Hosting an Airbnb is a great way to meet people and earn extra income

Airbnb is an online site for travelers and hosts wanting to earn income, with something they already have--their home, a spare bedroom or a rental property.

Home owner Erin Swanson has a traditional listing on Airbnb. Their family has two listings. They list their entire home as "Pleasant Avenue Retreat" and just one room as "Pleasant Avenue Loft."

Swanson appreciates the easy online setup. The host fills out an online profile, giving an overview of the property, amenities, house rules, background of the host and a map showing the location. The host sets the price with Airbnb, giving recommendations to help optimize the rental.

Travelers also set up an online account. This allows hosts to review guests and see if they are suitable renters. One of the advantages of listing with Airbnb is that the website handles all the money, taking a small percentage from the rental price. There is also a Host Guarantee that provides protection for up to $1,000,000 in damages from Airbnb if any property is damaged by guests during a stay.

After the guest completes a stay, the host and guest each have the option of leaving references for each other and reviews of their stay, which are then posted, giving an online reputation for both the host and the guest. Swanson said, "It provides better communication with the traveler."

Swanson's received the following review in February, "This was a perfect stay! The listing and all communication was accurate. The place was clean and quiet and the hosts were always quick to respond, kind, and hospitable. They went above and beyond most hosts by offering food, directions, and winter supplies-- very generous! It's a beautiful old house that is less than a mile from the main Decorah strip. They have great advice as well. Definitely recommend this stay!"

Decorah has several times a year when it's difficult to book an overnight reservation. Pleasant Avenue Retreat is already booked this year for Luther's graduation weekend and Nordic Fest.

Earnings from Airbnb are what Swanson and her daughter are using to fund an upcoming mission trip they are taking this spring to Haiti. Both mother and daughter help with the cleaning and laundry when they have a booking.

"It's been a fun way to meet different people and for younger couples just starting off, it's a cheap way for them to stay," said Swanson.

The Swansons donate 10 percent of their earnings to the Haiti Christian Development Fund, a comprehensive grass roots holistic community development endeavor that has been successfully empowering communities for over thirty years in Fond-des-Blancs, Haiti.

In this technological world, it can be difficult to connect face to face with people. Airbnb offers an opportunity through technology to connect people who might not otherwise ever cross paths.

Pleasant Avenue Loft