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Delores Morris
Delores is an avid traveler and tries to experience as much as she can. She likes to immerse herself in the culture of the place where she is and find things to do that are not as mainstream. When she isn’t off on an adventure she likes to plan and plot her next trip.
Tips for Booking an Airbnb for the First Time
The pandemic had swept away our travel plans last year. I’m sure you still wish to resume the unfulfilled beach vacation that ended with all of us stuck in our homes. But thankfully, now’s the time to finally click on the checkout button for your airbnb and fly out for your dream vacation.
With the COVID-19 vaccine available for the public and safe travel measures in place, you finally get to finish what you started. The mountains are calling (or the beaches if you like).
So, are you ready to pack your backpack and leave for a long week off your hectic lifestyle? If yes, then start by booking a stay where you can laze around and enjoy a sunset with your friends and family.
Need a helping hand? Follow these tips to always score the best Airbnbs wherever you go.
Make a List of Your Must Haves
When traveling with a group, it’s important to stick to the needs and preferences of each individual. Because you don’t want a cranky sister who doesn’t like the view from her room’s window.
The best way to avoid leaving out your friend’s requirements is to make a list of your must haves. From the budget and a big kitchen for trying different wok recipes to a swimming pool or hammock for kids, make sure you are clear about what you need.
The next step is to apply the filters. Airbnb allows you to apply different filters to your search. Make use of each of them to find what you need in the most streamlined manner.
Check the Property Thoroughly
A week-long vacation requires proper planning because you don’t want to be irritated for the entire trip about a broken door or a leaky toilet seat that you missed checking on. While you can always ask for services such as a handyman or an emergency plumber in Cheltenham for any possible issues on your property, a thorough inspection before checking in is always the best idea.
Whether you are using the website or the app, you have access to dozens of pictures of the location. Examine each one of them carefully. Check the rooms, the view and most importantly the neighborhood. Research about whether you have a market nearby or if it is a completely isolated property.
Recently, airbnb has also introduced the element of virtual tours. Hosts can add a 360° view of their property on the listing which just makes your job easier.
Be Transparent With the Owner
If you need more information about a property or need to ask for some additions, you can contact the owner. It’s best to always go for owners who have a superhost badge. It’s an indication of the quality and best hosting abilities of the property owner.
You can inquire about the cancellation policy, check-in time and the rates of different services. Generally, some facilities are not included in the overall rate of the property. You can directly contact the owner and inquire about such things in detail.
Don’t Ignore the Reviews and Ratings
Reviews and ratings are there for a reason. You can get a lot of input with what others have to say about their experience living in a property. A lot of what you see in the pictures and descriptions can be made up or brushed to look appealing but the reviews of the guests will give you the real story. Remember to check them before finalizing a property for your vacation.
So, whether you choose a tropical location or a small town in Pennsylvania for your post pandemic vacation, remember these points to get your hands on the best airbnb property every time.
How to pack your backpack for a week-long trip?
Traveling is something that should be on everyone’s list of priorities. Well, the idea definitely seems good but the main challenge is packing. It might seem easy but it’s not. A backpack is something that you need to carry on your shoulders. So, it’s definitely different than packing a suitcase. Honestly, it’s a skill to pack your bag the right way. Well, the good thing is the bag has different compartments for added ease. If you don’t want the bag to become a burden, you should pack it the right way. Confused how to do that? Don’t worry these tips will help you.
Select the right backpack
There are a lot of backpacks available at stores. If you don’t want to carry it on your shoulders all the time, some bags also come with the wheels. The duffel bags also make a great fit. They give you greater access to the spacious compartment. The amount of luggage you have, the packing style and other factors dictate the type of bag you’ll select for yourself. A good way to proceed is that you visit a bag store, check it and then look for a similar piece online. This can give you a lucrative option and help you do some savings. Also, if you’re going solely on a hike, then a waterproof bag would be a better choice for you.
Sort your list
When you’re going on a week-long trip, you’ll definitely have a list of items that you want to carry. Obviously, you cannot carry everything that comes to your mind. It will make your luggage heavy. Ideally, you should select items that are absolutely important for you. These include a towel, tissues, face wash, canned food, toothbrush, extra pair of clothes, a torch, and some energy drinks. Also, the clothes should be lightweight and if it’s winter, it’s better to wear a heavy jacket rather than packing it. If you feel there is something that you feel is not important, you should ditch it away. Keep the bag crisply backed with your valuables and you’re basically set for the trip.
Compress
For added space, it’s important to compress your load. There are multiple ways you can do it. For instance, if you have a habit of rolling your clothes, you should switch to folding. It definitely creates more space and makes your bag feel well-packed. Also, if you’re carrying a cooking pot, it’s a great idea to keep the canned food inside it. Similarly, you can keep the socks inside the shoes. Also, while packing, ensure everything is tightly tucked close to each. It prevents the objects from shifting and making you go off-balance. If you can’t fit the water bottles inside the bag, you can keep them in the outer compartments. Well, make sure you keep them plucked to the bag. If they hang down, it will probably mess up your balance. You obviously wouldn’t want that. So, pack it accordingly. No matter how you pack your bag, carry a hiking stick with you. If will make your trek easier.
Ensure you’re weather-proof
Traveling comes with a new sense of responsibility. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to mess up your traveling experience. Weather is something that you cannot control. If it happens to rain, you should be prepared for it. Carry a waterproof jacket and a cover for your bag. Also, keep some gloves handy. You would obviously want to protect yourself from the chill. Don’t forget to carry a muffler in your bag. Ideally, you can wrap it around your neck to reduce the load on your backpack.
Keep things at the right place
For an ideal weight, it’s important that you place your items in the right place. If you mess this up, it can increase the unwanted load of your baggage. Ideally, if you have any bulky items, keep them at the bottom. Then pack the food and items like stove in the core of the pack. Finally, keep the light stuff at the top. Also, include the items that you’ll need first, at the top. This will give you the ease of access and keep the products in the range for you to get hold of them.
Be a Minimalist
Going on a week’s tour means that you should carry goods only for the week. If you carry something additional, it can mess up your entire experience. Being minimalistic means you carry minimum load without much hassle on the packing part. Ideally, you should only carry stuff that you’ll need on a daily basis rather than items you’ll need only once. Most travelers tend to pack more than they actually need. This causes unnecessary problems and poses a barrier to activities like hiking. So, pack only stuff that you actually need. It will easier for you to travel.
Traveling is a mode of escape. So, you would want it to be perfect. Packing is an important part of any trip and you do it the right way to ensure you don’t miss on anything. A set of clothes and some food is important. So, make sure you carry these on priority. I am sure you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of a jungle with no food. With these tips, you’ll surely be able to pack better and travel without any worries. Isn’t that good? Well, do let me know where you’re traveling. I do love lending my ears to new experiences.