Happy New Year - again!

Today is New Year's Day in several lunar calendars. And in the Chinese tradition, it's one of the most magnificent years: the Year of the Dragon.

Dragons are bold, brash, powerful, and attention-grabbing. If you're in China, you might be spending the day with family, looking forward to an auspicious year and perhaps stocking up on gold to give to relatives and friends. (Cash and presents are for other years: everyone knows that dragons demand the shiny stuff.)

Can't afford your own hoard? No problem. Here are three wonderful holiday spots to get you in a Draco-nian frame of mind.

1. Dragon Point, Jamaica

2. Lands of the Dragon, Italy

3. The Welcoming Dragon, France

Wherever your inner Dragon takes you this year, we hope you have a prosperous, fulfilling adventure.

(And if you don't get the Enter the Dragon reference, you have some SERIOUS cultural catching up to do. This will get you started.)

Do you remember back when we resolved to become easier to get in touch with?

Resolution accomplished.

We're delighted to announce the launch of our new Android app and redesigned mobile website. That's right. Roam if you want to; Airbnb will be there.

We were incredibly proud when Apple featured our iPhone app as one of the best travel apps of 2011. We're bringing the same attention to detail and delight to our new app, with an Android twist.

You'll be able to browse, search, and book properties in a flash. And we've included our popular "Tonight" feature, which ensures that you're never stranded without a place to stay. In addition, you can browse through our curated Collections for inspiration, access your important trip details in your Itinerary, and check out detailed user Profiles.

Hosts will be able to instantly message guests, upload photos of their spaces, create special offers, and keep calendars up to date.

You can download the app - as well as our award-winning iPhone app - from our mobile page.

For our Android app, we could have just cut-and-pasted from our iPhone app. But that's not how we roll.

We realized that this was an opportunity to rethink how the app could work - from an Android point of view. We tailored the design, user experience, and underlying code from the ground up. We wanted using the app to be as seamless and joyful as using our website.

Our community spans the globe. We should be available to everyone, at any time. That's why in addition to creating the Android app, we're launching a fully redesigned mobile website. You'll be able to easily access important Airbnb.com features from your smartphone, regardless of platform. We are here for you - 24 hours a day, every day.

Here's the TechCrunch interview with our mobile developer, Andrew.

We can't wait to hear what you think. Happy roaming.

Is it the least wonderful time of the year?

According to London's Daily Mail, you and your peers will hit a low as the realities of going back to work, packing up the Christmas tree, chipping away at new credit-card debt, and losing that extra vacation weight all hit at the same time.

But fear not! We're here to help. The best way to fight the blues this season is to take the coming year into your own hands. Here are nine proactive steps you can take to ward off those blues:

Move more

If you're like most people, exercise was on your New Year's Resolution list. And, like most people, you may already be finding the concept of hitting the gym for several hours each day a bit daunting. But if you start small - like going for a walk each day or taking frequent short breaks from a work desk - you'll immediately feel a bit better. This can be particularly effective on your first day back on the job.

Set personal and professional goals

A lot of folks make resolutions that are very difficult to keep because they're vague or unachievable. "Call mom more," "get more sleep," and "lose weight" aren't effective because they don't provide you with a picture of success. Instead, make sure you have a vision of what the world looks like when you've achieved your goals (eg "I can run five miles without stopping," or "I am fully refreshed in the mornings). Taking time to do this today will help you approach the year with a positive outlook.

Listen to music

Music can lift you out of the valleys amazingly well. Last year was such a good year for music that you might have missed some of the peaks. Take some time to put together an excellent playlist that will let you reflect on how excited you might be for this year.

Start spring cleaning early

You don't have to wait until March or April to start organizing your personal spaces. Clearing out the clutter shouldn't begin and end with kicking the Christmas tree to the curb. Make sure your space at work and at home is as neat and organized as it can be. This will let you focus on what's important.

