Most millennials aspire to combine their passion for traveling with a desire for a flexible career, and we endeavor to help you design your life on your own terms.
How I Began Traveling The World Full-Time
Some people have their life structured so that they can follow the step-by-step plan to reach their goal, while many have those lightbulb moments when something just clicks.
Discovering a Life Changing Business Venture
My passion has always been travelling and voyaging in new regions around the world. It sends an adrenaline rush that nothing else can compare to. Being employed as a Flight Attendant enabled me to collect memories of fabulous cities around the world, but the short 24 hours stopovers weren’t enough for me to leave a long-lasting impression in these paradise islands.
It was when I used Airbnb for the first time in my life that I discovered my traveling career. Having never used it before, my expectations were minimal, but I was blown away by the level of service a gentleman (host) offered my girlfriend and I during a trip to Quito, Ecuador. Waiting for our arrival until 1am and preparing breakfast for 6am for our early departure, allowing us to feel safe and comfortable in his home, and he even prepared breakfast. It was surreal that someone could offer such lavish amenities at an affordable price.
Get $40 off your first trip on Airbnb using this link.
Loving people and caring for others is a huge part of my personality, so I could easily see myself in this host’s position. I always host dinner nights and New Years’ parties for friends and exchanging cultural references with them. No matter what your reasons for travelling – whether it’s business of pleasure – you want to have a place you can call home away from home.
I just couldn’t shake this idea of renting a property to travelers out of my head. It combined my favourite interests: meeting new personalities, generating income in a sustainable way which would be fun, but the thought of delving into a new business was scary and challenging, it was exciting. When you have an idea in your head which ignites a fire within you, never ignore it. Head towards it, fearlessly and with an open mind. I began spending $8k a month in rent – up from $750, all in a year.
Diving straight into this business model, I rented a room in my apartment to a guest who was on business for a convention. It was surreal having a stranger in my home, though that’s not to say it wasn’t enjoyable. Passing paths in the hallway, or through the living room was unfamiliar, but nonetheless, I’d host my first guest. Following the same structure I previously experienced abroad, we ate dinner together and I did my best to make him feel comfortable and experience a 5-star trip.
To book a stay in one of my apartments use this link.
Taking my discovery to another level
You have to take risks and step up the game in order to see results. Throughout the early stages of my Airbnb venture, I tested the model without me in the property and would spend a few days sleeping over at my friends. No-one will choose your property if the reviews are negative, so ensuring that your focus is on the delivery of your service and not the revenue, is massively important. A few low-star reviews can tarnish its future potential.
Congratulate yourself on that first victory of positive feedback. It’s a great standing stone to prove that what you’re doing has potential, and as the business increases, you’ll inevitably make mistakes which can only be solved through trial and error. Whilst you’re on the road, who will let your guests in? How can you ensure the house is clean and tidy ready for the next visitor? A team of trusted staff and technology can cover these pitfalls, so don’t think that you have to be in two places at once in order to make it work. Hire a maid service, purchase a keypad which prevents them ever losing their keys.
To find out more about the beginning of my 6-figure income and to find tips and methods on investing in your future, check out my interview with Babes In Business. Otherwise, stay tuned to our YouTube channel.
Start hosting on Airbnb using my link, here.
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