Airbnb has officially launched its program that transports a dozen people back into the great unknown. Called “Live Anywhere on Airbnb,” the initiative found 12 people to live “exclusively in listings on Airbnb for approximately one year.” In addition, the company will cover any fees associated with the listings and even “provide an allowance for transportation for the duration of the program.”
Photo: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
These 12 Lucky People Won Airbnb’s Contest to Live Anywhere in the World for Free for One Year
All the participants have to do in return is provide the company feedback using video check-ins and written diaries about the overall Airbnb experiences, including “Ideal types of accommodations for solo travelers or groups like families” and “Connections to local community members and businesses.” The feedback will help the country develop new products and services you might see in your future Airbnb stay. The company specifies that participants will move from location to location throughout the year.
After receiving applications from 314,000 applicants in nine different countries, on August 3, 2021, the company announced its perfect cohort. The tour includes accessibility advocates such as Lindsey, her mother, and teen daughter Anna; Hendric, the co-founder of the travel content creator community The Travel Intern; and Colin from Malaysia who is taking his wife and two kids around the world with him.
Other participants include Ben and Peta from France and South Africa, James B. and James G. from the United Kingdom, Jonathan from Canada, Maria from Argentina, Marquita from New York, Stephanie from Tennessee, Victoria from Russia, and Will and Steven from France.
According to a press release from Airbnb, the program is inspired by work and living conditions that have become more flexible since the start of the pandemic. Indeed, employers are now more open to people working remotely, and eagerness to travel has skyrocketed now that most lockdown restrictions have been lifted, so be sure to follow along on this great adventure. 