suggested checking the devices accessing the internet in the rental home by using a free app such as AirPort Utility, which manages and displays WiFi networks. To demonstrate, he stood by the carbon monoxide detector and scanned the list of connections on his phone. The homeowner’s Netgear network appeared, but so did several outliers that contained a gobbledygook of letters and numbers, such as “G419637LGWMW.” The jig was up.

“Why would a carbon monoxide detector have WiFi?” he asked. “There again is a telltale sign that it’s more than what it appears to be.”

Mysterious QR codes and the flashlight test

After identifying dubious objects, LaSorsa performed several investigative procedures that would confirm — or deny — the presence of hidden cameras.

He unplugged the items and turned them over, looking for a mysterious QR code.

“This isn’t a manufacturer’s sticker with a serial number that you’re going to register with a company for a warranty,” he said. “So what is the purpose of this? The QR is to connect the WiFi to the apps.”

To confirm his suspicions, he pulled out his cellphone flashlight. He waved the light over the face of the alarm clock and noticed a glimmer inside a tiny hole left of the time display.

“As I move the light around, it’s glistening at me,” he said. “And when I hold the light right in front of it, you can see a lens right there.”

I had to squint to see the lens that was barely larger than the period at the end of this sentence. For easier viewing, LaSorsa pulled out a radio frequency finder with a lens detector and aimed it at the clock.

“It’s going to alert you to the lens that’s in there and confirm that it is a lens,” he said as I peered through the viewfinder.

A red light in the lens detector blinked, exposing the alarm clock’s ulterior motives.

Radio frequency and thermal heat

If you need one more piece of proof to close the case, you could use the same palm-size RF detector as LaSorsa. The gadget, which costs from $20 to hundreds of dollars, determines an object’s radio frequency output. It will recognize RF energy from 20 megahertz to six gigahertz, which is a blessing and a curse.

Nearly every type of electronic device — cellphones, walkie-talkies, baby monitors, Bluetooth speakers, hidden cameras — transmits radio frequency. But if you remove or unplug all of the competing gadgets and the RF count is still high, you can assume a surveillance camera is in your midst.

A more surefire test is to use a thermal detector (about $250) to gauge the amount of heat the suspected item emits. Hidden cameras are cauldrons, apparently. LaSorsa affixed an InfiRay, which resembled a doll-size digital camera, to his phone. For a baseline, he held it up to a legitimate smoke detector. The image on his screen was a cool green. When he positioned the gadget by the USB charger and air freshener, the blob burned bright red.

“There is a little bit of heat coming from some of the other plugged-in devices. Just a faint amount,” he said, as he walked around the house with his phone aloft. “But, as indicated on the device, the hottest point is clearly the unit that’s plugged into the wall. So that would be suspicious, and we would further check that out and see why it’s so hot.”

You found cameras. Now what?

If you uncover a hidden camera, security experts suggest unplugging the device or covering the lens with a towel. Do not remove the offending object. The hosts could accuse you of damaging their personal property.

Report the violation to the rental platform if it’s a minor transgression, or to local authorities if you discovered a camera in a sensitive area of the house, such as a bedroom or bathroom. Consider moving to a different property if you feel uncomfortable in your original accommodations.

“There’s no reason that you should be forced to stay somewhere where you don’t feel safe,” Zweifel-Keegan said, “or where you don’t feel like your privacy is respected.”

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

5 simple ways to stay healthy, avoid sickness, and feel energized during your next business trip

• Insider spoke with three travel and wellness experts about staying healthy during a business trip.
• Staying hydrated and eating light foods will help maintain your regular routine while on the road.
• This article is part of "Work + Play," a series about blending business travel with personal experiences.

When it comes to business or leisure travel, it's common for travelers to come home feeling ill.

The combination of public transportation, disrupted sleep routines, and contact with high-use surfaces can contribute to travelers feeling under the weather. But if traveling is a big part of your job, there are things you can do — and not do — in order to make a healthy return home.

With business travel back in full swing, Insider spoke with three experts about what you can do to stay healthy on the road.  

Take extra precautions during a flight 

If you have plans to travel on a plane, which can be a hotbed of germs, there are a few extra precautions you can take.

