I have a confession before I start this piece. I hate the outdoors. I need to lead with that fact because as I type, I am laying in a yurt outside with stars above me in upstate New York.
If someone had told me I was going camping at some point in my life, I would have given them a side eye and a firm "no," but here I am. Laying on a comfortable mattress, with smooth cotton sheets, with my head propped on pillows so plush I want to take them home.
Outside of the yurts set up for Airbnb Adventures
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
Inside of the yurts
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
How does a girl who hates the outdoors end up an hour and a half away from New York City in a yurt?
Well, I'd like to thank my connect, okay, my fantastic editor Sheriden and the bossin' team at Airbnb who made this happen for me. I, along with a few other journalists, were invited on a "field trip." But the kicker was we didn't know the who, what, where, or why. It was like a blind travel date, and of course, the adventurer in me said "yes" without hesitation.
The bus the press members traveled in
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
Next thing I know, I'm catching a school bus in Washington Heights, eating a sack breakfast made by the Bronx-based chefs of Ghetto Gastro filled with plant-based goodies like a yam and collard green sandwich, infused fruit, and coconut yogurt; while napping all the way to Cedar Lake Estates. There, we were given a sneak peek into what would be offered with the launch Airbnb Adventures, where you can track lions on foot with warriors in Nairobi, Kenya, explore the Amazon, or take a trip around the world in 80 days.
A look at the leather journals press members were able to handcraft
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
We even got to make jam and handcraft our very own leather journals with Will and Jewel during the day.
Then, we made our way to a pre-sleep turndown musical performance around an open fire, with LA-based Flight of Voices sharing their gifts with us, while we roasted coffee and peppermint flavored marshmallows on an open fire which are all a part of their adventures in Indiana and Joshua Tree.
If you've read any of my travel stories, you know that Airbnb Experiences has helped me plan trips when going to international hot spots like Cuba, giving me the chance to support local educators, artisans, and hosts across the globe. The Airbnb Adventures model keeps that at the heart while providing adventurers the opportunity to book travel that not only offers the unique excursions but accommodations. The Adventures will cover a range of budgets with options starting at $79 for an overnight trip up to $5000 for a bucket list-worthy 80-day trip that will take you to six continents and eighteen countries with airfare included.
Um, where can I sign up?
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
These days many of us (millennials) are seeking a chance to get away. But instead of coming back with photos to post to our social media feeds, we want to walk away impactful moments to carry with us in our everyday lives with transformative travel experiences. I can attest that immersing myself into the culture of places I visit domestically and abroad have grown my world view and opened me up beyond my bubble, and that seems to be at the core of Airbnb's mission with the release of Airbnb Adventures.
"Getting access to epic and transformational travel has never been easier than through Airbnb Adventures," said Joe "Joebot" Zadeh, VP Experiences, Airbnb. "Like Airbnb Experiences, people can escape their day-to-day and put their screens and devices away, but now instead of just a few hours, they have the option to be fully immersed off-the-beaten-path, to push themselves out of their comfort zones and have experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."
Writer Bianca Lambert for xoNecole
As of today, there are over 200 adventures available with plans for more to be added before the end of the year that will be vetted to ensure they met the Airbnb standard.
My 36-hour camping trip pushed me in a way I hadn't expected while allowing me to connect with nature and new people, which is what travel and Airbnb Adventures is all about. Whether you're a foodie, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, you can find an Adventure that will push you out of your comfort zone while connecting you with hosts that will make sure you are safe and supported, thanks to their expertise.
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Have you ever wondered why Beyoncé seems to do more in 24 hours than the average person? We have all heard the saying, “What Would Beyoncé Do?” when debating on how to move forward with something, and that is because Virgos can see solutions and the time it will take to execute said solution within seconds after presenting them with something. Virgos are the type of people you want on your team or leading the team altogether because they know what it takes to get the job done. In addition to making her mark in the haircare game with CÉCRED, Beyoncé has released three works of art within the past five years, each album its own entity and its own piece of her.
Beyoncé celebrates the launch of her hair care line, CÉCRED, with an intimate gathering.Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Media/WireImage via Parkwood
Virgos are a mutable sign, once you think you fully understand them, they will do something that keeps you on your toes. Hence, Beyoncé's newest work of art, her country-inspired album, Cowboy Carter, has fully shaken the music industry and changed the way we look at different genres and what is possible for its artists.
