SmartXAirbnb: A Treat for Modern Travelers
A party of 5. That’s what we are.
Our travels were much simpler when the boys were below 12, but now that they not actually “kids” anymore, every trip would entail two rooms if we stay in a hotel. Not only does that mean double costs in accommodations, but I feel that even if we book adjoining rooms, it diminishes our bonding experience if we have them separate from us. My solution for this is to look for hotels with family rooms which is not always easy or available.On our last trip to Osaka as a family, Gary and I decided to try out AirBnb for our accommodations instead of booking hotel rooms. I took much care and consideration in choosing a place to rent.
We looked for a place keeping this criteria in mind: 1) must be in a safe and accessible location
2) Clean
3) Comfortable for all of us.
We found a place that fit all these. It was a few blocks away from the Shinsaibashi and Orange Street shopping districts. It made us happy...
On the Airbnb site, there were many choices in Osaka. Familiar with the minimalist nature of the Japanese, most places were Scandinavian in feel, with bright and airy interiors, “Ikea feel”. It was a great experience with our first ever AirBnb host. We were all happy with our decision to stay at AirBnb because it was comfortable and saved us 5 digits in pesos (which means additional shopping money, right?)
So when Gary and I went to Tokyo for our annual vacay, we again stayed at an AirBnb apartment, this time at the Shibuya district.Similar to the Osaka apartment, the place we finally chose had oak-tinged floors, white walls, counter tops, white futons and light colored furniture. Since there was just two of us, we selected a studio but with multi-functional furniture can fit up to 5 people.
We were given a warm welcome, with our host leaving personal notes and guides in case we needed it.
Like our first experience, we were not worried about cleanliness because the Japanese are known for being clean, sanitary nature when it comes to interiors (and I guess everything else).
The kitchen had everything we need, the bathroom was compact (nothing new) but had all the amenities. We missed the traditional “high tech” toilet that we so enjoy in Japan, but that was a minor concern.The apartment was around 5-7 minutes walk from the famed Shibuya crossing
and I loved the quiet neighborhood I was in, with convenience store and some small restos and quaint shops nearby.
Airbnb is such a refreshing service to have in these times!
Airbnb has revolutionized travel and empowered travelers with more options for stay. Right now it offers millions of accommodation options in more than 34,000 cities in over 190 countries. Browsing through the site allows you to also dream of places you never thought you’d be interested in, until you find places like these:How about a beachfront home on Bondi Beach in Sydney
or a Tree house in Harewell, UK,
or perhaps a castle in Scotland?
Traveling to new places and staying in these places brings you as close to being a local as possible.
Pwede na bang local?:)Just as I had fallen in love with the Airbnb, the leading community-driven hospitality company in the world, give it to Smart, my preferred mobile service provider, to have a partnership with them, giving its subscribers very exclusive perks!
Fellow mama, Patty Laurel-Filart hosted the Smart event. Check out Patty's posts on her Airbnb travels too! (@Pattylaurel on Instagram)All Smart subscribers enjoy P2500 off on Airbnb bookings worldwide!
From today until January 2016, all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid and Smart Bro subscribers will receive a P2500 Airbnb discount for any Airbnb booking with a minimum spend of P8,000. The discount is limited to one booking per subscriber, valid until December 2016. The booking has to be made by March 31, 2016 and the date of travel must be between today and December 2016. More information about the terms and conditions at Airbnb.com/smart.If you haven’t tried Airbnb, download its app for free on the App Store and Google Play Store. For more info on the Smart-Airbnb partnership, Text SMARTAIRBNB to 2855 or visit smart.com.ph/airbnb.Meanwhile, I got such a kick meeting the people behind this brand I've come to love:)
With Lena Sonnichsen, head of Communications for Airbnb in the Asia Pacific, and JJ Chai, Regional Director for South East Asia