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Notice (8): Undefined variable: most_viewed_stories [APP/views/stories/probus-display.ctp, line 49]Code | Context<?phpecho View::element('probus-stories-list', array('stories'=>$most_viewed_stories, 'mode'=>'most-popular','limit'=>4));$___viewFn = "/home/probus/domains/stagingblueplains/app-public/views/stories/probus-display.ctp" $___dataForView = array( "nextstoryurl" => "/fed24b4f", "publication" => array( "Story" => array(), "Publication" => array(), "Tag" => array(), "Tags" => array() ), "story_tagline" => "", "story" => array( "Story" => array(), "Publication" => array(), "Tag" => array(), "Tags" => array() ), "related_stories" => array( array(), array(), array(), array(), array() ) ) $loadHelpers = true $cached = false $cache = CacheHelper CacheHelper::$__replace = array CacheHelper::$__match = array CacheHelper::$cacheAction = NULL CacheHelper::$helpers = NULL CacheHelper::$base = "" CacheHelper::$webroot = "/" CacheHelper::$theme = NULL CacheHelper::$here = 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array AuthenticationHelper::$__tainted = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$__cleaned = NULL AuthenticationHelper::$Session = SessionHelper object $javascript = JavascriptHelper JavascriptHelper::$useNative = true JavascriptHelper::$enabled = true JavascriptHelper::$safe = false JavascriptHelper::$tags = array JavascriptHelper::$_blockOptions = array JavascriptHelper::$_cachedEvents = array JavascriptHelper::$_cacheEvents = false JavascriptHelper::$_cacheToFile = false JavascriptHelper::$_cacheAll = false JavascriptHelper::$_rules = array JavascriptHelper::$__scriptBuffer = NULL JavascriptHelper::$helpers = NULL JavascriptHelper::$base = "" JavascriptHelper::$webroot = "/" JavascriptHelper::$theme = NULL JavascriptHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" JavascriptHelper::$params = array JavascriptHelper::$action = "display" JavascriptHelper::$plugin = NULL JavascriptHelper::$data = NULL JavascriptHelper::$namedArgs = NULL JavascriptHelper::$argSeparator = NULL JavascriptHelper::$validationErrors = NULL JavascriptHelper::$__tainted = NULL JavascriptHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $eHtml = eHtmlHelper eHtmlHelper::$helpers = array eHtmlHelper::$viewVars = array eHtmlHelper::$tags = array eHtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array eHtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array eHtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array eHtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array eHtmlHelper::$base = "" eHtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" eHtmlHelper::$theme = NULL eHtmlHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" eHtmlHelper::$params = array eHtmlHelper::$action = "display" eHtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL eHtmlHelper::$data = NULL eHtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eHtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eHtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eHtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL eHtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eHtmlHelper::$eForm = eFormHelper object eHtmlHelper::$javascript = JavascriptHelper object eHtmlHelper::$Authentication = AuthenticationHelper object $eJavascript = eJavascriptHelper eJavascriptHelper::$helpers = array eJavascriptHelper::$useNative = true eJavascriptHelper::$enabled = true eJavascriptHelper::$safe = false eJavascriptHelper::$tags = array eJavascriptHelper::$_blockOptions = array eJavascriptHelper::$_cachedEvents = array eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheEvents = false eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheToFile = false eJavascriptHelper::$_cacheAll = false eJavascriptHelper::$_rules = array eJavascriptHelper::$__scriptBuffer = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$base = "" eJavascriptHelper::$webroot = "/" eJavascriptHelper::$theme = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" eJavascriptHelper::$params = array eJavascriptHelper::$action = "display" eJavascriptHelper::$plugin = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$data = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$__tainted = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eJavascriptHelper::$eHtml = eHtmlHelper object $eForm = eFormHelper eFormHelper::$helpers = array eFormHelper::$fieldset = array eFormHelper::$__options = array eFormHelper::$fields = array eFormHelper::$requestType = NULL eFormHelper::$defaultModel = NULL eFormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array eFormHelper::$base = "" eFormHelper::$webroot = "/" eFormHelper::$theme = NULL eFormHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" eFormHelper::$params = array eFormHelper::$action = "display" eFormHelper::$plugin = NULL eFormHelper::$data = NULL eFormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL eFormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL eFormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL eFormHelper::$tags = array eFormHelper::$__tainted = NULL eFormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL eFormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $tagCloud = TagCloudHelper TagCloudHelper::$helpers = array TagCloudHelper::$base = "" TagCloudHelper::$webroot = "/" TagCloudHelper::$theme = NULL TagCloudHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" TagCloudHelper::$params = array TagCloudHelper::$action = "display" TagCloudHelper::$plugin = NULL TagCloudHelper::$data = NULL TagCloudHelper::$namedArgs = NULL TagCloudHelper::$argSeparator = NULL TagCloudHelper::$validationErrors = NULL TagCloudHelper::$tags = array TagCloudHelper::$__tainted = NULL TagCloudHelper::$__cleaned = NULL TagCloudHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $html = HtmlHelper HtmlHelper::$tags = array HtmlHelper::$_crumbs = array HtmlHelper::$__includedScripts = array HtmlHelper::$_scriptBlockOptions = array HtmlHelper::$__docTypes = array HtmlHelper::$helpers = NULL HtmlHelper::$base = "" HtmlHelper::$webroot = "/" HtmlHelper::$theme = NULL HtmlHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" HtmlHelper::$params = array HtmlHelper::$action = "display" HtmlHelper::$plugin = NULL HtmlHelper::$data = NULL HtmlHelper::$namedArgs = NULL HtmlHelper::$argSeparator = NULL HtmlHelper::$validationErrors = NULL HtmlHelper::$__tainted = NULL HtmlHelper::$__cleaned = NULL $form = FormHelper FormHelper::$helpers = array FormHelper::$fieldset = array FormHelper::$__options = array FormHelper::$fields = array FormHelper::$requestType = NULL FormHelper::$defaultModel = NULL FormHelper::$_inputDefaults = array FormHelper::$base = "" FormHelper::$webroot = "/" FormHelper::$theme = NULL FormHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" FormHelper::$params = array FormHelper::$action = "display" FormHelper::$plugin = NULL FormHelper::$data = NULL FormHelper::$namedArgs = NULL FormHelper::$argSeparator = NULL FormHelper::$validationErrors = NULL FormHelper::$tags = array FormHelper::$__tainted = NULL FormHelper::$__cleaned = NULL FormHelper::$Html = HtmlHelper object $session = SessionHelper SessionHelper::$helpers = array SessionHelper::$__active = true SessionHelper::$valid = false SessionHelper::$error = false SessionHelper::$_userAgent = "8611eabdb1aa7cc20f419da71363daa3" SessionHelper::$path = "/" SessionHelper::$lastError = NULL SessionHelper::$security = "medium" SessionHelper::$time = 1749843115 SessionHelper::$sessionTime = 1749855115 SessionHelper::$cookieLifeTime = false SessionHelper::$watchKeys = array SessionHelper::$id = NULL SessionHelper::$host = NULL SessionHelper::$timeout = NULL SessionHelper::$base = "" SessionHelper::$webroot = "/" SessionHelper::$here = "/c64fe787/Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home" SessionHelper::$params = array SessionHelper::$action = "display" SessionHelper::$data = NULL SessionHelper::$theme = NULL SessionHelper::$plugin = NULL $nextstoryurl = "/fed24b4f" $publication = array( "Story" => array( "id" => "1868", "publication_id" => "2", "tag_id" => "60", "headline" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "headline_home" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "headline_index" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "meta_keywords" => "probus, retire, travel, airbnb", "home_spotlight" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_Carousel.jpg", "home_spotlight_mini" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_tile.jpg", "home_feature" => "", "home_tag" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_thumbnail.jpg", "index_mini" => "", "index_result" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_thumbnail.jpg", "gallery" => null, "gallery_captions" => null, "gallery_hide" => "0", "embed_spotlight" => "0", "status" => "0", "published" => "2013-11-05 00:00:00", "byline" => "Sarah Wooltorton ", "tagline" => null, "intro_short" => "<p>Airbnb lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "intro_long" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, Airbnb lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "body" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p> <p><img src="http://probussouthpacific.org/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_embed.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="171" /></p> <h2>What is Airbnb?</h2> <p>Seeking a home away from home? Airbnb is a community site that allows you to book unique accommodation around the world. From treehouses to houseboats to private islands and regular apartment settings, Airbnb has accommodation to suit any adventure and budget.</p> <p>Generally though the majority of listings are standard residences.</p> <p>There are plenty of benefits compared to traditional accommodation.</p> <ul> <li>You may find most listings are cheaper than the average hotel room.<strong> </strong></li> <li>It tends to be a more homely feel than a hotel.<strong></strong></li> <li>Generally you have access to more utilities such as full kitchens, laundry, free Wi-Fi etc.<strong></strong></li> <li>You’ll get to know the locals. <strong></strong></li> <li>Listings are reviewed by guests after each stay, which makes them somewhat verifiable.</li> </ul> <p>Rentals vary from renting a space or spare room from a resident host, to get more of a local feel, or renting a place when the host is away. You can really choose how much interaction you want. Want to share a bathroom or kitchen? No problems. Want your own bathroom? That’s fine too.</p> <p>The story behind the name? Airbnb’s founders were once struggling to pay their rent in their San Francisco apartment. One weekend an international design conference saw the town’s hotels booked out. Then came the idea for the ‘Air Bed and Breakfast’, where people could rent an airbed for the weekend. Today Airbnb covers 34,000 cities in 192 countries.