Breakfast is always a Plus! Top 6 reasons...

Sitting in the breakfast lounge of the Hampton Inn, Santa Cruz, Ca. (this reminds me .. I need to post an article about Santa Cruz ).. anyway, Hubby is still upstairs asleep, while I have worked my way thru, two cups of coffee, fresh waffles, Orange Juice and Yogurt.. There are many other choices as well...
When traveling... we make sure to ALWAYS book a BednBreakfast or Hotel that includes breakfast...
There are several reasons this is a must do Travel Tip!.

• 1. When touring/vacationing you never know what the day will hold.. Starting off with one full meal means you can focus on the adventures along the way.
• 2. I always feel as if I got my monies worth. In most places the cost is the same and you save money.
• 3. It makes you feel as if you are at home. A breakfast lounge extends your room into a home. Just go downstairs or out of your bedroom door and another area for you awaits. And even better in a BnB, someone else is making you a home cooked meal.. Yum!!
• 4. It lets your spouse sleep in and eat when they want.. and I make bonus points by bringing up fresh coffee.
• 5. When in foreign countries, a homemade meal by the locals trumps a restaurant any day.
• 6. Tale some extra fruit and then have an early dinner. Great for Budget and Waistline!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Marriott Fined for blocking guests personal WiFi!

Here is a very sad and not surprising truth... Please be aware and know your rights..
You are not crazy if you thought your had a problem at a hotel with your personal wifi...
The link below shows the FCC violations and penalties Marriott is incurring by blocking your personal wi fi and forcing you to buy theirs...


CNN News: Marriott Fined by the FCC

AirBnB final vote... You are safe!

This is a follow up to my post last week about my first try at an AirBnB .. Since my return, my husband has also used this great room finder while going to Los Angeles for a concert...
The savings in parking fees and low cost rooms is well worth the loss of 100% privacy that you would have with a hotel..
I know this type of travel is not for everyone.. But Fair Dinkum (true or original) Travel happens when you blend with the locals...

Here are my tips to make it successful..
1. Read the reviews and check out the pics...
2. Make contact with the host a few times before arrival..you will get a better idea of their personality and how laid back or structured they are.
3. Remember this is not a hotel, this is someones Home.. treat it as such...

There will be areas and events that call for a more traditional BnB or if all else fails a hotel.. (yuck)... but for most occasions, this is the perfect option...

For a Fair Dinkum Travel experience.. I recommend using AirBnB...

Good Day Mate!

First night and time in an AirBnB

So far So good.. I arrived this afternoon in San Jose and called the hosts to ask if I could stop by early to pick up the key. Originally, I had told them I would be there at 6. They texted back no problem and when I arrived David gave me the key, showed me around and told me the room would be ready by 6. I dropped off my things and went back out...
The room is nice, clean and comfortable.. I have gathered that not all hosts do this, but I have a mini fridge, fresh coffee and water... along with shampoo,conditioner and fresh towels...
When I came back, Meredith, greeted me at the door and I headed off to my room...

As I sit here now on a very nice antique bed .. I do feel a bit uncomfortable being in someone's home... But my hosts are very welcoming.. this is a me issue.. I am here for two nights to I will see if I feel less uncomfortable tomorrow night...

I think it is not wanting to bother them...but they are opening up their home.. so it is only me...

Here a few pictures of the room...
1. bed and closet

 2. Desk and fridge looking out into hall

 Dresser next to bed.

 4. Not the usual, but coffee, snacks and water:)

AirBnB: first time for everything!

I am going up to San Jose,Ca. for a few days (and hopefully will be able to get the articles together to start to post about our trip to Mexico...
( I have gotten some of my Trip Advisor reviews completed)

But as a family we host students and rent rooms to both local and international students.. We love to meet new people and exchange cultures.. As students they abide by the house rules.. a bit different then just renting out a room to a stranger...

I have mentioned several times that we always stay in a Bed and Breakfast.. this time I am traveling alone.. and do not want to pay the cost of a hotel and parking on top of that... So I decided to give AirBnB a try..

