Bed and Breakfasts.

If you're anything like me, you may have a teeny weeny obsession with reality TV.  I'm not referring to Big Brother or The Real Life.

I mean quality TV shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

And my current favourite, Tori and Dean Inn Love.

If you haven't had the chance to see it, Ms Tori Spelling and her new husband opened a B & B 'Chateaux La Rue' (after her pug) when gazillionaire daddy Aaron Spelling forgot to leave her more than 100 grand in his will.  Oh, life's tough for some.

Anyway, I love this show.  I love how they interact with each other and their guests.  They've had all sorts.  Romantic couple, partying grannies and NUDISTS.

Which brings me to my question.  Why choose a Bed & Breakfast for your weekend away?  And how do you know your host will be more like this

than this?

Here are some tips for choosing a quality B & B.

The internet has made it possible for anyone to google a destination and fall in love with the pictures on a web page.  Then you arrive and find out you're staying with someone that reminds you of Norman Bates in Psycho.  Yikes!

Your best bet is to go by recommendation or get someone reputable to organise it for you.

First and foremost understand that most bed and breakfasts are owner operated.  Most of the things in the home are usually antiques, fine linens and bedding.  This is what makes the experience unique and special.

You always receive much more personal attention at a B & B than you would in a hotel or motel.  If you're shy then I wouldn't recommend them!  Your inn keeper will be happy to give you a history of their home and the area, the best places to go, the places to eat and the places to avoid.  They make sure you get the most out of the time you have away (which is what we do here at Luxury Oz Stays too).

Breakfast is always special too.  That is kind of the whole point of a Bed and Breakfast.  Duh.

Not only will you enjoy the culinery talents of your host, but you'll get to meet the other guests too.

Downside?

Most bed and breakfasts don't accept young children.  Usually the cut off is 7 +.  Most people go to bed and breakfasts for peace and quiet.  They're perfect for a romantic get away, a unique weekend for friends or for someone who wants some quiet time alone.

If you see a B & B you like, book early.  Remember B & Bs only have a few rooms and it doesn't take long to fill them.  Get an expert to do it for you.

Unfortunately, Tori and Dean have moved on from running Chateaux La Rue.  Darn it.  I'm sure Donna Tori and I would have gotten along like a house on fire.

Have you ever tried a B & B?  Did you love it?

Read more...

Bed and Breakfasts.

If you're anything like me, you may have a teeny weeny obsession with reality TV.  I'm not referring to Big Brother or The Real Life.

I mean quality TV shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

And my current favourite, Tori and Dean Inn Love.

If you haven't had the chance to see it, Ms Tori Spelling and her new husband opened a B & B 'Chateaux La Rue' (after her pug) when gazillionaire daddy Aaron Spelling forgot to leave her more than 100 grand in his will.  Oh, life's tough for some.

Anyway, I love this show.  I love how they interact with each other and their guests.  They've had all sorts.  Romantic couple, partying grannies and NUDISTS.

Which brings me to my question.  Why choose a Bed & Breakfast for your weekend away?  And how do you know your host will be more like this

than this?

Here are some tips for choosing a quality B & B.

The internet has made it possible for anyone to google a destination and fall in love with the pictures on a web page.  Then you arrive and find out you're staying with someone that reminds you of Norman Bates in Psycho.  Yikes!

Your best bet is to go by recommendation or get someone reputable to organise it for you.

First and foremost understand that most bed and breakfasts are owner operated.  Most of the things in the home are usually antiques, fine linens and bedding.  This is what makes the experience unique and special.

You always receive much more personal attention at a B & B than you would in a hotel or motel.  If you're shy then I wouldn't recommend them!  Your inn keeper will be happy to give you a history of their home and the area, the best places to go, the places to eat and the places to avoid.  They make sure you get the most out of the time you have away (which is what we do here at Luxury Oz Stays too).

Breakfast is always special too.  That is kind of the whole point of a Bed and Breakfast.  Duh.

Not only will you enjoy the culinery talents of your host, but you'll get to meet the other guests too.

Downside?

Most bed and breakfasts don't accept young children.  Usually the cut off is 7 +.  Most people go to bed and breakfasts for peace and quiet.  They're perfect for a romantic get away, a unique weekend for friends or for someone who wants some quiet time alone.

If you see a B & B you like, book early.  Remember B & Bs only have a few rooms and it doesn't take long to fill them.  Get an expert to do it for you.

Unfortunately, Tori and Dean have moved on from running Chateaux La Rue.  Darn it.  I'm sure Donna Tori and I would have gotten along like a house on fire.

Have you ever tried a B & B?  Did you love it?