</p> <h2>How to use the site</h2> <p>You can search the site by neighbourhood, or even by style of accommodation.</p> <p>A few of the accommodation categories include Artsy Abodes, Trees & Zzzs (treehouses), Private Islands, Royal Treatment, Cabin Fever, I’m On a Boat and much more.</p> <p>Here are five steps to get started:</p> <ul> <li>You can sign up via Facebook if you have an account otherwise you can use your email address.</li> <li>Provide as many details as possible; you are more likely to get the place you want.</li> <li>Search for your desired location and type of place.</li> <li>Check if your desired dates are available.</li> <li>Message the person who has listed the advertisement for more details.<br /> <br /> </li> </ul> <h2>What to look out for</h2> <p>While Airbnb goes to various lengths to protect both guests and hosts, there are a few things to be wary of when booking.</p> <p>It isn’t regulated like a hotel, but Airbnb addresses some key issues by collecting the security payment on the host’s behalf.</p> <p>Guests pay when they book and the hosts receive it 24 hours after check-in.</p> <p>Secondly, you may not get what you pay for.</p> <p>Check the photos and reviews carefully. Photos watermarked with ‘Airbnb.com Verified Photo’ are Airbnb-commissioned photos and have been taken by a professional photographer so are generally trustworthy.</p> <p>Lastly, not all hosts are the same and ‘customer service’ isn’t guaranteed. You should clearly communicate to them what you expect and take any concerns to Airbnb.</p> <h2>Listing your own home</h2> <p>People around the world are using Airbnb to subsidise the cost of living and perhaps meet an interesting soul or two.</p> <p>If you’d like to list your own spare room or property, here are a few simple tips:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ask for as many reviews as you can. </strong>You can speed up your reviews by prioritising short-term stays over long-term. You will rank up more comments quickly. <strong></strong></li> <li><strong>The little things count. </strong>Providing simple things for your guests goes a long way. Coffee, shampoo, hair dryers and Wi-Fi will be appreciated.<strong></strong></li> <li><strong>Provide as many details as you can. </strong>Provide a lot of photos, details about yourself and don’t forget about your neighbourhood.<strong></strong></li> <li><strong>Check local restrictions on short-term rentals. </strong>There have been some instances where renters have been fined for hosting guests while they are not home. Check with your local council if these kind of short-term stays are a problem.<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p>Generally these arrangements go down without a hitch but Airbnb covers hosts for up to $1 million for certain types of property damage.</p> <p>Thanks to new websites like <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a>, it is becoming easier to become a global, connected community.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p>", "newsletter_name" => "", "printed" => null, "created" => "2013-11-05 13:43:09", "modified" => "2013-11-05 13:43:09", "url" => "c64fe787", "short_id" => "c64fe787", "url_part_2" => "Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home", "total_views" => "904", "intro" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "publish_sort_date" => "2013-11-05", "_status" => "Offline" ), "Publication" => array( "id" => "2", "name" => "Probus Web", "folder" => "probus", "url" => "staging.probussouthpacific.org", "microsite_cms_url" => "stagingmicrosite.probussouthpacific.org", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_type_id" => "3", "home_spotlight_count" => "5", "home_spotlight_delay" => "5", "home_feature_count" => "0", "index_spotlight_count" => "3", "search_spotlight_count" => "3", "most_viewed_duration" => "14", "most_tagged_duration" => "14", "list_page_size" => "25", "home_ad1" => "88", "home_ad2" => "89", "home_ad3" => "", "home_ad4" => "", "story_ad1" => "", "story_ad2" => "", "story_ad3" => "", "story_ad4" => "", "button_ad1" => "66", "button_ad2" => "67", "button_ad3" => "", "button_ad4" => "", "button_ad5" => "", "leader_ad" => "", "smtp_port" => "465", "smtp_host" => "smtp.gmail.com", "smtp_username" => "[email protected]", "smtp_password" => "Qwert123$#", "smtp_type" => "ssl", "secure_widget" => "<h3>Quick Links</h3> <p> </p> <p>See <a title="PSPL Mail Outs" href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/pspl_correspondence">PSPL Mail Outs</a> for copies of letters sent by PSPL for the information of all Probus Club members. </p> <p> </p> <p>Club Management Committees can obtain contact details of Probus clubs by visiting this page. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_directory_lookup">Directory of Probus Clubs</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Access a range of material which can assist you with membership development for your club. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_membership_development">Membership Development Tools</a></p> <p> </p> <p>See PSPL’s latest annual report <a title="Click here." href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/about_pspl_annual_report">Click here.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>To access exclusive offers, visit the Probus <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_member_benefits_scheme">Member Benefits Scheme</a> page.