I first went to their site and saw what was available in the area.. Impressive and some not so much... I saw a room that was perfect for $75 a night.. they did add on a AirBnB fee and a cleaning fee.. Even with those.. very cheap... But when I went to make the reservation.. the host texted me that the room would not be available that evening.. AirBnb pulled up a list of others in the area.. I found one that is nicer and less expensive.. just a few blocks away from where I need to be....

The hosts email me asking me to give a time that I can check in... and that they will see me when I arrive..

Only issue so far.. when registering.. (this is a good thing and makes it safe for the hosts as well) they ask for two forms if I.D. I did scan my drivers license but then they wanted access to either my email or Linkedin or (maybe Facebook)
I wasn't comfortable with that.. but as my Linkedin for my travel writing is limited, I gave them access..
My concern is access to other peoples emails and information.. So I would suggest a separate travel email.. We have had this for years.. and works great... also assures that no reservations get lost in the family e-box..

I leave day after tomorrow.. and will post on Monday night how the experience has gone!..

We are back in San Diego... It was an awesome trip!

There were so many unexpected adventures and experiences that made this trip even more special then planned... We changed choice of ruins, stayed an extra day in Valladolid and visited a home with  an amazing collection of Mexican and Mayan art.....

For Today, let me start by sharing ... Valladolid.. is an amazing and not yet over tourist ridden city... but thanks to Bachelor in Paradise, the city's own tourism efforts and the pure cultural and historic sights,.. this city is and was our number one.. unexpected beautiful pleasure....

I will share more but I do want to post these links... to get you started...

We did not go to Chichen Itza, instead we went to Ek Balam.. I am looking for a government sponsored link... and will post when I cover this amazing ruin...

Second, the city of Valladolid, there are so many beautiful places to see and things to do...

I must give another thank you to John and Dorianne Venator, for allowing us to tour your home on such short notice ,.. John , thank you for taking the time to show us around personally...Casa De Los Venados.. is not only a national treasure but a jewel in the center of the town...

Finally , Thank you to Julio and Rosaneli Sosa of Casa Marlene....

I will be organizing pictures and background information to use over the next month of posts about our Mexican adventure!

We also snorkeled with turtles, saw fish and coral and the hatching of hundreds of baby turtles and their return to the sea!... this was during our Akumal portion of our trip....

Akumal, Chichen Itza and parts unknown.. Here we come!

This will be my last stateside post .. until we arrive in Akumal... Flying into Cancun airport and using a transfer service to arrive at our little piece of paradise...
Our prescription masks and gear arrived yesterday, Thank You again Snorkel-Mart, all lodging and transportation is booked...

We are excited to go!

Riviera Maya Here We Come!
@WeVisitMexico

Bed and Breakfasts... the best way to really get to know a city or town...

When writing.. I always research what else has been written,  opposing ideas and other peoples perspectives .. While doing this about the reasons for staying in a bed and breakfast.. I did not find much... so here we go...

Many people think of BnBs (Bed and Breakfasts) as romantic get aways or for special occasions... that is true and they can be very romantic.. but there are so many other reasons to stay in a BnB...

I think that they are the number one way to really appreciate and immerse yourself in another culture or country.

We have stayed in BnBs in California, Hawaii, London, Greece, Belize Australia , Turkey and more...

Each time, we have had the pleasure of getting to know a town from the locals, eating well prepared local foods and feeling like we belong...

This may be offensive.. but I have never understood a person that travels around the world and chooses to stay in a 5 star resort... They have nice perks.. obviously.. but.. you can get those perks closer to home...

For the more adventurous there are home stays and home exchanges.. we can talk about those at another time.

Going to a well researched BnB guarantees a clean, safe hospitable lodging that is excited to see you and knows how to provide you with local insights, directions and suggestions...

Food wise, you have a personal chef that knows easy simple dishes and the best locals places to dine.

Concierge: The Innkeeper of a BnB will help you make reservations, provide maps and directions and give you a heads up regarding local etiquette and safety.

As we travel to Akumal.. we are following our own advice...

In some areas, specialty accommodations will be more plentiful... these are usually small family run properties... in our upcoming adventure, this is the option we have chosen...
Playa Caribe, Here we come!

