When catching up with friends, you never know what you’ll hear in response to the question, “What’s new?” It could be the latest workplace drama, a dating adventure, or an unexpected life update.
For me, my answer recently took me across the Atlantic, reliving the highlights of my honeymoon: standing beneath the Eiffel tower, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and eating all the delicious pastries, pastas and gelato I could find.
The conversation was flowing until I mentioned one of my favorite experiences from the trip—a day spent exploring the Tuscan countryside through an Airbnb experience that included wine tasting, pasta making, and breathtaking views of rolling vineyards.
“Wait…you can book experiences through Airbnb?” My friend asked wide-eyed and surprised.
I was shocked. I had assumed most travelers knew Airbnb had expanded beyond vacation rentals, but apparently some services are still flying beneath the radar.
Over the years, the platform has expanded into something much broader: opportunities to experience a destination through local hosts, creators, and experts. It’s not just about houses anymore!
And that shift reflects a larger trend in travel. Travel has increasingly become about more than checking landmarks off a list. Travelers are looking for ways to connect with a destination through the people, traditions and stories that make a place unique.
With just a few clicks, travelers can search experiences based on their destination, travel dates, and interests to discover unique ways to explore a place.
Food & Spirits: Taste a Destination
Food is often one of the best introductions to a new culture. A meal can tell the story of a region’s history, traditions, and people.
Instead of simply visiting a restaurant, travelers can learn directly from locals through experiences such as:
- Food walking tours
- Mixology lessons
- Pasta-making classes
- Baking classes
- Coffee experiences
Whether it’s learning the art of Italian pasta making in Tuscany or discovering the flavors of a city through a local guide, food-based experiences transform a meal into a memory.
Creative Experiences: Make Something Meaningful
Souvenirs are often forgotten, but something you create yourself carries a different meaning.
Creative experiences allow travelers to step away from traditional sightseeing and try something new while bringing home a personal reminder of their adventure.
Experiences may include:
- Painting classes
- Candle-Making workshops
- Perfume creation
- Photography experiences
- Pottery and sculpture classes
These experiences offer a chance to slow down, connect with local creators, and discover a new skill along the way.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore Beyond the Guide Book
Sometimes the best way to understand a destination is to leave the typical tourist path behind.
For travelers who enjoy nature and adventure, experiences can provide opportunities to see a region from a completely different perspective.
Experiences may include:
- Whitewater rafting
- E-bike tours
- Guided hiking or kayaking excursions
- Birdwatching adventures
- Unique local activities, like professional sandcastle building
These adventures allow travelers to experience landscapes not just as visitors, but as active participants.
Historic Experiences: Discover the Stories Behind the Destination
Every destination has stories waiting to be uncovered. Historic experiences offer travelers a deeper understanding of the communities they visit by connecting them with local history and culture.
Experiences may include:
- Guided walking tours of historic sites
- Ghost Tours
- Cultural & Community Heritage Tours
- Landmark & Monument Tours
Rather than simply taking a photo at a historic site, travelers can learn the stories, people, and events that shaped it.
Wellness Escapes: Relax, Recharge, and Reset
Not every trip needs to be packed with sightseeing. Sometimes the goal of travel is simply to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Wellness-focused experiences provide opportunities to rest, relax, and try something outside of your everyday routine.
Options may include:
- Yoga classes (including unique options like puppy or goat yoga)
- Spa experiences and hot baths
- Meditation retreats
- Sound healing sessions
- Tarot readings
- Mindfulness activities
Whether you are seeking adventure, creativity, culture, or relaxation, there is likely an experience waiting to be discovered.
The best travel memories are often created in the moments we don’t expect—the conversation with a local, the new skill we learn, or the tradition we get to experience firsthand.
So, on your next trip, don’t just search for where you’ll stay. Take a look at what experiences are waiting nearby. You might discover an adventure you never knew existed and have an amazing story to share with those back home.
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