The following headline really caught my attention: "Earn money as an Airbnb host."
Now I’m seriously considering charging travellers to stay in my home.
Hey, I like money, I like most people, and I have room.
Cha-ching!
In case you’re not familiar with Airbnb, according to its website, it began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travellers looking for a place to stay.
Now, millions of hosts and travellers choose to create a free Airbnb account so they can list their space, and book unique accommodations anywhere in the world.
No matter what kind of home you have to share, Airbnb makes hosting simple and secure.
You’re in full control of your availability, prices, house rules and how you interact with guests.
Do I really want to become a host?
Actually, I think I do — and the top 10 reasons why are all cash related.
All kidding aside, I think I’d really enjoy hosting the people.
What a fabulous way to make new friends — and get paid. I even know how to make a bed.
As for accommodations, I could offer guests their choice of three possible options.
For extreme privacy, I have a 1959 Shasta camper-trailer in my back shed.
What happens in the Shasta, stays in the Shasta.
Then, there’s the "rustic charm" option — the 1905 CNR train caboose in my backyard, which can be made very warm and toasty with the old wood-burning kitchen stove I heat it with.
Neither of those options has a bathroom, so I could charge extra for the guests to use the one in the house.
Then, I have a lovely bedroom suite in the basement that has a private bathroom and a shower for that luxury-escape experience.
Maybe I could add some lighting and make that into a bit of a romantic theme suite.
Mind you, my bedroom is above that one, so, note to self, pick up a really good pair of earplugs from Princess Auto — commercial grade.
That pretty much covers the bed part, but what about breakfast?
I am no chef.
The coffee/tea/juice part, I can handle, but beyond that, I’m thinking maybe toast and instant porridge.
Maybe throw in a banana, an apple, or even a cookie.
Or there’s a nice restaurant just across the river.
I’m assuming most would whip up their own brekkie, which works for me, just clean up after yourself — and no whining about the paper plates.
Gotta admit, the bed-and-breakfast bucks would not be hard to take, and the hosting could be a lot of fun.
Truth is, the travellers probably want to be left alone.
I’m fine with that — after I show them my grandkids’ school photos.
Airbnb also handles all the booking stuff and payment transactions, taking three per cent or so for its trouble, which is fine with me.
To ensure accuracy regarding any of the information I’ve passed along on any and all of the above, I strongly suggest you check out airbnb.ca.
As for my choice of clientele, Chalet Moutarde would be open to non-smoking vegetarians who love passing time chopping wood or shovelling snow, while paying me to partake in these thrilling activities.
I’ve heard those hipsters are into this sort of thing.
Comments or feedback, love to hear from you!
lmustard1948@gmail.com
