Planning a trip often involves exploring local activities to enrich the journey. Airbnb Experiences have been a key resource for over a decade, helping travelers identify unique opportunities beyond traditional attractions. My first Airbnb Experience—a nighttime kayak tour in Miami in 2017—sparked a passion for immersive local discoveries, ranging from cooking classes to market explorations and jungle hikes. While quality varies across platforms, verified guest reviews and photos help identify exceptional hosts. During a recent visit to Rome, I earned nearly 900 Delta SkyMiles through two Experiences—without flying with Delta—by leveraging the airline’s partnership with Airbnb.
In Rome, I chose Experiences to uncover the city’s authentic neighborhoods, distinct from typical tourist paths. The first was a culinary walking tour in Testaccio, a historic working-class district known for its Roman cuisine. Guided by Francesca, we sampled local dishes like supplì and bollito at Mercato di Testaccio while learning about the area’s culinary heritage, including its origins in a former slaughterhouse. The second experience was a morning exploration of Porta Portese, Rome’s sprawling Sunday flea market, led by Olga, a 25-year resident who highlighted hidden vintage treasures.
I split the culinary tour with a friend, costing approximately $232, while the flea market Experience was $65. Under Delta and Airbnb’s partnership, SkyMiles members earn 3 miles per dollar on qualifying Activities and Services, minus taxes and fees. This resulted in 697 miles for the food tour and 195 for the vintage hunt, both posted within 24 hours. At NerdWallet’s valuation of SkyMiles at 1.2 cents, the total 892 miles were worth $11—earned effortlessly through activities I would have pursued regardless.
While the mile accumulation may not justify dedicated pursuit, booking Experiences already part of your travel plans offers an effortless incentive. Simply link accounts at deltaairbnb.com within a 10-day window to begin earning miles. For instance, a $1,000 group cooking class would yield 3,000 miles—a meaningful bonus for larger bookings.
Occasionally, comparable tours via Delta’s SkyMiles Shopping portal on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide may provide better returns. Always compare options before finalizing bookings. Integration is seamless: link your accounts and view mileage estimates on eligible Airbnb listings. For travelers already prioritizing Experiences, the setup requires minimal effort and delivers incremental rewards without additional expense or time.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
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