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

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!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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!

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!

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!!

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