AirBnb's latest vacation booking is a harsh reality

By Sonya Davidson

Winter can be a very long for many of us here in Canada. Like many of you, I've been eyeing vacation options. A warm destination is very appealing especially when we are expecting a snowstorm to hit us. A vacation can't come soon enough! While we all do our travel research as incentive to get us through the day or week, we understand that not everyone an afford a dream vacation. 

Engage and Change, a charity that focuses on giving back to the homeless and less fortunate within the Greater Toronto Area has partnered with AirBnb, to show Canadians what reality is for many on our streets in the dead of winter. 

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Airbnb gets Apple Watch support on iOS

Airbnb app is making it easier for its users to get in touch with each other with the latest update. The version 15.35 of the app on iOS adds support for Apple Watch. It allows hosts to receive new bookings on their wearable. It’ll show them the complete request including the traveler’s name and photo, requested date, and personal message. Hosts can decide to accept or reject the request on the spot. It also allows hosts to initiate and respond to client messages from the Watch. Hosts are also allowed to save quick, pre-recorded responses to help maintain what Airbnb calls a healthy response rate.

Source: 9to5Mac | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Airbnb helps hosts optimize pricing with new tool

A new recommendation tool from Airbnb hopes to help its hosts to get more bookings. The tool is called Price Tips and it shows recent data about demand and how much similar listings are going for. It’s meant to help hosts adjust their prices accordingly based on different times of the year. For example, they can lower prices during low travel seasons or increase the rate a bit. It won’t guarantee an increase in bookings but it’ll at least keep you in the know. The feature is expected to roll out gradually beginning today.

Source: The Next Web

Airbnb updates Android app with on-the-go posting capabilities

Airbnb wants to encourage Android users to utilize the app while travelling with the new update. You can now write your reviews while you’re still on the move and even find social links with potential guests. The new listing design also lets you see the calendar schedule of the place they’re interested in renting. The company is working to overhaul its mobile apps and have Android features be as it can be with iOS app.