Airbnb just made some big changes, and it might make your vacations safer and more interesting.
The updates, which CEO Brian Chesky described as "the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade," may be a welcome addition for travelers during what's predicted to be an extremely busy summer travel season. You'll be able to more easily search for rentals with unique features, split a vacation between two rentals, and enjoy more guest protections.
The most noticeable change involves something everyone who books an Airbnb uses: the search function. The company has added 56 new categories that will help people find interesting and unusual rentals, plus it will be easier to find rentals near attractions like national parks.
Some of the categories are related to features of the home, including whether it's a beach house, treehouse, off-grid, or ski-in, ski-out property. You can search for rentals with an amazing pool, a grand piano, or even famous architecture.