Read more...

The Great Family Road Trip

Australia has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  We have the beaches, the mountains, the desert, the rainforest.  So much to see and do.

And what better way to explore this country than in a good old fashioned road trip!  You know you want to try it.

See this on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria.

It seems most parents face the family road trip with some trepidation.

You can almost hear it now.

"He touched me."


"I did not."


"You did too."


"You're lying."


"He touched me again."


"You did it first."


"Ow, quit it!"


"You quit it."


"MUM!"

Forget everything you've seen.  Your trip doesn't have to be based on National Lampoons Family Vacation.

Here are some tips for your survival.

1.  Do the prep work a few day before.  Try to minimise the clothes that you take.  Most kids are happy to live in the same clothes for days.

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.  Then take half the clothes and twice the money." - Susan Heller

Fill up the car with fuel.  Pack bags to put in the boot but also organise travel packs to keep in the car with you.

For you -

Wet wipes, an absolute god send.  Kids get pretty grimy, even if they're buckled in.
Lip Balm
Drinking water
Hand cream
Eye cream
Hand sanitizer
Mints
Fashion magazines or a fat book
Travel pillow
A thermos of coffee.
Sunglasses
Your favourite music.  A car trip is a great way to get the kiddies acquainted with your favourite tunes.  Sing.  Loudly.

YOUR CAMERA.  Document the heck out of your trip.  You never know what you'll see on the road.

For the kids -

Try to avoid a DVD player.  Chat to your kids, sing, play games and prepare activity bags.  Fill them with books, stickers, stuffed toys.

Change of underwear.  Trust me it happens.

A pillow and their favourite blanket.  The car is a great place for a nap.

Water

Snacks and bribes.

For everyone -

Snacks.  Stock up on supplies to stifle even the heartiest appetite.  Include fruit, sandwiches and treats.  You'll save lots of cash and avoid the dreaded service station sandwich.

Water

More wet wipes.  Trust me, they come in handy for everything.

2. Leave at the crack of Dawn.  We're talking 5am.  The roads are clear and the kids will still be sleepy. A few hours napping in the car and you're off to the perfect start.

3.  Most important tip -


Relax.

Be prepared to change your plans.  Have a rough itinerary but remember things happen.  If you have any problems, let someone else organise your accommodation.

Enjoy it.

Road trips with the family are often a great adventure and will provide you with memories for a lifetime.

What are your tips?

Read more...

TOP TEN TRAVEL TIPS

Well the silly season is upon us and you all know what that means.

The obligatory annual pilgrimage to see the relatives we avoid the other 360 days of the year.  Or for those that are truly blessed, the annual family vacation.

Some people want nothing more than to go home for the holidays, while others are happy to leave tradition behind in favour of a setting that's a little more relaxed, exotic and sun drenched.

One of my girlfriends is flying to London to see her parents (thanks for the strike British Airways that should make that 24 hour plane trip more pleasant) and another has saved for years to take her family to Fiji ( which has just been wiped out by a cyclone).  Yikes!  Another damn good reason to holiday in Australia.

But if you do need to travel overseas, here are a few tips from Smart Traveller.

1. Check the latest travel advice.  Always handy to know if your dream location is in the middle of a military coup or earthquake.  Makes packing easier (camouflage gear? Check.)

2. Take out appropriate travel insurance.  You do not want to be stuck in a hospital in a foreign country after the bungy cord snaps.  Really.  It's inconvenient.

3.  Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online.  That's so the loved ones can track you down in case of tsunami, cyclone, earthquake or if the Arab slave traders decide you'd fetch a good price.

4.  Obey the law.  Kind of obvious really.  Don't steal bar mats.  Bali jails are not fun.

5.  Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting.  We've all seen Border Security.  Customs agents are not known for their sunny dispositions.

6. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers.  Leave a copy with someone at home.  Because people steal stuff.  And then you'll be stuffed.

7.  Check with health professionals about necessary vaccinations and overseas medicines.  Nothing like a few jabs to get you in the mood for a holiday.

8.  Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned date of return to Australia.  Some countries will not let you in.  That would be a tad irritating after a 10 hour flight.

9.  Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home.  So they can find you.  Obviously.

10.  Before departing Australia check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit.  If you have dual nationality (and don't even know it) you might be liable for MILITARY SERVICE in that country.  OMG.  Imagine arriving and being drafted into the army! Yikes!

So yeah, The Girl With A Suitcase recommends you follow all of these tips if you are planning on travelling overseas for your holidays.

This year I plan to holiday local.  Bit less stressful in the silly season.  Have a Merry Xmas.

Read more...