3 d. ago ‘It doesn’t have to be like an Airbnb’: how to travel through house swapping and sitting

While it can be a wallet-friendly way to holiday, exchanging homes or minding someone else’s isn’t for everyone. Here, frequent travellers share their tipsGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailFree accommodation in someone else’s home might seem like an easy hack for cheap travel, but there’s more to house-sitting and swapping than a free room.While sitting usually involves caring for pets in exchange for accommodation, swapping requires participants to make their own home available to others for the pleasure of staying for free in someone else’s.Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Continue reading...

Society

4 d. ago The best cosy cottages on Airbnb for an autumn getaway in the UK

Here are some of the best cottages to snuggle down in during an autumn getaway

Politics

6 d. ago Millions urged to make £138 energy saving with this simple change

Households could end up paying £138 more if they don't swap to Direct Debit

Economics

2 w. ago Woman told to 'run' from 'cursed' Airbnb after people notice spooky detail

A woman who filmed the inside of the Airbnb she was staying in has been told to 'run' from the property, as people say it could be 'cursed' thanks to one spooky detail

Politics

2 w. ago Zelenskyy says territorial swaps not possible under Ukrainian constitution ahead of White House meeting – live

Steve Witkoff says Russian president agreed to allow US and European allies to offer Ukraine security guarantee and also unspecified concessions on five Ukrainian regionsGermany’s chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will also be travelling to Washington tomorrow for the Trump-Zelenskyy talks, according to the federal government.The chancellor’s spokesperson has been quoted by BBC News as having said:The trip will serve as an exchange of information with US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.Chancellor Merz will discuss the status of peace efforts with the heads of state and government and underscore Germany’s interest in a swift peace agreement in Ukraine. Continue reading...

Society

2 w. ago Trump drags Zelensky to White House showdown as 'disturbing' details of Putin peace deal leak

President Donald Trump also signaled that he and Vladimir Putin had discussed potential land swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Politics

2 w. ago Trump drags Zelensky to explosive White House showdown as Putin 'land swap' pact leaves Europe reeling

President Donald Trump also signaled that he and Vladimir Putin had discussed potential land swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Politics

2 w. ago ‘I made it my mission to befriend the owner we ended up swapping houses’: a refurbishment 14 years in the making

After falling in love with an Edwardian house up the street, interior designer Fiona Duke had to bide her time before the owner was ready to sell. Thanks to a clever mix of retro and contemporary design, it was worth the wait‘I’m an Essex convert,” says interior designer Fiona Duke. “We moved here from London, having been to a funeral nearby, and fell for the fabulous community vibe.” Duke and her husband’s first purchase was a Victorian terrace, but even then she had her eye on the big, detached Edwardian house up the road: “I made it my mission to befriend the owner, in case she ever decided to sell. I was up there a lot!”It took eight years but her persistence paid off. After many evenings involving wine and a lot of begging not to sell to anyone else, the neighbour finally revealed she wanted to downsize. “I was poised to strike, but was convinced it would fall through” says Duke. “We ended up swapping houses, which was an unusual way to move, but it suited us bot...

Events

3 w. ago ‘My flabber has never been so gasted’: Shock as Airbnb host rejects guests because they’re Welsh

One guest called the reason for the cancellation ‘absolutely horrendous’

Society

3 w. ago ‘An Airbnb owner wrote a nasty review of my daughter when she complained’

Oner claimed friends had left apartment in filthy state and caused damage

Society

3 w. ago Airbnb beats profit estimates as travel recovers from Trump tariff shock

Home rental group flags ‘tough’ rest of year with lower margins as US trade war concerns linger

Politics