Successful hosts offer unique, well-crafted experiences that reflect their personality and local expertise
Great reviews, clear descriptions and professional communication all impact visibility and bookings
Guests remember the details—personal touches and thoughtful planning go a long way
When you’re managing a few short-term rentals on your own, time is tight. You’re juggling turnovers, guest messages and calendar syncing—so adding an Airbnb experience to your plate has to be worth it. But when done right, an experience can drive new bookings, build your reputation and give your listing a competitive edge without adding much overhead.
This guide breaks down exactly how to create an Airbnb experience that stands out. From curating a unique activity to writing a listing that converts, every step focuses on helping you attract the right guests and deliver something they’ll talk about long after checkout.
An Airbnb experience is a host-led activity that goes beyond what most travelers expect from a standard tour. It’s personal, hands-on, and rooted in local knowledge. Guests aren’t just tagging along—they’re stepping into a host’s world for a few hours.
Each experience reflects the host’s skills, background, or connection to the area. Think of a guided forest walk with a wildlife rescuer, or a dumpling-making session in the kitchen where someone’s grandmother taught them to cook. Guests want something they can’t find in a guidebook or book through a travel agency.
The strongest Airbnb experience listings show the host’s personality, not just the itinerary. They highlight what makes the activity feel unique to the host—whether that’s a storytelling style, insider access, or a quiet spot most visitors never see. People book an experience because they want to connect with someone who knows the place, not just someone who knows the route.
Manage short-term rentals & bookings, message guests, take payment, and so much more. All in one easy-to-use platform (that never double-books).
The most memorable Airbnb experiences focus on one specific moment, place, or story—and make it unforgettable. Guests don’t want a checklist or a lecture. They want to feel something real, something they couldn’t pull off without you.
Here are our top tips for creating an experience that stands out on the app.
If you’ve been shooting portraits in the same neighborhood for a decade, or you’re using your grandmother’s recipes to teach pasta-making, that connection shows. People trust it. And trust leads to stronger reviews.
Sharing why you care about the experience makes it matter more to your guests. Why this route? Why this dish? Why that tradition? If it feels personal to you, it becomes meaningful for them.
Trying to appeal to everyone usually means the experience doesn’t stick with anyone. General cooking classes, bike tours, or photo walks often get lost in the shuffle unless there’s a clear reason to choose yours.
Instead of offering a “sunset hike,” try “sunset hike with mountain tea and old shepherd tales.” Instead of a “painting class,” how about “paint with natural pigments in a reclaimed greenhouse.” A tight, specific focus grabs attention fast—especially when it reflects the personality of the host or the culture of the place.
Value comes from more than a location. It comes from the context and perspective only you can offer. If you’re hosting a food walk, every city already has one. But if you’re taking guests to vendors you’ve known for years, or pointing out the one dish locals order but tourists never do—that’s the difference. You’re not just showing them around. You’re sharing your version of the place.
You don’t need to be flashy or dramatic. You just need to be thoughtful. People remember feeling like they were let in on something rare. They write about it. They tell their friends. And that’s what pushes your Airbnb experience to the top of the list.
Guests won’t remember every step of an itinerary—but they will remember how it felt. From the first message to the last goodbye, every detail should feel like it belongs.
You're not hosting everyone—you’re hosting someone specific. Maybe it's solo travelers who want connection without small talk. Maybe it's parents juggling kids and backpacks who need structure and time to breathe. Or maybe it's creatives who want to unplug and make something with their hands.
Once you know who you’re inviting in, everything becomes easier to shape. A food-focused traveler doesn’t want a generic market walk—they want the vendor you’ve been buying from for years, the one who slips you an extra piece of candied citrus without asking.
Match your tone, your pace, and your setting to the people you want to welcome. Speak the way they speak. Share the kinds of stories they’d care about. And make each decision—from the snacks you offer to the music playing when they arrive—feel like it was chosen just for them.
Instead of lining up a sequence of tasks, think about the story you’re telling. What happens first? What builds the energy? Where does it all land? A good Airbnb experience has rhythm—and rhythm makes it feel effortless.
Guests want context. Why start here? Why does this recipe matter so much to your family? What happened on that street corner that makes it more than just another stop?
Transitions matter too. Move between parts of the experience with purpose. Let quiet moments breathe. Leave room for guests to ask questions or share something of their own. It’s not just about hitting a timeline—it’s about giving the time meaning. That’s what makes the experience stick.
Automated guest messages keep your guest informed from booking through to check-out. They’re designed to answer questions before they arise, saving you time whilst keeping your guests happy.
Most guests skim before they read. A listing only has seconds to catch their attention. If the photos and copy blend in with every other activity, people scroll right past. But clear language and strong visuals turn that quick glance into a booking.
Skip photos of empty setups or props with no context. Show guests mid-conversation, trying something new, or reacting to a surprising moment. Movement matters. Emotion matters more.
Photos should feel natural. Faces should be visible. Lighting needs to work in your favor—soft morning light, golden hour, or warm indoor tones. Outdoor activities? Make sure the background actually adds something. Instead of just showing the location, capture a moment someone would want to be part of.
A long title filled with adjectives doesn’t help. Be specific. Use plain language. Lead with what someone actually gets out of the experience. “Make pasta in a chef’s home kitchen” says far more than “Authentic Italian culinary workshop.”
