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
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
San Diego Fair
This summer I bought the $26 full fair pass. I have been twice and it is so much fun. The reason?? I do not have to rush thru, eat everything in sight and fight the crowds. When our son was growing up we had Disneyland passes. It was the same thing.
So far this year, my recommendations are:
1. in the infield: there is an outdoor area that has horses, butterflies, bees, caterpillars and more. Great area way from the crowds and more reminiscent of the county fairs we think of from days gone by.
2. Best secret inexpensive eats. In O'Brian Hall, there is Dixie's mini donuts. OMG. They make them as you wait, Hot and sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar. Only$2.50 for 6 but just pay the $5. and get a dozen. Warning, You will not want to share. (the link is to a great article about Dixie and her donuts.)
3. Parking tip. Park off site. Easy, free and less of a hassle.
4. Best thing to buy. By the exit of the garden area by the O'Brian entrance are these beautiful plates. The artist Lisa Brown is there. Leaf ART
There are some competitions that you can still sign up for.. enjoy and explore.
For today, that's all folks.
San Diego County Fair
So far this year, my recommendations are:
1. in the infield: there is an outdoor area that has horses, butterflies, bees, caterpillars and more. Great area way from the crowds and more reminiscent of the county fairs we think of from days gone by.
2. Best secret inexpensive eats. In O'Brian Hall, there is Dixie's mini donuts. OMG. They make them as you wait, Hot and sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar. Only$2.50 for 6 but just pay the $5. and get a dozen. Warning, You will not want to share. (the link is to a great article about Dixie and her donuts.)
3. Parking tip. Park off site. Easy, free and less of a hassle.
4. Best thing to buy. By the exit of the garden area by the O'Brian entrance are these beautiful plates. The artist Lisa Brown is there. Leaf ART
There are some competitions that you can still sign up for.. enjoy and explore.
For today, that's all folks.
San Diego County Fair
Sunday, May 22, 2016
OK, ready to start to travel and post again.
As many of you know I have taken off the last 4 months to study Mandarin. I have a long way to go.. But with the class over, I am planning short outings from our home in Carlsbad, Ca.
One challenge I have always wanted to do.. (not sure why) is to write and explore the San Diego county fair.
This year, I have purchased a full fair pass, meaning I can go everyday. I do not plan on going Daily, but am planning on really checking out everything this year. I don't do rides, so will only post pics.
Other trips planned for this summer, a Summer in South Lake Tahoe trip. A couple of train rides, one to Chinatown in L.A. and one to Santa Barbara.
Other outings to come.
Welcome Summer, 再见 普通话!
One challenge I have always wanted to do.. (not sure why) is to write and explore the San Diego county fair.
This year, I have purchased a full fair pass, meaning I can go everyday. I do not plan on going Daily, but am planning on really checking out everything this year. I don't do rides, so will only post pics.
Other trips planned for this summer, a Summer in South Lake Tahoe trip. A couple of train rides, one to Chinatown in L.A. and one to Santa Barbara.
Other outings to come.
Welcome Summer, 再见 普通话!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Preparing for travel and becoming a local via the radio
I haven't posted for sometime. One of the reasons is that I have been in Mandarin class. I came across this article..it talks about how radio can help with language.. Here is the article about learning Chinese (Mandarin) and how the radio helps.mandarin-chinese-radio-online/
It reminded me of another tool my husband and I use when preparing to travel,even within the USA or other local travels. Listen to local radio, before you go. With the invention of the Internet.. the world is at your fingertips. This includes radio online. Either English stations abroad or those in the native languages.
When we go to Hawaii or Australia, we research and listen to local music and news before we arrive.
This way we are up to date with local activities and issues. This allows you to chat with locals and blend.. Others also appreciate your willingness to learn about their city or culture.
One other perk, if you have children, play children's radio or get children's music in the local language, not only will they pick it up, they will be less thrown upon their arrival..
If you want to travel like a local, listen like a local.
幸福之旅 (Happy Trip)
It reminded me of another tool my husband and I use when preparing to travel,even within the USA or other local travels. Listen to local radio, before you go. With the invention of the Internet.. the world is at your fingertips. This includes radio online. Either English stations abroad or those in the native languages.
When we go to Hawaii or Australia, we research and listen to local music and news before we arrive.
This way we are up to date with local activities and issues. This allows you to chat with locals and blend.. Others also appreciate your willingness to learn about their city or culture.
One other perk, if you have children, play children's radio or get children's music in the local language, not only will they pick it up, they will be less thrown upon their arrival..
If you want to travel like a local, listen like a local.
幸福之旅 (Happy Trip)
Xìngfú zhī lǚ
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Traveling and Medications.
When traveling there are a few things to remember if you are on any medications, have Diabetes or other long standing diagnosis.
1. Carry your meds with you, not in your checked bags.
2. Make sure the airline staff know you will be taking meds while on the flight.
3. Carry your own snacks if Diabetic incase your sugars run too high or low.
4. Make sure all meds are in the original containters
5. If traveling overseas or out of the country, Check the legality of your meds in the country you are visiting.
A Dr.'s note also that states your diagnosis is very helpful.
Planning ahead will allow you to put your physical issues aside and enjoy the adventure.
1. Carry your meds with you, not in your checked bags.
2. Make sure the airline staff know you will be taking meds while on the flight.
3. Carry your own snacks if Diabetic incase your sugars run too high or low.
4. Make sure all meds are in the original containters
5. If traveling overseas or out of the country, Check the legality of your meds in the country you are visiting.
A Dr.'s note also that states your diagnosis is very helpful.
Planning ahead will allow you to put your physical issues aside and enjoy the adventure.
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