Airbnb-ers are making big bucks off eclipse nerds
Tickets for front row seats are available for Monday’s historical solar eclipse — they’re just on someone’s front lawn or a dirt patch in the middle of nowhere.
Savvy property owners along the 70-mile “path of totality”—where the nation’s solar eclipse will provide a total black-out—are cashing in on the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon and putting their backyards, front yards, farm land and empty apartments up for rent on AirBnb for the busy event.
And they don’t come cheap. For $500 a night, astronomy nerds can camp out in a “fenced in” family backyard in Lincoln, Nebraska — tent not included.
Apartment and home rentals in the area typically go for as low as $32 a night on a regular weekend.
In another ad, a dusty dirt patch in Hopkinsville, Kentucky — a prime eclipse viewing area — is available for $400 a night.
“1 acre flat level graveled lot. No trees to block view, large area to have camp fire. Could hold up to 20 tents for camping, or parking for 40 vehicles,” the ad reads.
The area was “originally used for parking [construction] equipment,” but is a “great camping/viewing site” for the eclipse, which hasn’t been seen from the mainland in 99 years.
“This is clear country air campin,” the host goes on in the ad, even offering a communal bathroom and water source, which many of the other plots don’t advertise.
Nearby at the Shady Oaks mobile home park, 45 vacant lots for RVs are available for $100 a night with a single “hammock” available for anyone interested in sleeping outside the RV.
“Wal-Mart within walking distance,” the ad touts.
Over in Benton, Kentucky, host Jimmy is offering 20×20-foot areas in his yard for the same price but make sure to bring toilet paper, no bathrooms are included.
“Pretend you’re really camping,” the ad reads, with a happy face emoticon. In lieu of a bathroom, guests will have access to a large gas/charcoal grill and a trampoline. Other perks include “free parking” and “smoking allowed.”
APHomes in the area typically go for as low as $80 a night.
Some people are renting out more comfortable accommodations — actual houses and apartments — but there’s a catch: They don’t have a stitch of furniture in them.
“Eclipse camping alternative – empty house,” a listing in Idaho Falls reads for $200 a night.
“Entire 3 bed 1 bath house. This is EMPTY and unfurnished. There are NO beds. Great alternative to camping. Must bring own bedding and cooking/eating utensils.”
Luckily, the water and power is on so guests would have access to the shower and toilet.
Over 29,000 “homes,” including the earth and on wheels variety, are available for rent along the path of totality and more than 50,000 people have bookings for the weekend, compared with only about 11,000 last week, according to the Washington Post.
And the home-sharing giant is digging it.
“It used to be difficult if not impossible for regular people to benefit financially from these kinds of events, but Airbnb has changed that,” a statement from the company reads.
“Now people can easily share their space and travelers can stay in some prime viewing locations that might be far away from the nearest hotel.”
Casper, Wyoming—considered one of the best places to watch the eclipse—saw a 31-fold increase in listings compared to this weekend last year, the Washington Post reported.
One of them is an ad for “Eclipse Dry Camping” and features a rugged swatch of tall brown grass literally on the side of the road for $100 a night.
While it may appear uninviting at first, prospective guests shouldn’t fret.
“Spots will be freshly mowed upon booking,” the ad promises.
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