"While we can't control the air around us, we can control the germs we may bring to our face with our hands," said Dr. Efrat LaMandre, founder of the health and wellness brand The Knew Method . "Therefore, avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose as they can all be entry points for germs."

Dr. LaMandre also advises travelers to stay hydrated because "drinking water during your flight keeps your mucous membranes moist, and dry passages and throat can make you more susceptible to respiratory infections." 

Jerry Justin Alexidor is a frequent business traveler, and while his travel concierge company Black Zama is based in Tulum, Mexico, his travels take him all over the world. When he's flying, he makes an effort to keep to himself.

"I usually stay within my seating area and limit my movement," Alexidor said. "And if I can budget it, I upgrade to a premium economy or business class seat for some extra room. It makes me feel less claustrophobic and less like I'm breathing in the germs of other passengers." 

Consider your food and drink intake

While we're traveling and away from our regular routines, it can be tempting to consume lots of high-calorie comfort foods. Priceline CEO Brett Keller travels often for work and makes an effort to choose healthier foods while he's on the road.

Related stories

"Airport food is generally heavy, and I try to avoid greasy food right before and after flights — so no pizza, burgers, or fries for me," Keller said. "I pick up lighter foods like sushi packs and bring extra snacks like sliced apples and power bars."

Another way to eat healthier on the road is to plan ahead. After a long day of traveling, our decision-making abilities are often impaired, and we might be more likely to reach for empty calories. Looking up what's available in the airport or in your hotel can result in healthier choices.

"Doing a little research about where you're headed allows you to prepare," Alexidor said. "When I go out to eat with clients on the road, I always ask the waiter questions about the food preparation, and of course, I keep myself hydrated."

Aim for low-impact exercises

Given the choice between getting up and going to the gym or laying in bed for an extra hour, most of us would choose the extra shut-eye. But getting a few minutes of low-impact exercise like walking or swimming can give your immune system an extra boost and help you sleep better at night.

"When I'm on the road, I try to get some time on the Stairmaster and/or the treadmill," Alexidor said. "While I don't over-exert myself when traveling for work, I feel more mentally and physically present when I get my cardio in." 

If you can, consider heading outdoors for your workout. "I always try to run outside the same day I land," Keller explained. "A morning run allows me to explore the local area before spending all day in meetings, and the combination of fresh air, sunshine, and exercise energizes me for the day." 

Practice good personal hygiene and cleaning routines  

Frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizer are important ways to ward off any germs, along with cleaning high-use surfaces. Hotel rooms see a lot of turnover and cleaning on arrival should be a priority.

"The first order of business is heading to a local pharmacy and picking up some Lysol disinfectant," Alexidor said. "I wipe down the door knobs or any handles — a lesson learned throughout the pandemic that still applies today. I then spray down any areas that would touch my skin or body."

Above all, get rest

Of all of the precautions you can take, one of the best things to do is give your body rest before, during, and after your trip.

"You need to get your sleep, eat right, and take your supplements year-round so that you can boost your immunity to be able to handle the germs that are sure to come your way," Dr. LaMandre advised. 

And when you're on the road, one of the best things to do is not to push yourself and try to keep a regular schedule. "I've learned not to stay out late your first night or two. Letting your body adjust to its new setting with good sleep, exercise, and hydration is probably the best way to avoid getting sick," Keller said. 

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Money blog: Why are concert tickets so expensive? Here's who is really responsible

Ticket prices for some concerts have reached astronomical levels in recent years - we've looked at why and who is profiting. Read this and the rest of our Weekend Money content below and join us for live updates again from Monday.

Saturday 1 June 2024 21:08, UK

• Taylor Swift

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By Katie Williams , Money team

Spending a fair chunk on going to see your favourite big artist is not new - but it certainly feels like concert prices have entered a new stratosphere.

Fans of Bruce Springsteen have paid upwards of £120 for "rear pitch" standing tickets for his May 2024 tour, while some expressed disappointment recently over the £145 price tag of standing tickets for Billie Eilish's 2025 UK leg.