Snorekling on the Maya Riviera... Lesson for the day: Plan Ahead..

If you have been following the posts.. you will know that I hit a minor glitch.. as it turned out .. it is a major one... We were not able to reserve prescription masks to rent...

Budget Travel Lesson for the day.. Just because it was easy last time, do not wait until the last minute...
Had I checked out the mask rental situation earlier, we would have saved on shipping costs.. but we are excited to be finally buying our own gear...

Also Michelle, did provide a discount on shipping... THANK YOU!

I went online and chatted with my other travel agents that are a part of Nexion and was told.. especially for this area.. you need to bring your own.. or buy...

As I write this, I just got off the phone with Michelle at Snorkel Mart... She was helpful and very informative... We did pay a bit more..  ONLY because of the last minute shipping.. but the over all costs for prescription masks, fins and full gear was great...

Over the next few days I will be finishing up any last minute details..
 making sure we have a full dose of all meds, travel size containers of sun tan lotion , Deets and toiletries...

Double checking timers on lights and a radio in the house..

providing two people with our full itinerary

contacting the USPS to hold mail.. (times have changed.. you can do this online)

This time next week,  Snorkeling with the turtles in Akumal...

Snorkeling the Maya Riviera with prescription masks.. Maybe?

This is a brief update on a bit of a stumbling block so far... The cost of renting snorkel gear is reasonable..
15 a day in Akumal and 10 in Playa Del Carmen... Two towns on the Maya Riviera what my goal over the next few days will be is to find a shop that rents prescription masks... This has never been an issue before...but so far going 0-2 on the availability .. this is only with two shops but both #1 or #2 on trip advisor...
I will post by Tuesday the final spot.. There must be one...
So budget tip for today.. less expensive gear in Playa Del Carmen,,, we will stop and pick up gear on our way to Akumal... Where from??  I will let you know...

first round of Akumal planning

We are going for a budget vacation... at the same time there are multiple costs associated with any trip.. These are the reasons to plan daily expenses into your travel budget....
We got the air fare at a nice rate.. traveling out of the U.S.A and into Cancun on the Labor Day...
We are staying in nice moderately priced accommodations on the beach.. Playa Caribe
The extra costs are for snorkel equipment rentals, Helmie Atarie has been great and quick to reply to my email questions from Akumal Dive Shop.

We have chosen not to rent a car but to use ADO service and possible private shuttle upon our arrival.. Once we get our sea legs will use local transportation .. This is a tourist area and multiple options are available...
Here is a great site I found that I want to pass on... I-Akumal.com .. They do direct reservations but also have a wonderful easy to explore site with great information...  Here is the site that is helpful with Transportation.


As I have mentioned in earlier posts.. we never stay in hotels.. only locally owned or bed and breakfasts..
Because of this.. it is very important to use Trip Advisor  before any booking...

Many of these notes are well known.. but walking thru the process to get a Fair Dinkum experience.. is the number one priority....

Adios..
up next.. snorkel spots and then we will travel inland...

Akumal... here we come

In the past we have posted as we go.. for our upcoming trip to Akumal, Mexico, I will be posting before and during our trip when possible...
We have our hotels booked, flights booked.. land transportation.. this is the wild card..

We love to snorkel and I love my turtles, Akumal is a turtle heaven and this is where we will be spending the first portion of our trip..

Hubby insists on culture and history so we will also be going to Chichen itza and exploring the area there as well.. we will be staying in a small town called Valladolid, Mexico.

I will be sharing how to put together a vacation on a budget, by yourself and who to ask when looking at tours vs on your own...

So stay tuned...

Fair Dinkum Travel as parenting;; it starts with the simple sleep over...

I was asked the other day why I am so passionate about travel as an everyday part of our personal growth and family values...
Here is a small version of the gains made when traveling outside your personal community and welcoming others into yours.

When kids are young.. Sleep Overs are essential.. they are the first step in learning how to travel..
You learn that there are different ways, styles , cultures and beliefs about how things are done or thought of.. New foods to try and conversations to have... different churches or religions to be exposed to...

