This is how much money Airbnb hosts made on the first weekend of reopening
There's been a huge surge in staycations
Victoria Jones
Airbnb is becoming increasingly popular (Image: Airbnb)
Holidaymakers flocked to south-west England as lockdown restrictions eased on Saturday.
Lines of cars with caravans attached set off for the coast as the great escape began.
With holidays abroad largely on hold for the time being, and the UK opening up in varying degrees, it seems UK residents are keen to explore home turf.
Indeed, hosts on Airbnb reportedly earned more than £20m on Saturday alone - and that's with Wales closed to holidaymakers.
A treehouse for rent on Airbnb (Image: Airbnb)
Wales has again opened up after the five-mile restriction was lifted, so visitors will be able to travel into and around Wales for the first time since lockdown measures were introduced in March.
But self-contained accommodation is preparing to reopen in Wales from July 11.
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An Airbnb spokesperson said: "The British summer holiday is back on the horizon and Airbnb has a unique ability to help areas accommodate the surge in demand for staycations, enabling local residents to make extra money, while acting as ambassadors for their communities by providing accommodation that's local, private and clean."
And it seems with jobs and the economy changing, turning your home into an Airbnb letting could be an attractive way to earn some extra cash amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Mark Nieman (Image: Airbnb)
Airbnb host Mark Nieman, who has a property in Elham, Kent, said: "I have had the treehouse up and running for two years now. It sits 20ft up nesting between three sturdy oak trees, is made of recycled timbers and has uninterrupted views across the North Downs AONB.
"I think after costs we make about £10,000 a year from the treehouse.
"We used recycled materials because they were less expensive and looked quaint and charming. The guests often ask where I got the panels from and I explain they were old boards and doors from when we renovated the farmhouse - fortunately we kept them.
"Just before lockdown began we finished converting an old grain store with recycled materials into accommodation and we can't wait to welcome guests back."
Airbnb say people most want to stay in Lancashire, Duns, and Norfolk, according to their top 10 trending domestic destinations.
Top 10 trending domestic destinations on Airbnb:
Warton, Lancashire
Duns, Scotland
Snettisham, Norfolk
Glastonbury, Somerset
Rothbury, Northumberland
Chapel Saint Leonards, Lincolnshire
Ross on Wye, Herefordshire
Leiston, Suffolk
Pickering, Yorkshire
If you're considering earning some extra cash for letting out your space, Airbnb say the process for getting signed up is "really simple."
Airbnb's hosting tips:
If you're thinking of listing your home on Airbnb, the process for getting signed up is really simple. Just describe your space, how many guests you can accommodate, add photos and information on any extra touches which make your home special!
You'll need to consider how much to charge per night. If you're not sure, the pricing tool is really helpful for recommending potential rates, but what you'd like to charge guests is completely up to you.
Remember that listing your home on Airbnb is about connecting with your guests, so before they arrive we encourage hosts to get to know them beforehand by messaging them through the platform. Let them know the best way to get to your home and check what time they plan to get there. A cup of tea on arrival is always appreciated after a long journey!
We encourage all hosts, first timers or not, to think about what you'd like as a guest and what your favourite things are when you travel. It might be a handy guidebook to the local area, or trying the local delicacies.
Hosting offers rich experiences, but it comes with a certain level of responsibility. We remind hosts to think carefully about the rules that may apply to them and provide information on a range of issues, from fire safety to accessibility.
Our help centre includes a guide to thinking about regulatory issues before listing your space, and each country has its own Responsible Hosting page, which includes helpful information on local laws.
What sets Airbnb apart is the host's in-depth knowledge of the local area. If your guests don't know the neighbourhood, help them discover it! Find out what they're interested in and offer suggestions for nearby attractions, restaurants and bars. Remember, your favourite spots are unlikely to be in the standard tourist guides, more authentic and probably far less busy!
Think about the extra facilities in your home. If you have a swimming pool or tennis court, note these on the listing page. That way, when people search the site for these filters specifically, your home won't be missed!
Before listing on Airbnb, you need to make sure that your home is secure. Guests want to know that they're safe in your home, so ensure that locks, keys and security systems are all in place and working. It's also good to supply your guests with their own security box for valuables such as passports or jewellery.
Finally, if you decide to list on Airbnb, then always work hard on your description! Make sure you do your home justice and share