And while you could have nabbed Beyonce or Taylor Swift tickets in the UK for £50 (before fees) if you took a "nosebleed" seat, these had limited availability and quickly sold out. General admission standing tickets for Swift's Eras tour - which comes to the UK next week - started at £110.40 and those at the front had to shell out £172.25. It didn't stop there - by the time many fans got to the front of the online ticket queue, the only tickets left cost upwards of £300.

So what's behind rising ticket costs? These are some of the reasons...

Fans willing to pay for big spectacles

Simply put, ticket prices would come down if people voted with their feet.

Matt Hanner, booking agent and operations director at Runway, said prices at the top level had "risen considerably" - but the increase was partly being driven by demand.

"We're seeing a lot more stadium shows, greenfield, outdoor festival-type shows which are now a staple of towns around the country," he said.

"There's a growing number of people that are happy to spend a large chunk of their disposable income on going to a major music event."

Jon Collins, chief executive of LIVE, the trade body representing the UK's live music industry, had a similar view.

He said there were more large-scale shows and tours now than ever, and there was "massive appetite" among music lovers for "bigger spectacles".

Fancy shows mean higher costs - with staffing, the price of the venue, transport, artists' needs, insurance and loads more to factor in.

Of course, all these things are affected by inflation. Collins said ticket prices also factored in the rising costs that had hit every venue from the grassroots scene to major arenas.

"You've got a couple of different factors - you've got the spectacle of the show and the production cost and everything that goes into the ticket price. But then you've also got the fundamentals," he said.

The cost of venue hire has increased "significantly" in the past couple of years due to electricity and gas price rises, he added.

"You've got the increase in the cost of people… very justifiable costs like increases in minimum wage and living wage. At every stage of the process we've got these cost increases that will all push through the pressure on the ticket price."

Are artists being greedy?

How much money artists really earn off live touring is of interest to many - but the music industry is generally reluctant to release details.

The people we spoke to suggested it was not as simple as artist greed because, as we mentioned earlier, there's a lot to pay for before anything reaches their bank accounts.

The Guardian spoke to anonymous insiders about this topic in 2017. Its report suggested that between 50-70% of gross earnings were left for promoters and artists. The piece also cited a commonly quoted figure that the promoter takes 15% of what is left and the act will get 85%.

It all depends on the calibre of the artist and how much work the promoter has had to put in - they could end up with a bigger share if it was a hard push to get the show sold.

The people we spoke to said music acts and their teams would discuss the ticket price, and the bigger the act, the more sway they have - but it's ultimately set by the promoter.

Taylor Swift - arguably the biggest popstar on the planet right now - is personally earning between $10m and $13m (£8m - £10.5m) on every stop of her Eras Tour, according to Forbes. She is reported to take home a whopping 85% of  all revenue  from the tour.

But it's worth pointing out, too, that she's been known to be generous with her cash, having given $100,000 bonuses to the dozens of lorry drivers working on the tour.

What have other artists said? 

Some artists have been critical of the high ticket prices being demanded by others.

Tom Grennan told ITV two years ago that he had seen "loads of artists putting tickets out that are way too expensive for the times that we are in", adding that he wanted people to enjoy shows without worrying if they could pay their bills.

Singer-songwriter Paul Heaton was also praised for capping ticket prices for his tour with Jacqui Heaton at £30 in a bid to tackle music industry "greed" and help people during the cost of living.

British star Yungblud recently announced his own music festival, Bludfest - saying the industry was too expensive and needed to be "shaken up".

"I believe that gigs are too expensive, festivals are too expensive, and I just wanted to work to create something that has been completely done by me," he told Sky News.

Meanwhile, frequent Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff has said "dynamic pricing" by ticket sale sites such as Ticketmaster was also an issue when it came to cost.

He told Stereogum that he wanted artists to be able to opt out of the system - which basically means ticket prices increase when a show is in demand - and be able to sell them at the price they choose.

On its website, Ticketmaster describes its "Platinum" tickets as those that have their price adjusted according to supply and demand.

It says the goal of the dynamic pricing system is to "give fans fair and safe access to the tickets, while enabling artists and other people involved in staging live events to price tickets closer to their true market value".

The company claims it is artists, their teams and promoters who set pricing and choose whether dynamic pricing is used for their shows.