</p> <p> </p> <p><span>If you want copies of reports, accounts templates or nomination forms for office bearers, you’ll find them here. </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_forms">Forms and Templates</a></p> <p> </p> <p><span>You'll find all your merchandise needs by visiting the </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/products/display/">Online Shop</a></p>", "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-10-06 15:18:14" ), "Tag" => array( "id" => "60", "tag_type_id" => "3", "publication_id" => "2", "name" => "Technology", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_head_image" => "/probus/files/TechnologyEditBlue.jpg", "tag_ad1" => "98", "tag_ad2" => "99", "parent_id" => null, "private" => "0", "priority" => null, "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-11-21 16:23:35" ), "Tags" => array( array(), array() ) ) $story_tagline = "" $story = array( "Story" => array( "id" => "1868", "publication_id" => "2", "tag_id" => "60", "headline" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "headline_home" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "headline_index" => "Airbnb: a home away from home", "meta_keywords" => "probus, retire, travel, airbnb", "home_spotlight" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_Carousel.jpg", "home_spotlight_mini" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_tile.jpg", "home_feature" => "", "home_tag" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_thumbnail.jpg", "index_mini" => "", "index_result" => "/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_thumbnail.jpg", "gallery" => null, "gallery_captions" => null, "gallery_hide" => "0", "embed_spotlight" => "0", "status" => "0", "published" => "2013-11-05 00:00:00", "byline" => "Sarah Wooltorton ", "tagline" => null, "intro_short" => "<p>Airbnb lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "intro_long" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, Airbnb lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "body" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p> <p><img src="http://probussouthpacific.org/probus/files/Content/Air_BNB_embed.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="171" /></p> <h2>What is Airbnb?</h2> <p>Seeking a home away from home? Airbnb is a community site that allows you to book unique accommodation around the world. From treehouses to houseboats to private islands and regular apartment settings, Airbnb has accommodation to suit any adventure and budget.</p> <p>Generally though the majority of listings are standard residences.</p> <p>There are plenty of benefits compared to traditional accommodation.</p> <ul> <li>You may find most listings are cheaper than the average hotel room.<strong> </strong></li> <li>It tends to be a more homely feel than a hotel.<strong></strong></li> <li>Generally you have access to more utilities such as full kitchens, laundry, free Wi-Fi etc.<strong></strong></li> <li>You’ll get to know the locals. <strong></strong></li> <li>Listings are reviewed by guests after each stay, which makes them somewhat verifiable.</li> </ul> <p>Rentals vary from renting a space or spare room from a resident host, to get more of a local feel, or renting a place when the host is away. You can really choose how much interaction you want. Want to share a bathroom or kitchen? No problems. Want your own bathroom? That’s fine too.</p> <p>The story behind the name? Airbnb’s founders were once struggling to pay their rent in their San Francisco apartment. One weekend an international design conference saw the town’s hotels booked out. Then came the idea for the ‘Air Bed and Breakfast’, where people could rent an airbed for the weekend. Today Airbnb covers 34,000 cities in 192 countries.</p> <h2>How to use the site</h2> <p>You can search the site by neighbourhood, or even by style of accommodation.</p> <p>A few of the accommodation categories include Artsy Abodes, Trees & Zzzs (treehouses), Private Islands, Royal Treatment, Cabin Fever, I’m On a Boat and much more.</p> <p>Here are five steps to get started:</p> <ul> <li>You can sign up via Facebook if you have an account otherwise you can use your email address.</li> <li>Provide as many details as possible; you are more likely to get the place you want.</li> <li>Search for your desired location and type of place.</li> <li>Check if your desired dates are available.</li> <li>Message the person who has listed the advertisement for more details.<br /> <br /> </li> </ul> <h2>What to look out for</h2> <p>While Airbnb goes to various lengths to protect both guests and hosts, there are a few things to be wary of when booking.</p> <p>It isn’t regulated like a hotel, but Airbnb addresses some key issues by collecting the security payment on the host’s behalf.</p> <p>Guests pay when they book and the hosts receive it 24 hours after check-in.</p> <p>Secondly, you may not get what you pay for.</p> <p>Check the photos and reviews carefully. Photos watermarked with ‘Airbnb.com Verified Photo’ are Airbnb-commissioned photos and have been taken by a professional photographer so are generally trustworthy.</p> <p>Lastly, not all hosts are the same and ‘customer service’ isn’t guaranteed. You should clearly communicate to them what you expect and take any concerns to Airbnb.</p> <h2>Listing your own home</h2> <p>People around the world are using Airbnb to subsidise the cost of living and perhaps meet an interesting soul or two.