Host exchange students.. not only share your culture but participate in theirs.. We have developed wonderful friendships, explored local markets we never would have gone and learned to cook foods from around the world..

 Up next Camping (or for me motor home) next to other families: everyone is on the same playing field, meeting new people , sharing resources and exploring nature... (always take advantage of Ranger talks and programs..) Sit next to someone different... ask where they are from...

Formal travel.. even from with in the 50 states can open your world view.. and see how many different ways people choose to live...

NOW take that on a grander scale, International Travel.. Stay in bed and breakfasts, spend breakfast talking to your hosts (with children present) about current local issues and topics.. Go to a local park (let the children play), before leaving home, study or watch a movie about where you are going.. If the children are studying something in school, apply it or compare it to how it is done where you are visiting...

There are so may ways travel and living outside your personal world is educational and enjoyable...

FAIR DINKUM!!

How to help the community

A lot of what I am interested in is breaking down barriers of people from different cultures and countries.. Obviously one way of helping areas is financially.. with the fires here at home.. this is also the case...
for the next few days.. shop small businesses, restaurants, mom and pop services and any other businesses that went without patrons over the last few days......Getting out and about will help us all appreciate our communities and shopping locally with help get our economy back on its feet... 

More about how this helps in other culturess on another post. :)

Preparing your home for traveling abroad

I live in Carlsbad, Ca. and we are in the middle of  Fire Storm 2014... We are safe and have our evacuation plan and items ready to go.. This is something that we have ready to pull together at a moments notice.. Pictures, Meds, Laptops, Phone Chargers and pets. Most of our important docs are in the cloud.. 

We have several neighbors that are out of the country on vacation... They have done all the routine tasks to prepare for travel.
1. Lights on timers
2. Stop the mail
3. Clean out the fridge
4. Have pets in lodging...


Having to evacuate is different... and here are a few tips to make sure that a disaster at home (although heart breaking) does not cause even more loss then needed.

1. Make a list of what you need in an emergency evacuation. Pics,       Jewelry, Documents, Meds ,other items...you should have

    this anyway...

2. Place items in your bank safety deposit box or a home safe that       can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes.
    Making sure your fridge is cleaned out is important.. as here in         Carlsbad and other areas of San Diego the power has been turned     off.. You do not want to come home to an untouched house
    that reeks of spoiled food.

3. Make sure your insurance is up to date.. and you have pics of           items especially those not stored safely to  help with ins. 
    claims upon return... 

4. Leave on your trip knowing that living life to the fullest is 
    better then things.. but the things you treasure or     
    need are taken care of.. if all else is gone..



No one can predict when a disaster can occur.. but knowing your most important items are safe allows you to enjoy your trip with less stress and more enjoyment...

Best Cycling option EVER

I have always wanted to bike thru Europe.. my only problem is I didn't want to peddle thru Europe...

This last weekend, my husband and I rented Electric Bikes from Pedego Carlsbad... It was great.. We went from Carlsbad to Cardiff by the Sea. We stopped to have lunch and on the way back even took a ride by the lagoon and stopped at the house..

This got me to thinking and researching.. and YES!! you can rent electric bikes through out Europe and the world... What a great way to see the sights, feel the wind in your hair and still have energy at the end of the day...

There are a few things to remember..
ONE : Sun Block.. we both used it but forgot to add extra to our arms..
TWO: The bikes are a bit heavier.. so a little bit of maneuvering and elbow grease may be needed from time to time..

Best Mother's Day Gifts under $30. for travel

Since Fair Dinkum Travel is about genuine travel and getting to know the locals.. there will be no high end gifts touted here.. but these are great and Number 8 is my favorite.
Best Travel Gifts Under $30

Happy Mother's Day...

Still the best App for Travel Around.. Trip Advisor

I live and breathe TripAdvisor.com ... I write reviews and check out locations before I go ANYWHERE..

Even in the smallest of towns or countries, someone have posted something... 

A long time ago, I wrote about how to have a great locals trip and save $$ at the same time.....