Ticketing website fees

As well as dynamic pricing, "sneaky" fees by online ticket sites are also causing issues for live music lovers, according to the consumer champion Which?.

A report from the group last month said an array of fees that isn't seen until checkout can add around 20% to the cost of concert and festival tickets.

Which? has urged a crackdown on the "bewildering" extra charges, which include booking, "delivery" and "transaction" fees, venue charges and sometimes charges for e-tickets.

The Cure lead singer Robert Smith tweeted that he was "sickened" after fans complained last year about processing fees  on Ticketmaster that wound up costing more than the ticket itself in some cases.

Responding to the Which? findings, Ticketmaster (which was far from the only company named) said: "Fees are typically set by and shared with our clients… who all invest their skill, resource and capital into getting an event off the ground. Ticketmaster supports legislation that requires all-in pricing across the industry."

Live Nation and Ticketmaster sued over 'dominance'

The US government is suing Ticketmaster owner Live Nation over allegations the company is "monopolising" the live events industry.

Justice department officials said it was unfair for the firm to control around 70% of primary ticketing for concerts in America. 

Live Nation has been accused of using lengthy contracts to prevent venues from choosing rival ticket companies, blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers and threatening venues that they could lose money and support if Ticketmaster wasn't the chosen seller.

Live Nation said the lawsuit reflected a White House that had turned over competition enforcement "to a populist urge that simply rejects how antitrust law works".

"Some call this 'anti-monopoly', but in reality it is just anti-business," it said.

And it said its share of the market had been shrinking and its profit margin of 1.4% was the "opposite of monopoly power".

The lawsuit "won't solve the issues fans care about relating to ticket prices, service fees and access to in-demand shows", the company said.

"We will defend against these baseless allegations, use this opportunity to shed light on the industry and continue to push for reforms that truly protect consumers and artists."

As well as reportedly controlling most of the ticketing market, Live Nation also owns and represents some acts and venues.

Canadian artist Dan Mangan told Moneywise this was enabling the company to take "more and more of the pie".

He said when venue rent, equipment and other costs were taken into account, lesser known artists could take as little as 20% of ticket sales.

Another major cost on tickets in the UK is VAT (value added tax).

At 20%, it's pretty hefty. It was brought down to 5% and then 12.5% as the live music industry was hampered by COVID, but returned to the pre-pandemic level in April 2022.

The charge puts the UK "out of step" with other countries, Collins said.

"In competitive major markets like France, it's 5%. Germany it's 7%, Italy it's 10%. Sales tax in the US is typically 6% or 7%. So we are significantly out of step with other markets when it comes to how much VAT we charge on tickets," he said.

Touring now bigger source of income for major stars

With the decline of physical products and the rise of subscription listening, artists are earning less from making music - and income from live shows has become more important for the biggest stars.

Writer and broadcaster Paul Stokes said major stars who would have toured infrequently in the past were now willing to put on more shows as it becomes increasingly profitable.

Some artists will even pencil in multiple nights at huge venues like Wembley Arena, he said - something that wouldn't have been considered two decades ago.

"When Wembley was built and they said 'we'll be doing regular shows' you'd think 'are there acts big enough to fill this massive stadium?'

"It's become absolutely part of the live calendar that artists will come and play not just one night at Wembley, but two or three every every summer."

Stokes said this demand has also prompted the scale of shows that we've become used to seeing, featuring expensive production and pyrotechnics.

Not being felt evenly

While a night out seeing a platinum-selling artist is likely to be an expensive affair, industry figures are also keen to point out that the escalation in ticket prices isn't necessarily happening at a lower level.

Collins said that while major stars were putting on arena shows, there would be plenty of other live music taking place at the same time, "from the free pub gig to the £10 ticket at the grassroots venue, to the £30 mid-cap".

"There's an absolute range of opportunities for people to experience live music, from free through to experiencing the biggest stars on the planet," he said.

But concertgoers choosing to save their cash for artists they're more familiar with may have led to a "suppression" of prices for lesser-known acts, Hanner noted.

