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!..