One of the items is stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy all the benefits your host offers... 

(I will write more on another day about why this is so important)

Second, ALWAYS check out reviews on trip advisor and contact reviewers and ask questions.... 

Remember what might be a problem for one is a perk for another... 

Last but not least.. when safe, take the locals means of transport... this works great almost anywhere except 

where I live in San Diego.. There is some public transport but your choices are limited....


I decided to remind readers of Trip Advisor as there are so many newer apps out trying to duplicate the best....

Fair Dinkum

Kendall

The Beautiful side of Africa

Here is a great list from Lonely Planet on the best places in Africa...Travel Places in Africa/ Lonely Planet


Here is a great You Tube site for all travel Africa..

Enjoy Southern Africa Travel Safari, Tourism - Wildlife - Films - Photos - 360

Cuba... So close and for many Not So Far

Here is an news piece by Al Jazeera News on Americans traveling to Cuba...

In the spirit of All things Latin in honor of Cinco De Mayo...

Here is the articleAmerican Tourism in Cuba

Cinco De Mayo.. The Un Mexican -- Mexican Holiday...

We have hosted students from around the world.. We always tell them that in the United States, we have one good Drinking holiday per month...
The grand daddies of them all are t.. Cinco De Mayo and Forth of July.....

It is a very popular holiday in the U.S.A.   here is a link to what it really is about...

Cinco De Mayo 




If you are visiting the U.S. please know this is a Major Alcohol Day/Evening...

Please take a taxi or have a designated driver...

But enjoy one of Americas adopted holidays...

Ole'

Travel Game (courtesy of BBC Travel)

Here is a great game to get us up to date with the world around us... As this blog becomes more about empathy, compassion and understanding of other lands and cultures.. Knowing where they are is always a great first step..
This is just one fun way to do it. Courtesy of BBC.Com

It is the GeoGuesser Game.. Enjoy...

Start here and share your results... when done... (only if you want.)

What we can learn from the title ugly American...

Our view of American Tourists is the ugly American... ..

From Germany to Granada, we hear and see tourists speaking and yelling in English and amazed others don't speak English,.. In the USA, people have voted for English only laws... but when we go abroad we expect the rules to change... 

One of the best parts of travel is to become a part of another culture and country... 

There is a new dynamic that is the exact same perspective but from yet another country... 

This CNN article from 2013 discussed the same learning curve Americans have had now is being traveled thru by the Chinese Tourists as they now begin to become one of the largest traveling countrymen...... 

When traveling, as when you go to another persons home, remember to understand the culture and expectations.. You are a guest.. (no matter the color of your credit card) and all of the manners your parents taught you as a child can make your overseas trip a delight... 

Appreciating how many ways different cultures do and handle situations is exciting and broadens ones world view and makes one more accepting of "the other" even when back at home... 

So as you read the CNN article understand that everyone has been the new tourist and has gone thru the learning curve.. 

A polite reply or gentle comment can go far to help our Guests in American, have a pleasant experience and allows us to enjoy the hospitality that America can be known for.

Travel for cultural understanding, reviving my Blog....

I am not suggesting that we go to a war zone and begin to sing we are the world. I am suggesting that  travel is a great educator and wonderful way to bring people together. 

When I first started a travel company (now closed) I had visions of bringing people together and helping them explore the world... What I now know is there is so much more to the job.. I made the decision to close the "travel agency" down almost 4 years ago... The stress and factors that are out of the Travel Agents control were (for me) measured higher on the chart then the joy of seeing someone enjoy a new destination... 

For a while, I have put travel writing and my belief in the benefit of travel on the shelf.. Trip Advisor continues to post my reviews of locations and restaurants.. which is wonderful... and it is now time for me to pick up my walking stick and begin to blog again... 

My commitment is one post a week... maybe every two weeks... My first new post will be on Monday, April 28th, 2014.

I will be highlighting various locations, best ways to really see the world and sharing articles written (with credit given) about cities, near and far... 

Fair Dinkum means Truth or honest.. in Aussie.. 

Please feel free to share my upcoming posts as desired.

Kendall
Fair Dinkum Travel