I read the other day that Best Western hotels have announced the loss of 8 millions personal records from their database. Records included customer names, private addresses, credit card details and more. Apparently an Indian hacker gained access to the Best Western systems and sold the information to the Russian mob.
Which nicely dovetails with something I was going to write about the awesome new start-up Airbed@Breakfast, a service that was set up to;
enable people to earn money by renting out extra space, and offer travellers a viable alternative to hotels.
I love the concept of AB&B, it’s simple and relies on good old fashioned traits of honesty, hospitality and friendship. AB&B explain how their service works by saying;
It’s simple. Nice folks, folks like you, list their guest rooms, futons, and even couches on the site and set a price per night. Adventurous travellers looking for a place to stay can search the listings for an accommodation that’s just right. When they find a match, guests can book your room via credit card. You receive a notification to check out their profile, and decide if the guest is appropriate for your pad. When you accept a guest, contact information is exchanged, itineraries emailed, and the transaction is completed confirming the reservation.
I love it – and best of all you don’t need to worry about dodgy hackers getting your personal information!