</p> <p>If you’d like to list your own spare room or property, here are a few simple tips:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ask for as many reviews as you can. </strong>You can speed up your reviews by prioritising short-term stays over long-term. You will rank up more comments quickly. <strong></strong></li> <li><strong>The little things count. </strong>Providing simple things for your guests goes a long way. Coffee, shampoo, hair dryers and Wi-Fi will be appreciated.<strong></strong></li> <li><strong>Provide as many details as you can. </strong>Provide a lot of photos, details about yourself and don’t forget about your neighbourhood.<strong></strong></li> <li><strong>Check local restrictions on short-term rentals. </strong>There have been some instances where renters have been fined for hosting guests while they are not home. Check with your local council if these kind of short-term stays are a problem.<strong> </strong></li> </ul> <p>Generally these arrangements go down without a hitch but Airbnb covers hosts for up to $1 million for certain types of property damage.</p> <p>Thanks to new websites like <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a>, it is becoming easier to become a global, connected community.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p>", "newsletter_name" => "", "printed" => null, "created" => "2013-11-05 13:43:09", "modified" => "2013-11-05 13:43:09", "url" => "c64fe787", "short_id" => "c64fe787", "url_part_2" => "Airbnb_a_home_away_from_home", "total_views" => "904", "intro" => "<p>Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, <a href="http://www.airbnb.com" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.</p>", "publish_sort_date" => "2013-11-05", "_status" => "Offline" ), "Publication" => array( "id" => "2", "name" => "Probus Web", "folder" => "probus", "url" => "staging.probussouthpacific.org", "microsite_cms_url" => "stagingmicrosite.probussouthpacific.org", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_type_id" => "3", "home_spotlight_count" => "5", "home_spotlight_delay" => "5", "home_feature_count" => "0", "index_spotlight_count" => "3", "search_spotlight_count" => "3", "most_viewed_duration" => "14", "most_tagged_duration" => "14", "list_page_size" => "25", "home_ad1" => "88", "home_ad2" => "89", "home_ad3" => "", "home_ad4" => "", "story_ad1" => "", "story_ad2" => "", "story_ad3" => "", "story_ad4" => "", "button_ad1" => "66", "button_ad2" => "67", "button_ad3" => "", "button_ad4" => "", "button_ad5" => "", "leader_ad" => "", "smtp_port" => "465", "smtp_host" => "smtp.gmail.com", "smtp_username" => "[email protected]", "smtp_password" => "Qwert123$#", "smtp_type" => "ssl", "secure_widget" => "<h3>Quick Links</h3> <p> </p> <p>See <a title="PSPL Mail Outs" href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/pspl_correspondence">PSPL Mail Outs</a> for copies of letters sent by PSPL for the information of all Probus Club members. </p> <p> </p> <p>Club Management Committees can obtain contact details of Probus clubs by visiting this page. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_directory_lookup">Directory of Probus Clubs</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Access a range of material which can assist you with membership development for your club. <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_membership_development">Membership Development Tools</a></p> <p> </p> <p>See PSPL’s latest annual report <a title="Click here." href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/about_pspl_annual_report">Click here.</a></p> <p> </p> <p>To access exclusive offers, visit the Probus <a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_member_benefits_scheme">Member Benefits Scheme</a> page.</p> <p> </p> <p><span>If you want copies of reports, accounts templates or nomination forms for office bearers, you’ll find them here. </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/club_administration_forms">Forms and Templates</a></p> <p> </p> <p><span>You'll find all your merchandise needs by visiting the </span><a href="http://www.probussouthpacific.org/products/display/">Online Shop</a></p>", "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-10-06 15:18:14" ), "Tag" => array( "id" => "60", "tag_type_id" => "3", "publication_id" => "2", "name" => "Technology", "meta_keywords" => "", "meta_description" => "", "tag_head_image" => "/probus/files/TechnologyEditBlue.jpg", "tag_ad1" => "98", "tag_ad2" => "99", "parent_id" => null, "private" => "0", "priority" => null, "created" => "2012-10-05 22:15:24", "modified" => "2012-11-21 16:23:35" ), "Tags" => array( array(), array() ) ) $related_stories = array( array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ), array( "Story" => array() ) )include - APP/views/stories/probus-display.ctp, line 49 View::_render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 731 View::render() - CORE/cake/libs/view/view.php, line 426 Controller::render() - CORE/cake/libs/controller/controller.php, line 909 AppController::render() - APP/app_controller.php, line 64 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 207 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/cake/dispatcher.php, line 171 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 83
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Airbnb: a home away from home
by Sarah Wooltorton | 05 Nov 2013
Offering unique and affordable alternatives to hotels, Airbnb lists short- term property rentals around the world – from treehouses to apartments.