Weed out social media lists

Clearing out the clutter isn't confined to physical spaces. Your social network might be clogged up with banalities from people you don't care about and who aren't offering you anything valuable. There's no shame in bidding them farewell - subtly, of course. (This is also a great excuse to spend part of the day on Facebook or Twitter: "I'm optimizing the ROI of my social graph.")

Plan your entertainment

Was 2011 a year of plonking down in front of the TV and watching a sitcom because it was comfortable and familiar? Do you find yourself going to the same restaurants or bars because you're in the habit of hanging out there? Spend some time today to evaluate whether you're really maximizing your time. Even if relaxation is your goal, could there be a more effective way to achieve it than watching reruns?

Give to a worthy cause

There's nothing like a bit of outward looking to help you forget about your troubles. Pick a cause whose mission you support and put your money - or your time - where your brain is. That warm glow should see you through the colder months nicely.

Engage in a bit of 2011 nostalgia

Looking forward to 2012 doesn't mean ignoring 2011. A bit of reflection on your highs and lows of last year can empower you to make the most of this year. Figure out what made you happy and what detracted from your happiness last year, and plan accordingly.

Plan your next vacation!

We hope that you had a marvelous 2011 and are looking forward to an exciting, fulfilling, and joyful New Year.

Here are our resolutions for this year. Check back with us as the year progresses and see how we did!

In 2012 Airbnb resolves to:

• Stay in touch with people we love.
• Lose a tiny bit of weight and get fitter.
• Be more proactive in our relationships.
• Learn a foreign language or two.
• Become easier to get in touch with. (Mission accomplished! We have launched our new Android app.)
• Be more generous.
• Get really good at sports.

We'll keep you updated on how we're doing.

What are you resolutions for the New Year?

While the holiday season is traditionally a time to reflect on the joys and love we are privileged with, even the best of us might feel disappointed when we receive a set of blank Post-Its or a ShamWow. But some take it farther.

In a brilliant Twitter volley on Christmas Day, humor writer Jon Hendren (who goes by @fart) retweeted complaints by people who felt they deserved something a bit more under the Christmas tree. Here are some gems:

• "Just cried for like 2 hrs straight cause I didn't get a car. #stubborn"
• "Am I the only one who didn't get an iPad?"
• "No iPhone. I hate my dad."

But if you're feeling particulary ungrateful yourself, you might consider the sad case of Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.

On this day, 841 years ago, Becket was blithely going about his archbishoply duties when he was set upon and stabbed in the back by assassins loyal to King Henry II. Hardly a Christmas fairytale. (In his defense, Henry said he was sorry after the fact.)

If all this harsh medievalness gets your interest piqued, head on over to the United Kingdom, where you can visit the York Minster (where Henry was coronated, irking Becket) or Becket's own cathedral at Canterbury.

And if you're still fuming about your own lame Christmas present, share it in the comments below. We'll republish the funniest and most pitiable responses in a future post.

It's the most wonderful time of the year - or is it?

In the Santa-red corner, we have those who adore Christmas and all its trappings. Whether it's jolly St Nicks, lit-up cities in Europe, or lively barbecues in Australia, Christmas brings a sense of excitement and energy to these folks. They love the holiday and its connotations of joy, giving, family, and festivity.

And in the Christmas-gives-me-the-blues corner, we have the folks for whom the holiday just doesn't resonate. Whether they are disconnected from the religious tradition, cynical about the associated materialism, or just not caught up in the Christmas energy, they would rather be somewhere else.

Well, we're proud to be there for people in both corners. That's why we've whipped up a list of some of our favorite places to celebrate Christmas - or to sit it out entirely.

Christmas lover: Night markets in Austria

Christmas doesn't get much more classic than in Austrian Christmas markets, which come to a head on Christmas eve. Wander around magical winterscapes straight from fairy tales. Don't forget to sip some Glühwein - spiced, mulled wine, guaranteed to warm your insides. It's Christmas spirit in a cup! The image above is of Vienna's Christmas market, renowned as one of Europe's best (courtesy jvhemert, Flickr Creative Commons).

Tempted? Check out Airbnb's range of listings in Austria.