Start the description with something strong. What’s the story behind the experience? Why does it matter? What will guests remember once they leave? Avoid listing gear or schedules upfront—keep the focus on what makes your activity different from every other option nearby.
Write the way you’d speak to a guest in person. If a sentence sounds like something you’d never say out loud, rewrite it. And if it sounds like marketing copy, cut it.
Mention the part of the experience guests can't get anywhere else. Maybe you know the back entrance to a market that skips the crowds. Maybe you're the only one who can access a closed rooftop or private studio. Maybe your family has passed down the recipe you're teaching for four generations.
Share the name of the baker who gives you a discount for bringing guests. Mention the alley where a mural changes every few weeks. Point out the café where you always end the tour because they remember your order.
The more you anchor your Airbnb experience in what you know well, the easier it is for guests to trust you with their time.
Strong reviews start well before guests arrive. Clear, friendly messages set expectations early. Use their names. Confirm the meeting point and time. Share what to bring. When guests feel taken care of before they even show up, they’re far more likely to feel positive about the experience overall.
After guests leave, the right follow-up keeps their good energy going. A short thank-you message works best when you include something specific—maybe a funny moment, a shared story, or what they contributed to the group dynamic. Personalized feedback feels like you were paying attention, not just running through a checklist.
Instead of asking directly for a review, try a softer nudge: “If you had a great time, feel free to leave a review—it helps future guests know what to expect.” It’s honest, low-pressure, and keeps the focus where it belongs—on the experience you created.
When reviews consistently mention warmth, clarity, or extra effort, guests start to trust what they’re reading. Patterns matter. If three people say you showed up early, brought extra supplies, and checked in afterward, new guests will expect the same effort. Now you’ve created a reputation.
Keep showing up. Be early. Anticipate questions. Stay present, even when you’ve done the experience dozens of times already. The best Airbnb experience hosts don’t just impress—they make guests feel like the day couldn’t have gone better. That’s the kind of energy people talk about. And that’s what leads to more five-star reviews.
With Uplisting, you can send the right messages at the right time on all booking sites. Read and respond to guest messages in a single, unified inbox — whether you’re at the office or on the go.
Running experiences while managing short-term rentals? It’s a lot to keep up with—without the right systems, small mistakes start piling up. Late messages, missed check-in details, and scattered bookings can kill momentum fast. A few smart habits make the entire workflow smoother, give guests peace of mind, and save hours each week.
No one has time to send the same message over and over. Set up automated communication that handles the basics—check-in notes, meeting locations, weather info, and review reminders. When messages go out on schedule, everyone shows up with the right expectations and fewer questions.
Start with a message the day before the experience. Include meeting details, what to bring, and a quick note about the weather. Follow up after the experience with a thank-you message and a gentle nudge for a review. Once it's scheduled, there's no need to think about it again.
Handling short-term rental bookings too? Use a single dashboard to track both property and experience reservations. It’s easier to spot conflicts, respond to guests quickly, and keep communication consistent. No more flipping between inboxes or wondering which guest booked what.
When guests don’t get clear instructions, they don’t arrive relaxed—they arrive late, confused, or unprepared. Kill the friction early by answering common questions before they ask.
Include a short FAQ link in your confirmation message. Cover details like:
Meeting point specifics: Skip vague locations. Say “in front of the bronze statue near the 5th Street entrance”—not just “Downtown Park.”
What to bring: Water, closed-toe shoes, jackets, or anything else tied to weather or terrain.
Weather plans: Let them know if you reschedule, run rain-or-shine, or have a backup indoor option.
Guests shouldn’t have to guess. Clear prep helps them arrive on time, ready to enjoy the Airbnb experience—not trying to figure out where to park or if they brought the wrong shoes.
Good communication shows you’ve thought about their day from start to finish. It sets the tone before they even arrive—and makes every part of the experience feel intentional.
To really succeed long-term, efficient operations matter just as much as creativity. Automating communications, managing bookings in one place, and keeping everything organized behind the scenes gives you more time to focus on what matters—delivering exceptional experiences.
That’s where the right tools come in.
If you’re running both vacation rentals and Airbnb experiences, you need a system that keeps up. Sign up for Uplisting to streamline your vacation rental management and unlock more time to grow your business while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
With a reliable VRM solution you can trust, Uplisting can help you grow your business without wasting time on double bookings, unhappy guests, upset clients and worrying what could go wrong next.
You don’t need formal licenses or certifications, but guests expect an experience that feels safe, engaging, and worth their time. If you're handling food, outdoor activities, or equipment, know what you're doing. Confidence and preparation go a long way—especially when guests are trusting you to lead.
Yes, and combining the two can make your listing even more appealing. A cooking class in your rental’s kitchen or a guided hike that starts at your front door adds value without adding much overhead. The key is keeping everything organized, so guests feel like every detail is in sync.
Small group sessions that feel personal tend to book more often. If your experience is hands-on, tied to your local knowledge, and offers something guests can’t get from a brochure, you’re on the right track. Think street food tours with your favorite vendors, art classes in your studio, or photo walks that skip the tourist traps.
Start with what you spend—your time, supplies, any location fees—then check what others charge nearby for similar experiences. Don’t race to the bottom just to compete. Guests connect higher prices with better value, especially when the experience feels thoughtful and well-run. Try a starting price, pay attention to feedback, and adjust from there.
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