The Northern Express Herald

Airbnb to pay rent and travel for lucky 12 to live anywhere for a year

Airbnb will pay for 12 lucky individuals to stay in any of their properties for a year: Casablanca, Chile. Photo / @josefinalopezphoto

A year within our own borders has left many New Zealanders with itchy feet.

However, an international rentals website wants to pay your rent for a year and travel expenses, to rekindle your love for travel.

Airbnb will pay the way around the world for 12 lucky individuals, with free board in any of their listed properties, anywhere for a whole year.

There is, of course, a catch.

Airbnb expects 2022 to see a travel renaissance: Florence, Italy. Photo / @girlgoneabroad
Airbnb expects 2022 to see a travel renaissance: Florence, Italy. Photo / @girlgoneabroad

The website wants selected winners to host their own property on the platform while living abroad.

Airbnb wants users to road-test the process of hosting remotely, to help shape the website during their "year of living nomadically".

It could be the most ambitious house swap ever devised.

You'll need some source of income, as the website will only be covering cost of accommodation and transport. So, a property to let could be a good cashcow.

New Zealand area manager for the website, Susan Wheeldon has called the promotion a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity.

"Whether you're an Auckland family who's always dreamed about taking the kids on a farm stay adventure down south, or a sun-seeking beach lover who wants to make the most of the Transtasman Bubble," she says the scheme will give complete flexibility to the 12 selected travellers, and their travel companions.

Live anywhere on Airbnb for a year: San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. Photo / @megaann.p
Live anywhere on Airbnb for a year: San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. Photo / @megaann.p

The scheme could suit anyone from remote workers to empty nesters, looking for a new adventure. Airbnb are aiming to pick twelve, diverse individuals from around the world.

You'll not have long to pack your bags, though.

The programme runs between July 2021 and July 2022 with applications closing on 30 June.

Prospective nomads must be available for interview in July and take up residence in their first home on the road in September.

Embrace your inner drifter in a year on the road. Floating House, Brazil Photo / @franparente
Embrace your inner drifter in a year on the road. Floating House, Brazil Photo / @franparente

To enter submit a 500 word proposal to airbnb.com/liveanywhere on where and what excites you most about the chance to live on the road.

Airbnb's most lusted-after properties in Australia and New Zealand

With more Kiwis hopping the ditch and making the most of quarantine-free travel with Australia, Airbnb has compiled the most 'wish-listed' properties in Aus.

Here are the 10 Australian properites which feature most on our travel plans:

The Scientist Studio - Melbourne, Victoria

Secluded Magical Rainforest Retreat - Main Arm, NSW

Luxury Gold Coast Hinterland Villa - Mount Nathan, Queensland

Bodhi Treehouse - Byron Bay , NSW

Romantic Orchard Escape in the Blue Mountains - Blackheath, NSW

Waterdragon Studio Apartment - Byron Bay, NSW

Treehouse Blue Mountains - Bilpin, NSW

The Barn - Hobart, Tasmania

Mountain Tiny House - Warburton, Victoria

Strawbale cottage set in bush garden - Leura, NSW