Christmas humbug: Trekking in Nepal

If you want a white wintry experience that's out of Santa's path, Nepal is a great spot on December 25. This traditionally Hindu country gets beautifully snowcapped by the end of the year. While the high passes are closed, most of the low-lying walks are available. Kathmandu, a tourist hub, will be open and rocking throughout Christmas Day. (Image of Ama Dablam courtesy McKay Savage.)

If you want to be a high-flyer, check out Airbnb's Nepal listings.

Christmas lover: Posadas in Mexico

Christmas starts early in Mexico. Temporary markets begin going up at the beginning of December. Nine days before the big day, neighborhoods celebrate posadas - processions commemorating the pilgrimages of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. "Pilgrims" wander through town, being "refused entry" until they find the "manger" - complete with full Nativity scene. Christmas Eve is the day for feasting and the attending of Mass, while Christmas Day is usually spent in reflection or in prayer.

Guatemalan Christmas also features posadas, as in the image above (courtesy Rudy Girón).

Whether you're looking for spaces in Mexico or in Guatemala, we've got you covered.

Christmas humbug: Riding the Trans-Siberian Railway

Really looking to escape the Christmas frenzy? Try a trip on the longest railway in the world. Running from Moscow to Russia's Far East (we're talking beyond Siberia), the Trans-Siberian moves you through several time zones - all of which are freezing. You might be in a carriage with a bunch of folks willing to share their vodka with you (don't forget to warm it first, lest it ice up your innards) - but that's probably as far as the celebrations would go. Then again, that's probably far enough.

The image above is of the China-Russia border (courtesy GothPhil).

Kick off your trip in style - Moscow awaits.

Christmas lover: Retail nirvana in Singapore

Singapore? Yes, Singapore.

The truly amazing feature of a Singapore Christmas is its sheer devotion to consumption. Not saddled by religious or cultural traditions around the holiday, many Singaporeans fully embrace the materialist aspect of Christmas. This is capitalism as its most frenzied, as colorful lights bedeck the entire city and shops put out new products and old inventory on display for the masses. It's a philosophy best summed up by an actual sign we saw: "Christmas: the Joy of Shopping." (Thanks to Geophin for the photo.)

Oh yes, we have you covered in Singapore.

Christmas humbug: Getting away from it all in Burma

Gradually gaining in popularity since the release of political leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma remains a haven for those seeking Christmas refuge. Outside the large hotels in Yangon, the largely Buddhist population generally doesn't have much to do with Christmas (although it is a national holiday). Pictured above is Bagan, one of Burma's oldest temple sites (courtesy Javier Martin Espartosa).

In Burma? Want to encourage independent travel to your country? Consider listing your space.

Are you a Christmas lover or Christmas humbug?

But Bali's not just about the fabulous climate and delightful local culture. Dive in to Bali's lesser-known joys, courtesy of Ayni Raimondi - our Events Manager and two-year resident of Bali.

1. Eat right from the farm
A farm-to-table dining experience is no stranger to the Balinese. Sari Organik has been serving organic, healthy, and delicious fare from the connected field for years. From the center of Ubud, which is set among the rolling hills of Bali's interior, walk or (carefully!) ride your motorbike through the rice paddies until you come across a large open-walled restaurant and farm. Here you'll eat organic Balinese delicacies while you enjoy views of green terraces and blue skies. Relax like you're in the middle of nowhere: you are.

2. Mosh it up in the local punk rock bar
The '90s are alive and kicking in Bali, and there's no better place to find flannel-clad Cobain fans or mohawked men than Twice Bar on Kuta's Poppies Lane Two. Founded by members of the famed Indonesian band Superman Is Dead, they feature live music, cheap arak (a local spirit made from palm sap), and some of the most diverse fashions in town.

3. Get lost in the silver village
Bali's villages are home to longstanding craft traditions. Each village has a specialty, and Celuk is among the best. In the so-called silver village, you can source amazing locally designed pieces, have your own creations made, or purchase jewelry inspired by John Hardy. Most shops are competitively priced and you can browse designs and watch the makers in action.

