How do we split up research responsibilities? 

Researching flights, accommodations, and activities can become overwhelming and all-consuming. So, we rotate flight/accommodation/activity planning responsibilities by going with the hot hand, or deferring to whomever has more interest or experience in one country or another (Cindy in Italyand the UK, me in Scandinavia, we shared in Germanyand Austria). 

Normally we select the destination before searching for the right accommodation to match our interest and duration of visit, although sometimes it goes the other way. Few destinations were set in stone prior to our trip. Many were selected based on economic opportunity (cheap flights) or … ready … on the fly. Our process is a work in progress that improves as we go. 

Regarding accommodations, usually one of us researches and identifies a short list of options, then passes the iPad to the other along with any highlights or caveats e.g. if monkeys (or gibbons), chickens, or pianos were part of the deal, then our tolerance for shortcomings increases. 

If we don’t have a clear cut choice, we pass the iPad to the kids for their review and input. They often point out some factor we didn’t notice (“Gotta go with the monkey, Dad.”) or volunteer to share beds in order to access some other benefit, which would then seal the deal.

What do we look for? 

First, overall fit and price based on our intended length of stay and needs. All factors were adjustable. Our going-in position is three bedrooms with one and a half bathrooms and a functional kitchen. We adjust from there.

We target other amenities like WiFi, plenty of living space for our family of six to spread out, and a washing machine. Lodging near public transportation, a park, grocer, baker, and a coffee shop are highly desirable and eliminate the need for rental vehicles and over-dependence on restaurants. 

For places that don’t have washing machines, we drop our clothes at a local laundry – very expensive in Oman, very inexpensive in Thailand. Rarely do we encounter clothes dryers or dishwashers.

Where do we stay?

In order of frequency we use Airbnb, hostels, hotels, VRBO, military accommodations, and friends’ houses. 

We are also members of Trusted Housesitters, which caters to house and pet sitters. Although we have had positive connections and interactions with homeowners via Trusted Housesitters, we haven’t matched up opportunities yet. 

As we build up reward points, our options in some expensive locations – Munich and Copenhagen specifically – increase.

What is our experience with Airbnb?

Overall, we have great success with Airbnb, perhaps because the app is easy to manage and provides useful information clearly. The drop-down menus are self-explanatory and functional. We first select our options, let it spit out results, tweak our inputs, and repeat until we find a short list of opportunities that fit us. We are mindful to check the map window as some of the results may be further from our destination than we prefer. We also study Airbnb’s comprehensive user reviews and hosts’ location description. Used together, they provide valuable insight. 

We always have success if a property is run by a “super host,” and our visits were enriched when we met and interacted with them. Often super hosts meet us at the domicile with guidance, cautions, and suggestions e.g. don’t go into downtown Paris on the first of May due to the likelihood of violent protests and demonstrations. Check. 

We really appreciate those hosts who are at the ready and are quick to respond to our queries, uncertainties, and zany requests. Nearly all had detailed instruction books in multiple languages that were very helpful. Some go way above and beyond the normal expectations of an Airbnb host. It turns out that meeting and connecting with these engaging people, and their families, is one of the unexpected gifts of our travel. We intend for these hosts to be in our lives forever. 

The majority of our Airbnb experiences were excellent. Only one pushed the boundaries of truthfulness in its advertising through creative photoshopping, but this was not a “super host” and it was very reasonable (way below budget). 

As we travel, we have noted that Airbnb properties in some regions have a trend of being overly optimistic regarding the number of people who could comfortably sleep there. Keep an eye open for icons identifying sleeper couches, trundle beds, cribs, etc. 

What about VRBO? Hotels? Hostels?

We use VRBO less than Airbnb, but it is always a viable option. Its user site isn’t as detailed as the Airbnb’s, but it is certainly functional. 

Rarely do hotels offer the full functionality, cost savings, or space that we like. 

We have experienced a range of quality, price, security, age, and amenities with hostels. Some are ultra-modern, breezy, and cool. Others are sweaty, sketchy and beat-up. All were fairly clean and served our needs well.

 

So far we’ve stayed in nearly 80 different places. Many have been fantastic. Most have been wonderful, and only a couple fell short. We’ve usually been able to find good accommodations for our family based on our budget, but it requires time, patience, and research.