AirBnb for culture and a full experience, how to find the right spot.

I am not the only travel writer or person that is in love with AirBnB. We host and are travelers.
As for hosting, our only problem is getting travelers as AirBnB is so popular. Last week , I switched on the can book same day permission.
I got up in the middle of the night and my ipad was blinking. We had a guest coming the next afternoon. Awesome. We keep our two Guests rooms ready, so nothing to do but check the fridge (we offer a light breakie). Anyway, they checked in for two nights and now are staying four. Airbnb makes is very easy to extend a reservation by either party. I do not think they will be booking a fifth night as they do have to fly back to Germany.
Our guests are travelers that enjoy exploring. We are fortunate if we meet them a few times during their trips, I have had the same experience when we are the travelers.
I came across this article about how to find your perfect apartment thru AirBnB. I will write later about how just a small few that book a whole home or apartment have given this a bad name. BUT, in general it is great, you can rent a room, shared room or a whole place to yourself.
Please enjoy this guest article by Stefan: How to Find the Best AirBnB Apartment.

Next up, We are AirBnbing it to Los Angeles (Hollywood) The big challenge is we are not taking our car. We will be there for two nights. Will write about our adventures upon our return.

AirBnB Follow Up.

It has been some time since I wrote about my love for AirBnB. I wanted to do a follow up as we have now hosted our first AirBnB guests ourselves. If you are ever in Carlsbad, Ca. feel free to check us out.
Our AirBnB spot.

Given the name of this blog, my old travel agency and email and twitter handle is Fair Dinkum Travel
I have a very soft spot for AirBnB.

Over time it has grown up a bit and the just hanging out with locals may have changed a bit..because more people are getting better about how to present their homes and it is becoming a big business.
We still love AirBnB and we were so excited to host our first guests.

Where there seems to be problems are:
1. Renting out a whole home. If you are going to do this, I would suggest a vacation property management company.. much easier and less problems.
2. Immediate bookings make me nervous. We have had a few that want to bring children or extra people or have not been verified fully. Having the time to email back and forth creates a relationship before others come into your home.
3. Be clear of the expectations and realize they are paying to be comfortable and relaxed. Although less cost then a hotel, people are still paying for lodging. Lowering your price Never should mean lowering your standards.

What I love:
1. Meeting others that have a sense of adventure and hospitality. Both sides are agreeing to share a home and common spaces.
2. Taking walks thru nieghborhoods and communities and feeling at home. Love the AirBnB commercial about not doing a place but living there. That commercial nails it.
3. Saving $$ and yet going to amazing places and really living there.

Remember we always stay at Bed n Breakfasts and now AirBnB's.. if I go on a business trip, unless I have to stay in a hotel I don't. We do not travel for the hotel experience. If you do, (which is fine) then AirBnB is not for you..
Again, Fair Dinkum Travel means original or genuine travel.. So we want to really immerse ourselves in the culture of where we are and we hope others do the same while staying with us.

Finally: If hosting or guesting.. read the reviews, check out the pictures and make sure they have multiple verifications thru the site. Email with questions and get a feel for the people.
If you are this type of person.. you will love it.

Happy travels

Fair Dinkum in Viva Las Vegas? Hotel trumped AirBnb. First time ever!

Las Vegas is as far away from Fair Dinkum travel as you can get. And this is where we are going over a weekend this summer. We will be seeing a a show and then trying out a few restaurants. Our favorite natural area around there is Red Rocks. If you haven't taken the time to go thru there while in Vegas, you are missing a beautiful sight. Not to mention a great salve for your over stimulated  assaulted senses after walking the strip.

But I digress, My first line of lodging, AirBnb, this is first city I have seen, where this is not the best option. We want to stay on the strip or at least not more then a block off.
Tip 1. When making hotel/ lodging reservations in Vegas, LOCATION is everything, one block off in the wrong direction or two far north or south of the main drag defeats the purpose of location. Have a map out of all the big name hotels and really get a feel for how far you are. Use Google Maps to walk the area around where you want to stay. Make sure it is safe.

Las Vegas has done a great job of providing multiple transportation modes along the strip, but you do not want to walk thru an unsafe area to get to them.

Tip 2. Check out hotel prices vs. AirBnB. We found (first time ever) that a hotel is going to be closer and more cost efficient then a room via AirBnB.

We will be evaluating and staying at the Carriage House. It has mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, but mostly good and inexpensive.

I will go over on another blog, how to really read a Trip Advisor Review.

REVISED: TripAdvisor review of the Carriage House in Las Vegas

Eco-Friendly Luxury Resorts

Here is a list from Travel Chanel of Eco Friendly Luxury Resorts... I have lots of reasons why there are other great options without having to sleep on the beach and be bit by local bugs. But to be fair, this is a great article on (for some) having the best of both worlds. 

For me to have a Fair Dinkum Experience, immersing yourself in the culture, the people and the geography is mandatory not a choice. 

I have written articles about Bed and Breakfasts and AirBnB.. both let you become a part of the area you are visiting. 

We have stayed in hotels, usually for two reasons. 
One: In some countries there are safety concerns and tour guides and hotel security is a must.
Second: Business trips. When I know that I am only there for a conference and am in the middle of traffic and in the business district. Hotels are a great option.

Aside from that, Explore the world the Fair Dinkum Way!

Trip Advisors top 10 Islands.Find your best and next article will be how to be at the best at a budget price.

Here is Trip Advisors top Islands for 2015. There are some amazing places to explore and visit.

You can explore and enjoy the best with in a budget and get a feel for the locals lifestyles. 

A brief review for planning your summer (NEVER IN SUMMER) vacation coming next.

Here they are.
Travels Choice Top Islands of 2015


After you have perused the best voted Islands in the world, go to Airbnb and VRBO (if you are staying in one place for more then a few days) and check out  your perfect destination with in your budget.

Santa Barbara Get Away. How to extend your weekend get away!

In a recent post, I mentioned train travel and the joys of including the transportation as part of the vacation... A few days later, Gov. Jerry Brown, here in California, announced the first leg of construction on California's first bullet train had started... ..
With the new year in full swing, getting away for a short vacation is difficult... But you can still have a short, non-hectic, relaxing or family get away for a very reasonable price.
From San Diego, Ca. it is very easy to take the Amtrak to Santa Barbara... From where I am located, Carlsbad, Ca. it is only 39.00 each way to take the train....
You are able to sit back and enjoy the trip up the California Coastline.
While in Santa Barbara, you may either take advantage of a winter hotel get away package or use (for a couple) AirBnB... For families there are also other private options to find a short term rental.(AH!!! my next Blog Article, Coming out on Jan. 14th, 2015)...
Walking around the town is part of the fun... but as with lodging, you can rent a car or use Uber, Lyft or a Taxi (list of all taxi's in S.B.)... Santa Barbara also has a program to encourage and highlight that you can visit there and enjoy all it has to offer  Car Free.
The beaches, wineries, art galleries and shops make for a great vacation close to home.. Taking the train, allows you to extend your vacation from the moment you leave your home to the moment you arrive home...
Please use the links in this article to explore more of what Santa Barbara and Amtrak have to offer.

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!..