Airbnb Reinvents Travel with New Services, Experiences, and a Game-Changing App

Airbnb has taken a bold step forward in changing how people travel. In its latest Summer Release 2025, the platform has announced premium local experiences, hotel-style services, and a completely redesigned app. These updates aim to offer guests more than just a place to stay, Airbnb now wants to be the one-stop solution for planning, booking, and experiencing a trip.

For years, Airbnb has been known as the go-to platform for booking homes and unique stays. Now, the company is entering a new phase where users can book chefs, spa treatments, guided tours, and even celebrity-led events, all through the same app.

Airbnb Experiences Go Premium

One of the biggest highlights is the transformation of Airbnb Experiences. While experiences have been available on the platform before, the latest version brings a premium, curated approach. These experiences are now available in 650 cities around the world and are hosted by local experts and well-known personalities.

Travellers can now take part in unique activities such as:

• A ramen-making masterclass with a Michelin-recognised chef in Japan

• Horseback rides through sacred Incan sites in Peru

• Personal styling sessions with celebrity fashion consultants

• A pastry workshop at a famous Parisian bakery

• And even spend a day with global stars like Megan Thee Stallion or Patrick Mahomes

The addition of Airbnb Originals—experiences designed and hosted by world-renowned figures—adds a completely new dimension to the platform. Whether you're into sports, music, food, or fashion, there's something for every kind of traveller.

These experiences are carefully vetted to ensure quality, authenticity, and relevance to local culture. Airbnb also plans to add social features, allowing users to see who else is attending, chat with fellow guests, and stay connected after the event.

Introducing Airbnb Services

For the first time ever, Airbnb is offering professional in-home services, similar to what you'd expect at a luxury hotel. With Airbnb Services, travellers (or even locals) can now book:

• Personal chefs

• Massages and spa treatments

• Hair and makeup stylists

• Personal trainers

• Prepared meals and full-service catering

These services are now available in 260 cities across 10 categories and can be booked directly through the Airbnb app. They are priced for all budgets, with some starting below USD $50.

What makes it stand out is the quality of the professionals involved. Many of them come with over 10 years of experience, and include award-winning chefs, elite trainers, and certified experts in wellness and beauty. Each host is vetted for their credentials, reputation, and customer feedback, ensuring a high standard of service.

Importantly, you don’t need to stay in an Airbnb to enjoy these services—they’re available to locals too, making Airbnb a lifestyle platform, not just a travel app.

A New Airbnb App for Seamless Planning

To support these expanded offerings, Airbnb has also launched a completely redesigned app. The new interface allows users to book homes, experiences, and services in one place, making the trip planning process smoother than ever before.

Key features include:

• A smart Explore tab to discover trending destinations and experiences

• A Trips tab that shows daily itineraries, check-in details, and bookings

• A more interactive Messages section with media sharing and payments

• A personalised Profile page that tracks your travels and connections

For hosts, the app has also been improved with tools like Airbnb Setup, easier listing management, and real-time calendar integration with platforms like Google Calendar.

The new app also uses smarter technology to recommend services and experiences based on where you're staying and who you're travelling with. In short, it works like a personal travel assistant.

The Future of Travel on Airbnb

“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. More than two billion guests later, Airbnb is synonymous with a place to stay,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb. People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space. Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds amazing homes with services that make them even more special. Today’s travel activities offer no real connection to the city you’re visiting. The most authentic way to explore a city is with the locals who know it best. With Airbnb Experiences, don’t just see a place experience it." added Chesky

With this release, Airbnb moves from being a booking site to becoming a complete travel ecosystem—offering not just a place to stay, but a way to live, eat, relax, and explore like a local or even like a celebrity.

Whether you're on a holiday or just exploring your own city, Airbnb now offers an all-in-one platform for meaningful travel experiences and high-quality services. The future of travel, it seems, is already here—and it fits in your pocket.