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!

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!..