"Everyone's short of disposable income because there's a cost of living crisis. [Artists' and promoters'] core costs are going up as well, so it's more expensive for everyone. That fear of pricing people out is just being compounded," he said.

"I think [that] has definitely led to prices being suppressed [at the lower level], when really they should have been going up."

With May in the rearview mirror, here are the key money dates for your calendar in June. 

1 June onwards - benefit changes

While benefits rose 6.7% from 8 April for many claimants, those who had their last assessment period before then will have had to wait until June to receive the new, higher rate. 

The exact date in June when that payment is made will depend on when you were assessed.

Also from 1 June, all people claiming Housing Benefit alone will be asked to claim Universal Credit instead within three months of receiving the letter.

Failure to do so could result in you losing your entitlement.

1-2 June - Heathrow disruption

Hundreds of border force officers at Heathrow Airport are striking until Sunday in a dispute over rosters.

More than 500 of its members working on passport control at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 are taking action.

Disruption is expected over the weekend as families return to the UK at the end of the half-term holiday.

5 June - new banknotes

Banknotes featuring the face of the King will enter circulation across the UK. 

Notes that feature the portrait of the late Queen will remain legal tender and will co-circulate.

The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn and to meet any overall increase in demand.

10 June - £500 cat fines

All cats over 20 weeks old in England must be microchipped by 10 June.

You could face a £500 if you miss the deadline and don't get your cat microchipped in the following 21 days.

The law does not apply to the rest of the UK.

16 June - Father's Day

As the day dedicated to dads and father figures approaches, it may be worth remembering to put some cash aside to treat them in mid-June.

19 June - inflation data released

We'll get May's inflation data in the monthly drop from the Office for National Statistics. 

This will give us the clearest indication of whether the Bank of England will lower interest rates.

Remember, the Bank's target is 2% (April's headline rate was 2.3%), so the closer we get to that number the better. 

20 June - interest rate decision

Another Monetary Policy Committee meeting at the Bank of England will determine whether we finally get a drop in interest rates. 

Many economists predict a cut from 5.25% will happen in August, but June isn't ruled out.

27 June - doctors' strike

Junior doctors in England will begin a five-day strike at 7am over pay.

The last strike by junior doctors led to 91,048 appointments, operations and procedures being postponed.

30 June - meter readings

Not a fixed date - more of a reminder.

From 1 July, the energy price cap will fall by £122 per year.

Your provider will do most of the work, but you can help keep your bill accurate by submitting meter readings (unless you have a smart meter) ahead of this date. 

The big topics covered in the Money blog this week that got you commenting were...

• Manchester United giving staff who don't want to come into the office a week to resign
• Raheem Sterling offering to pay for 14 people to go to university
• Fines for pebble-taking tourists on beaches
• The standing charge rising despite the energy price cap being cut

Let's start with the two football-related stories. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, new part-owner of Manchester United, sent an email round on Tuesday offering all non-playing staff the chance to resign (with their annual bonus paid early) within the week if they do not like his plan to stop working from home ...

Some praised his decision... 

Well done Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Finally, somebody who has the guts to stand up and end this 'working from home' nonsense! edwinbasnett

Sir Jim has got it right, decisions are decisive and provide clear expectations and an option to get out. WFH doesn't work at the levels seen following COVID, I'm sure it does for some but many take advantage and it's far more difficult to manage. Tel

Others not so much...

Thankfully there's not quite so stark an ultimatum from my employer, but I am planning to leave soon. It's a nonsense commuting to an office where I then engage with other colleagues over Teams/Zoom. Jim

Who wants to work for a **** like that anyway with that attitude? No filter

Earlier in the week, we learnt Raheem Sterling will financially support 14 students through university. 

Applications for the Raheem Sterling Foundation Scholarship Programme - which closed on Thursday - were open to students of black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds to help bridge the equality gap.

This will be the second year the Chelsea forward will assist successful applicants at King's College London and the University of Manchester.

Readers said...

Sterling is a credit to sport, football and his heritage. I hope more footballers will join him and his endeavours. Judy

This is brilliant - I have never understood why professionals in many fields do not give more back to their communities. Just a visit to their old primary school could turn a bright light on for so many kids. Why don't many more do it? Old white woman

Well done Raheem Sterling for financially supporting 14 students who would like to attend university. Sometimes professional football players get a negative press but this is amazing, well done. Anthony G

Away from football and to Cumbria - where beach-goers have been warned they could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they remove pebbles or shells across the area.

