PASSPORT
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ou have always given me a safe place to stay, you hugged me in your comforters and gave me continental breakfast, but I don’t think we’re going to work out anymore. Hotels, it’s not you, it’s me. There is a new way to save money and have more unique experiences. I’ve been seeing Airbnbs lately-and I think I fell in love. Airbnbs have been making quite a presence for themselves over the past few years, and people are noticing. PULSE set out to find what makes these types of accommodations so special. According to Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia in an interview with Mixergy, the company’s name originates from air mattress B&B. Three roommates were tight on money and not able to pay their rent. After seeing how booked up the surrounding hotels were, they set up an inflatable mattress in hopes that someone would simply appreciate a place to stay. 26
SPRING 2019 | ISSUE ONE
Much to their surprise, their advertisement efforts worked. This situation prompted the two to kickstart a business.
AIRBNB APP:
Most of us have had at least one unpleasant experience with using apps. Sometimes the navigation is not the most understandable or sometimes the design just isn’t appealing. Airbnb’s app is designed to combat both of these issues. You don’t just get help finding places to stay, but you also get to discover local experiences and restaurants in order to create
a well-rounded trip. Like Pinterest, you can create different categories of ‘lists’ to save ideas for your next adventure. When setting up an account, users can give a description of themselves so that the hosts may be better equipped to give a more personalized stay. If you don’t want to just be a traveler, there is a section on the app that gives instructions on how to become a host. If you don’t have an extra room to spare, but still want to contribute to a person’s vacation in your area, you can sign up to host an ‘experience.’ This will