What is Airbnb?
Seeking a home away from home? Airbnb is a community site that allows you to book unique accommodation around the world. From treehouses to houseboats to private islands and regular apartment settings, Airbnb has accommodation to suit any adventure and budget.
Generally though the majority of listings are standard residences.
There are plenty of benefits compared to traditional accommodation.
- You may find most listings are cheaper than the average hotel room.
- It tends to be a more homely feel than a hotel.
- Generally you have access to more utilities such as full kitchens, laundry, free Wi-Fi etc.
- You’ll get to know the locals.
- Listings are reviewed by guests after each stay, which makes them somewhat verifiable.
Rentals vary from renting a space or spare room from a resident host, to get more of a local feel, or renting a place when the host is away. You can really choose how much interaction you want. Want to share a bathroom or kitchen? No problems. Want your own bathroom? That’s fine too.
The story behind the name? Airbnb’s founders were once struggling to pay their rent in their San Francisco apartment. One weekend an international design conference saw the town’s hotels booked out. Then came the idea for the ‘Air Bed and Breakfast’, where people could rent an airbed for the weekend. Today Airbnb covers 34,000 cities in 192 countries.
How to use the site
You can search the site by neighbourhood, or even by style of accommodation.
A few of the accommodation categories include Artsy Abodes, Trees & Zzzs (treehouses), Private Islands, Royal Treatment, Cabin Fever, I’m On a Boat and much more.
Here are five steps to get started:
- You can sign up via Facebook if you have an account otherwise you can use your email address.
- Provide as many details as possible; you are more likely to get the place you want.
- Search for your desired location and type of place.
- Check if your desired dates are available.
- Message the person who has listed the advertisement for more details.
What to look out for
While Airbnb goes to various lengths to protect both guests and hosts, there are a few things to be wary of when booking.
It isn’t regulated like a hotel, but Airbnb addresses some key issues by collecting the security payment on the host’s behalf.
Guests pay when they book and the hosts receive it 24 hours after check-in.
Secondly, you may not get what you pay for.
Check the photos and reviews carefully. Photos watermarked with ‘Airbnb.com Verified Photo’ are Airbnb-commissioned photos and have been taken by a professional photographer so are generally trustworthy.
Lastly, not all hosts are the same and ‘customer service’ isn’t guaranteed. You should clearly communicate to them what you expect and take any concerns to Airbnb.
Listing your own home
People around the world are using Airbnb to subsidise the cost of living and perhaps meet an interesting soul or two.
If you’d like to list your own spare room or property, here are a few simple tips:
- Ask for as many reviews as you can. You can speed up your reviews by prioritising short-term stays over long-term. You will rank up more comments quickly.
- The little things count. Providing simple things for your guests goes a long way. Coffee, shampoo, hair dryers and Wi-Fi will be appreciated.
- Provide as many details as you can. Provide a lot of photos, details about yourself and don’t forget about your neighbourhood.
- Check local restrictions on short-term rentals. There have been some instances where renters have been fined for hosting guests while they are not home. Check with your local council if these kind of short-term stays are a problem.
Generally these arrangements go down without a hitch but Airbnb covers hosts for up to $1 million for certain types of property damage.
Thanks to new websites like Airbnb, it is becoming easier to become a global, connected community.
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