You said...

Why aren't the same rules applied to stop Southern Water dumping all their s*** into our seas. They take millions of pounds from normal people who trust them to process it correctly. Anti s outhern water

So that means the thrill of going to the beach and collecting a few shells is stopped. What about the scallop shells used in restaurants and supermarkets? What about the sacks of shells sold at garden centres? What about the tonnes of sand used every day etc etc? JR

Has the world gone mad? £1,000 fine for taking pebbles home from a beach? I think most children take a few pebbles home with them.  Bob

Many of you responded to last Friday's announcement that while the energy price cap would fall in July, standing charges - the set amount you pay for gas and electric each day regardless of use - would be going up.

Martin Lewis's explanation of it can be read here...

Here's what you said...

Are there any regulations for energy supplies regarding the standing charge? Every time the unit price drops my supplier raises the standing charge. SianW

Our energy bills have dropped, now the heating is off. However, the high daily standing charge means my bills are off the starting blocks even before the switches are flicked. Come the winter the price cap will rise again - not unlike profiteering in wartime. Porthy

My standing charges are almost three times what they used to be. I've cut back on my usage to the point I pay more a month in standing charges than I do usage so having the unit price drop makes little impact. P hunt

The energy companies have ripped us off for the last two years. The daily standing charge has to go. The shareholders have had real good dividends over the past few years, and therefore must pay for the people that can't pay their bills, because of the bonuses they have received. michael rogers

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

An investigation has been launched into whether the biggest banking merger since the financial crisis could harm competition.

The Competition and Markets Authority announced the inquiry into Nationwide's £2.9bn takeover of rival Virgin Money this morning.

The move would bring together the fifth and sixth largest retail lenders, creating a combined group with around 24.5 million customers and nearly 700 branches.

It would spell the end of the Virgin Money brand, with Nationwide planning to rebrand the business within six years.

The CMA has invited interested parties to give their views on the deal, as it considers whether it could "result in a substantial lessening of competition" in the market.

Nationwide struck the takeover agreement in March, and last week a clear majority of 89% of Virgin Money shareholders voted in favour, helping to clear the path to complete.

The government has sold £1.24bn of its shares in NatWest, accelerating the process of private ownership.

The Treasury's shareholding in the high street bank has fallen by approximately 3.5 percentage points to 22.5%.

NatWest, formerly Royal Bank of Scotland, received multibillion-pound bailouts during the 2008 financial crisis, leaving the government with an 84% stake.

The government has been selling down its stake in the lender, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt planning to sell all of its interest in the bank by 2025 or 2026 should the Conservatives be re-elected.

There was supposed to be a public share sale this summer, allowing individuals, not just institutional investors, to purchase stock, but the plans have been shelved due to the election.

In recent years, the sell-off has become more rapid. In 2018, the government owned 62% of the group, but by December of last year that was down to just under 38%.

In March, that fell below 30%, meaning the government was no longer classed as a controlling shareholder in the lender.

Earlier this year, NatWest wrote to shareholders asking them to support an increase in the amount of stock the bank could buy back from the government in a year, from just under 5% to 15%.

The establishment of Great British Energy is among the last remnants of the "green prosperity plan" devised and championed by Ed Miliband, the shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero, three years ago.

The former Labour leader's vision was to spend £28bn per year in the first five years of an incoming Labour government on decarbonising the UK economy.

However, as the current leader Sir Keir Starmer recognised, the issue was swiftly weaponised by the Conservatives because all the money - as Mr Miliband himself had made clear - would have been borrowed.

More importantly, the plan did not survive contact with Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, who has made fiscal responsibility her priority.

The £28bn-a-year spending pledge was watered down in February this year to one of £23.7bn over the life of the next parliament.

A sizeable chunk of that will be on Great British Energy, described by Mr Miliband as "a new publicly owned clean power company", which Labour has said will be initially capitalised at £8.3bn.