If you ask a Virgo what it means to be a Virgo, they’re going to say, “Beyoncé is a Virgo.” They know the weight those words hold and that by saying that alone, you get the full picture of what it means to be a Virgo.
"That Beyoncé, at 42, having worked in the entertainment industry since she was a teenager, is still conquering new charts is a testament to her work ethic, longevity and sheer cultural staying power," @KarenAttiah writes. https://t.co/o9wbBTcdyh
— Washington Post Opinions (@PostOpinions) April 7, 2024
No one is more proud to be a Virgo than Beyoncé, and no other zodiac sign is more proud to share a sign with a celebrity like Beyoncé than other Virgos. Her songs, "Virgo’s Groove," "Spaghetti," "Gift from Virgo," and the classic, "Signs," all showcase Beyoncé's love for the Virgo Maiden.
Virgos own their presence and stand by the work they do because they don’t do anything that doesn’t align with who they are. Virgos are perfectionists, but you can’t help but admire the fact that someone cares enough to want to make something perfect in the first place.
This dedication to their work is commendable, which is often why people look at these Virgo celebrities like Beyoncé in complete awe.
Virgos are so lucky.
— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) July 29, 2022
A Virgo’s mind is like a computer, they are constantly analyzing information, figuring out what serves and what doesn’t, and making sure they have all the details. Virgos pay close attention to everything, and a lot of this has to do with the fact that they are Mercury-ruled as Mercury is their planetary ruler. Being a Mercurian is being someone who is ruled by the mind, and who is constantly receiving and seeking new information and insight. Virgos are organized, pragmatic, hard-working, intelligent, and love to help and be of service to others.
In Astrology, Virgo rules the 6th house which is the area of life that has to do with daily routine, lifestyle, work, health, colleagues, acts of service, and overall wellness. They do everything at 100% and you can see it in the results they bring.
Virgos don’t miss a beat, and you can look at all of Zendaya’s work and runway looks to support that statement.
Zendaya attends the World Premiere of 'Dune: Part Two' in 2024.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The roles she has played throughout her career have all been vastly different, yet she has excelled in everyone and has created her own space in Hollywood. Virgos take one project and will not only accomplish it but will then look to top it and see how much further they can evolve from there.
Zendaya began her career in acting and has now produced for Euphoria, the Netflix film, Malcolm & Marie, and has goals to step into the director chair one day. This is the progression of Virgo.
Denis Villeneuve and Spielberg talking about Zendaya and how Denis could see her as a director 😊 pic.twitter.com/zPQCA0FUOM
— Justin (@jerstonfilm) March 26, 2024
Following the success of this year'sDune: Part Two, Zendaya’s new movie, The Challengers opens another new door for Zendaya and showcases the wide range this powerhouse is capable of. A Virgo is always trying to do better than who they were yesterday, and people close to them can attest to this.
So many fellow peers and colleagues who work with Zendaya rave about her work ethic and how much dedication she puts into what she does, and that energy translates on screen and to her fan base as well. Virgos are highly involved in everything they do and Zendaya’s press tour looks whenever she is working on a new project highlights that.
Zendaya’s red hair during the Spider-Man press tour, something seemingly so small, had such an impact because of her attention to detail. Or any of Zendaya’s Met Gala looks which always make the top list of best-dressed celebrities. Her attention to detail might even extend to her beauty choices as the starlet even once said toVogue Australia that she preferred to do her own makeup because, "I’m a Virgo and I know what I like."
Zendaya attends the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala at The Met.
Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Magazine
Virgos have a way of making efficiency look easy, effortless even. You give them a task, they are going to understand the assignment. These are the type of people who will work enthusiastically with you, and who love to feel like what they do or what they say, can truly have an impact on people. Virgo celebrities showcase this earth sign well, and their high standards translate into quality work. They think through everything, and their professionalism is often what leads them to success in life.
Just know, while you are sleeping, there is a Virgo out there who is working or thinking about their next move, and this is a sign that deserves all her flowers.
Honorable Virgo Celebrity Mentions:Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, Michael Jackson, Kat Williams, Cassie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Wiz Khalifa, Justine Skye, Jodie Turner-Smith, Sanaa Lathan, Angela Simmons, Ava DuVernay, Ludacris, Nas, Sofia Richie, Metro Boomin, Lil Yachty, Damon Wayans, Dave Chappelle, and more.
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Featured image by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