4. Fly a kite - oh, what a kite!
Though the annual Bali kite festival takes place in June, you can buy amazing handmade kites on the beach year round. Shops in Sanur, Kuta, and Seminyak all stock them, but for the best deals head to the Sukawati Market and take your pick. Whether it's a pirate ship, or the more traditional fish or bird, flying a kite can be more than child's play.

Ayni spent two years in Bali working as a dula at the Bumi Sehat clinic, mentioned in this post. She's thrilled that Kuta is one of Airbnb's fastest-growing destinations.

Top image courtesy didiz, Flickr Creative Commons.

It's time for the weekend again! Here's what pushed our buttons in the world of travel this week.

Kick back and enjoy.

1. BBC Travel: A holiday Q&A with the TSA

Did you know that your jingly-belly Christmas sweater could get you into trouble at the airport? This article features some great airport tips for the holiday season - as well as some unintentionally hilarious stonewall answers (check out the response to "Do people ever dress up as Santa?").

(Neither we nor the BBC can take credit for that incredible image up there; it's courtesy Charles Fettinger, Flickr Creative Commons.)

2. Bacon Is Magic: Spain loves pig

This fantastic food/travel blog doesn't ALWAYS feature pork products...but when it does, things get salty. This picture of hanging hams and the like at a local supermarket will get porky connoisseurs salivating and vegetarians recoiling.

3. USA Today: 10 (almost) free travel deals

Some of these bargains are incredible, including free flights to the Bahamas and two-for-ones in the Alps. And some of them are plain common sense, such as buying a National Parks pass in the USA. (Image courtesy smif, Flickr Creative Commons)

4. Nomadic Matt: 11 reasons why I love Thailand

Matt Kepnes, a digital nomad who wanders the world with little more than a backpack, waxes eloquent on one of his favorite countries. With most of the Northern Hemisphere shivering, thoughts of tropical paradise are welcome indeed.

Video of the week: Air New Zealand's "Bare Essentials" security video.

This may be from several months ago, but it'll keep you warm as New Zealand goes into its summer. Look closely and see if you can spot the stark truth behind this video. (Hearing those Kiwi accents is a bonus.)

So are you ready to bust out of your impending-winter (or New Zealand summer) doldrums? Find a place to stay!

I recently moved to San Francisco to work for Airbnb’s Department of Happiness (customer service). I chose to use Airbnb for temporary housing as a show of faith in the company.

The first place I selected was James' “Queen bed in private room" in Berkeley, which featured only one hand-drawn image of the his apartment's facade and a minimalist charcoal sketch of himself. Sketchy, right?

Once I stepped into James' place, I was blown away by the homemade art on the walls - everything from self-portraits of my hosts to a globe made out of Play-Doh and toothpicks. It was awesome.

Since my first experience went so swimmingly, I went hunting for places in nearby Oakland - known for rabid sports fans (have you met Oakland Raider fans?), political upheaval, and high crime rates.

This reputation made the insanely sweet messages my Oakland hostess Vicki Dello sent me all the more unexpected. I had her entire basement to myself - complete with a tea set and human alarm clock.

Vicki is a published author and spiritual leader, which is why I had the joy of waking up at precisely 9am to a circle of qi gong practitioners humming “om” in the living room above. There's no better way to emerge into consciousness.

Vicki told me about her life in theater and her path to spirituality, her favorite local cultural spots, and, of course, the areas I shouldn't walk through at night (like any good mom/host). When I did return home, I found copies of her book The Way of Joy on my bedside. I felt equal parts her student and her guest.

My experiences on Airbnb showed me that we're more than just spaces for rent: we're about people. When you go back home, what makes it special? Mama's cooking? Dad's cigar collection? The local brewpub?

When you click the little “Book It' button, you're getting a space and a host - and all the experiences only a host can offer.

Oh, and did I mention the last place I stayed in was a trailer that got featured in Newsweek? If you use Airbnb, maybe you can be famous too.

This post was written by Airbnb Customer Service team member Étan Berkowitz, who recently moved to San Francisco from New York.

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