And, instead of the money being borrowed, Labour is now saying "it will be funded by asking the big oil and gas companies to pay their fair share through a proper windfall tax".

Read on  here... 

Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee are joining Glasgow as cities with Low Emission Zones where motorists could face fines up to £480 if they don't comply.

The zones were introduced two years ago, but drivers were given a grace period before charges began.

In Dundee, the grace period ended today - in Edinburgh and Aberdeen it's tomorrow.

A non-compliant vehicle entering the zone can be charged £60, which doubles with each subsequent breach up to a maximum of £480.

If paid within 14 days, the initial fine will be halved to £30.

Despite the warning, only 55% of drivers in Scotland are confident they know where the zones are in operation, according to online marketplace Carwow.

Some 30% of Scottish motorists are not sure if they understand the rules and 24% are not sure if their vehicle is compliant.

"We therefore need to tackle the lack of understanding among motorists about Low Emission Zones in Scotland – where they are and which cars are compliant - because, without better knowledge, millions of drivers are at risk of being fined," said Sally Foote, chief commercial officer at Carwow.

The Low Emission Zones aim to discourage high-polluting vehicles from entering certain areas, just like those in English cities like Sheffield and Bristol.

Unlike English Clean Air Zones, Scottish LEZs apply to all types of vehicles except motorbikes and mopeds.

Non-compliant vehicles are not allowed into those zones whatsoever, unlike English LEZs, which apply a daily charge.

Ultra-low emission vehicles are automatically compliant, but others must conform to certain Euro emission ratings, which can be found in your V5C logbook - or you can check online.

Cars, vans, minibuses, taxis and private hire vehicles with a petrol engine must have at least a Euro 4 rating, while those with diesel engines should have a Euro 6.

Grants are available to people living within 20km of a LEZ who have no other choice but to sell or adapt their vehicles.

Hackers say they have stolen confidential information from all Santander staff and millions of customers, reports the BBC.

A gang going by the name of ShinyHunters posted an advert on a hacking forum claiming to be selling 30 million people's bank account details, six million account numbers and balances, 28 million credit card numbers and HR information for staff.

Earlier this month, the bank said data was accessed belonging to customers in Chile, Spain and Uruguay and all current Santander employees, but nothing that would allow transactions to take place.

As of March, Sandander as a whole employed more than 211,000 people and as of 30 June 2021, 20,900 employees worked for Santander UK.

Santander has declined to comment on the claims beyond a statement released on 14 May.

It read: "Certain information relating to customers of Santander Chile, Spain and Uruguay, as well as all current and some former Santander employees of the group had been accessed.

"No transactional data, nor any credentials that would allow transactions to take place on accounts are contained in the database, including online banking details and passwords. The bank's operations and systems are not affected, so customers can continue to transact securely.

"We apologise for the concern this will understandably cause and are proactively contacting affected customers and employees directly."

ShinyHunters have previously sold data stolen from AT&T and claim to be selling private data hacked from Ticketmaster, the BBC reported.

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Signing your company up to Airbnb for Work

Joining Airbnb for Work makes it easy to book and manage company travel, with access to listings around the world for short or extended business travel. If you manage your employer’s travel or human resources department, you can enrol your company in Airbnb for Work.

Enrol your company

First, fill in the contact form . Our team will determine if your company qualifies for a corporate account.

Set up your company's account

Next, you’ll need to confirm your email address. When you do, you’ll get access to the Airbnb for Work dashboard where you can:

• Invite your employees to the Airbnb for Work programme.
• Add your company’s credit card. This gives your colleagues an easy way to pay for any work trips they book on Airbnb.

Use an existing Airbnb account to manage your company’s travel

You can access your Airbnb for Work dashboard with an existing Airbnb account. Invite employees, check upcoming and active trips, review itineraries and more.

Add colleagues to your company's account

Your unique Airbnb for Work invite page makes it easy for you to invite your employees . After they sign up, they can book places to stay for work trips.

Add an admin or trip planner

Once your employee accepts the invitation and is on board, you can change their role and give them more responsibilities, such as making them an admin or a trip planner.

Related articles

Joining your company’s airbnb for work account, joining airbnb as a company or managing company info on an account.