In an interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast published on June 2, 2025, Airbnb co‑founder and CEO Brian Chesky talked with host Nilay Patel about the company’s evolution and why he believes the future of travel lies in authentic travel experiences rather than merely accommodations. Chesky reflected on Airbnb’s early days, explained why time is a traveler’s most precious asset, and outlined how new services like Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences will make authentic travel experiences easier to book.
From renting spare rooms to connecting people
When Chesky and his co‑founder Joe Gebbia hosted their first guests in 2007, they saw that something special happened when strangers shared a home. It wasn’t just about renting a bed, it was about connection. Chesky recalled thinking there was a bigger idea behind Airbnb: “the bigger idea was what happens when strangers come together, and what if you could build this people‑to‑people marketplace where people could share not just their home but every part of their lives.” That insight drove the evolution of Airbnb from a simple home‑sharing platform to a global marketplace for unique stays.
Time, not space, is the real asset
Chesky believes that travel is entering a new era. He told Patel that he doesn’t consider a person’s house their most important asset; instead their time is: “I started thinking to myself, I don’t believe the biggest asset in people’s lives is their home. It’s their time.” Traditional hotels offer convenience because they bundle services like housekeeping, concierge and room service. Airbnb wants to compete by offering those services in a way that helps guests make the most of their limited vacation time. As Chesky put it, people travel to have authentic travel experiences, yet it can be hard to do “really cool, authentic things” when staying in a typical hotel.
Introducing Airbnb Services and Experiences
To solve this problem, Airbnb is expanding beyond lodging. Chesky explained that the company is bringing back Airbnb Experiences with a different focus and introducing Airbnb Services. With Airbnb Services, guests can hire private chefs, masseuses, personal trainers or even photographers to make a stay more special. The revamped Airbnb Experiences will connect travelers with “some of the most interesting people in the world,” allowing them to book curated activities hosted by locals and experts. Chesky’s goal is to create a platform that makes it easy to find these offerings and integrate them seamlessly into a trip.
Lessons for travelers and entrepreneurs
Chesky’s remarks reveal that the travel industry is shifting toward personalization and experiences. Travelers increasingly value authentic travel experiences that let them connect with local culture, food and people. For entrepreneurs, the takeaway is that solving problems around time and convenience can unlock new markets. Airbnb saw success by monetizing under‑utilized homes; now it is trying to tap the value of travelers’ time by offering services and experiences that deliver deeper, more memorable trips.
By focusing on authentic travel experiences rather than simply accommodations, Airbnb is positioning itself as more than a booking platform. Chesky’s vision signals that future travel brands will succeed by helping people discover meaningful experiences and by making it easy for hosts, chefs, athletes and local guides to share their skills with the world.
Legendary Tip: When planning your own adventures, skip the generic tours and look for activities hosted by locals… cooking classes, neighborhood walks, immersive food tastings, or even training sessions with local athletes. These moments not only give you richer stories to tell but also align perfectly with the “legendary” way of traveling: seeking out depth, culture, and authentic human connection. Be sure to tag @legendarylifetravel in your adventures!
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