What is Couch Surfing?

November 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
a surfboard leash
Image via Wikipedia

If you have ever stayed with a friend for a while you have couch surfed. That is the most basic definition of the term. A more expansive definition might be an individual who stays with a variety of people for a short or an extended period of time. If you choose to couch surf you should be very cordial and never over stay your welcome. Always confirm your plans with your host ahead of time. While someone may give you the invitation for an open-ended visit, they may grow tired of you. Aside from that it’s more respectful and gives them a chance to plan and prepare for your stay.

When you are in someone else’s home be sure to follow all the usual rules you would normally. If they make any request be sure to follow them. If at any point you are unsure, it never hurts to ask. An example might be if you should take your shoes off when entering the home or where the towels might be. Always clean up after yourself, and furthermore you should offer to help your hosts clean up as well. This is important because generally speaking you want your host to appreciate your visit and enjoy the company you provide. This way in the future they will be a lot more apt to allow you to stay again. In the future if your host should every need a place to stay you should consider extending the same courtesy as they have to you.

It is really important for you to consider opportunities and options like this when you are traveling because they can save you time and money. When traveling in Canada, be sure to check out Canada 411 so that you can find hosts for couch surfing opportunities in your immediate area.

  • Share/Bookmark
Filed Under: Adventure, Random Stuff Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Travel A Little Known Stress Reliever

September 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
What do all the people in a family have in com...
Image via Wikipedia

Think about your day for a moment? How many hours did you work? How much sleep did you get? The average person is known to work 8 or more hours. They also receive less then 7 hours of sleep and pack into their daily schedule work, social lives and family life. All these demands and a lack of sleep can stress a person out. While there are many relaxation exercises, rituals and other activities that can be done to relieve stress; there is a little known stress reliever called travel.

When a person mentions traveling most people imagine stress. In actuality, traveling can be for many people a form of relaxation. Sure, the planning and transportation can be a bit stressful but once you reach that destination it can be a stress free environment.

No matter the location or destination, by making travel plans it allows a person to have a designated time or relaxation and peace. Traveling allows people to be removed from their daily stressful lives and put into a situation that is relaxing, fun and care-free. In fact, some studies have shown that by taking one vacation a year it can dramatically reduce the amount of stress the body is under. With less stress, productivity at work and other areas of daily living increases and becomes more efficient.

If you are unable to get away for a long distance trip, a simple stay at a hotel for a day or two will be just as effective. The hotel trip will allow you to remove yourself from a stressful situation and relax for a day or two. Just remember to leave all work related materials at home!

Next time you’re feeling stressed, think back to the last time you’ve had a vacation. If it’s been a while consider getting away with a mini vacation or short hotel stay. You’ll feel refreshed, relaxed and stress-free when you get back!

  • Share/Bookmark
Filed Under: Hotels, Travel, Vacation Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Bringing Your Kids on Vacation

August 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Pinokkio, Magic Kingdom, Orlando. May 2005
Image via Wikipedia

Taking a vacation is one of the most fun experiences you can have in your life but sometimes there are obstacles that make taking a vacation a little harder. Kids is one of the biggest obstacles that you can face when it comes to travel and vacationing. It is often the main reason parents shy away from taking vacations altogether. But taking a vacation with kids doesn’t have to be as stressful as it could be. You can bring your kids along on vacation and still have a great time if you are smart enough to do it the right way.

First, if you are not planning on visiting the Magic Kingdom and would rather go somewhere a little cheaper than a simple search of the outlying area you are going to should help decide if it is kid friendly. Search that area and kids attractions and it should get you to a website where all that information is available. If you can’t find enough information then you may want to shy away taking your kids there.

What you are looking for are good local parks, good kid friendly restaurants, and an attraction or two that is specifically designed for kids. If you are staying at a hotel then you should ask the front desk for a television with a DVD hookup so you can bring your kids favorite movies. Usually the front desk will make the exception because you are dealing with children. You should also inquire about hotels in the area that have child care services. This could be a great way for you and your spouse to get a break for a few hours while you get a bite to eat or hang out at the pool.

If you are looking for something a little different you might want to make a choice to go with a hotel that has efficiencies or even go so far as to rent a condo so you have all the comforts of home including a full working kitchen. Taking kids on vacation does not have to be a pain.

  • Share/Bookmark
Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Tagged With: , ,

Hiring a House Sitter

August 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you plan to take an extended vacation you may need a house sitter. With pets and plants, even a short trip can mean needing someone to take care of things while you are gone. The first choice is to have someone you know come over to take care of your needs. A friend, family member or neighbor can be a first choice but not everyone has someone they’re familiar with enough to allow them into their home or perhaps live far away from anyone close enough to come over.

When hiring an outside party to house sit there are a few things to keep in mind. There are many places online that offer house sitting services. A simple search can warrant you places to call. Be sure to check out reviews from non-biased customers so you can be assured of an honest approach to the company’s services. As for references and check them out. You should get at least three valid references on average.

After you have chosen a house sitter be sure that they are fully aware of what is expected of them and that you have a contact number to reach them. They should also have your number in case of any issues or emergencies.

Prepare a list of all things needed to be performed by the house sitter. Feeding times or special food for pets, plants than have to be watered and where they are located, numbers of any persons close by that you trust, where to put mail or newspapers, when to leave the lights on or anything else that you normally would do should be stated in your list.

Be sure the price negotiations or the fee you are being charged is written down and signed by both parties. Try to check in if possible just to be aware of any issues in advance.

  • Share/Bookmark
Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Tagged With: , , ,