This article is one of two and follows "5 Tips on Finding the Right B&B For You".
Now that you have found the the location and determined what you want to do and what your budget is its time to line up all your plans so everything falls into place easily. The only thing left to chance might be the weather.
If you have decided to make this weekend one you are sharing with another couple make sure you determine ahead of time if you all want to do the same things or if you want to go your separate ways at some point each day and reconnect at a later time. Remember this can and should meet everyone's needs.
If there is somewhere you wish to go that requires reservations, such as a concert, restaurant or theatre make sure that is looked after long before you leave. Even if they say you don't need them I would suggest you do it anyway. I live and operate a bed and breakfast in a tourist town in central Ontario and the off season can be extremely quiet, however, you never know when a tour bus is going to roll through town and they can fill a venue in no time, or at least take all the best seats, particularly in the fall.
If you have been referred to a particular eatery by friends or reviews and you know you want to try one special entree or dessert, make sure it is still on the menu. Many restaurants change their menus seasonally and/or buy locally. If its a local peach pie you heard about but aren't going until the spring then you will be disappointed. If you aren't a "foody" type you might not know when peaches are in season, so ask to be sure.
If you are going to a specific location for a concert make sure you know the headline band is still playing for sure. Of course the venue operator can't guarantee against unforeseen emergencies, however, if they don't sell enough tickets by a certain date that band might have reserved the right to get out of the contract and you could end up hearing someone you don't care for. And if you have asked your B&B hosts to do anything in particular and they went out of their way to prepare for your arrival, and then you cancel, you could end up on their dreaded "do not book" list. Yes they do exist.
If an active weekend is your getaway of choice and equipment or rentals are required then make those reservations ahead of time. If you want the equipment delivered to the B&B ask both the outfitter and host if it is possible and make the arrangements. And confirm before you leave home so there are no misunderstandings. I have experienced rental mix-ups at other places and if I had all the confirmation paper-work I was given a full refund if the error was not mine. Some guests might ask for a route for a self-guided tour on a Saturday which might include a picnic lunch. We would gladly make that all happen but would need to know ahead of time so that our guests' time was used in the best way possible.
If you wish to be the only guests in the bed and breakfast then I assume you have booked the whole place with friends. And if it is your dream to order take-out dinner on Saturday night and watch a rented movie in your pj's, make sure you have checked it with the hosts first to ensure it will all work and you have your own space.
Elaine Robbins, along with husband Dave, is the owner/operator of Robbins Tuktawayin Bed and Breakfast. This is a waterfront guest house located on Gull Lake in Gravenhurst, Muskoka, Ontario, one of North America's top three summer vacation destination. After being a host and making the acquaintance of many other B&B hosts Elaine felt compelled to write about all things B&B. Check out their website at http://www.robbinstuktawayin.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_D_Robbins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6556054
By Elaine D Robbins
Showing posts with label Bed Breakfast Inns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bed Breakfast Inns. Show all posts
Friday, November 18, 2011
5 Tips for Finding the Right B and B for You
Let's assume you have decided to have a weekend getaway for you and your partner. What follows is the process I would suggest to create that memorable escape you are looking for.
Determine through conversation with your partner what you are both looking for in a bed and breakfast. If you don't voice it or write it down you might have opposing views and the one who takes the initiative and does the research will end up with what they want but the other may be sadly disappointed.
When do you plan to go? Winter, spring, winter or fall... and does it matter where you live? The season may not change enough where you live for it to make a difference. Depending on the area you might not have as big a selection of B&B's in the off -season. Some may close for a time while owners take their own break. Others may have different booking rules and regulations on off -season weekends, such as bed and breakfast reservations on weekends are required to be for both Friday and Saturday night and must include 2 rooms. The first is likely not an issue but the second might be more of a challenge. Perhaps, to solve the accommodation fulfillment you could consider inviting another couple to go along with you. The cost would be no greater, all requirements would be fulfilled and you might have a fabulous time hanging out with friends.
Determine what you can afford to spend. This isn't supposed to put you under financial stress. It should be a fun time together you can plan and look forward to and have fond memories of...a time you will want to repeat.
Where in your area do you want to go and how far are you willing to travel for a weekend trip. Is there somewhere you have always wanted to stay in a bed and breakfast inn? Perhaps an area full of vineyards, a great hiking or biking mecca, the host city or town of an event you have always wanted to attend. Check out the bed and breakfast association for that area. Some B&B's might specialize in just the weekend you are planning.
What do you want to do on your B&B getaway? Maybe you love to shop, or hike or read, or try new restaurants. Maybe you just want to stay at a bed and breakfast where you can park the car and head out the door after your morning meal to explore the area. That could mean exploring a lake or river in a canoe, kayaks or a paddle-boat if it's a waterfront guest house. Or it could mean walking to local shops and browsing. It might mean going to a museum you've always wanted to check out. Perhaps you are a hiker and the B&B is adjacent to the trail you have always wanted to spend a day on. Maybe you can do a bicycle tour of local vineyards. Decide what it is you both, or all if you are now two couples, want to do and then do your search through the area B&B directory. Often one or two contacts is all it takes to find out if they can make your getaway the one you have imagined. Start your search and tell them about your plan/dream. They may very well delight in helping you make it all come true and can put you in touch with any businesses you might be interested in making reservations with.
Talk, plan, research, book it and then count the sleeps until your B&B getaway.
Elaine Robbins is an owner/operator of Robbins Tuktawayin Bed and Breakfast. This is a waterfront guest house located on Gull Lake in Gravenhurst, Muskoka, Ontario, one of North America's top three summer vacation destination. After many years of talking about opening a B & B she finally decided to actually do it in the summer of 2011 and have no regrets. After being a host and making the acquaintance of many other B&B hosts Elaine felt compelled to write about all things B&B. Check out their website at http://www.robbinstuktawayin.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_D_Robbins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6548851
By Elaine D Robbins
Determine through conversation with your partner what you are both looking for in a bed and breakfast. If you don't voice it or write it down you might have opposing views and the one who takes the initiative and does the research will end up with what they want but the other may be sadly disappointed.
When do you plan to go? Winter, spring, winter or fall... and does it matter where you live? The season may not change enough where you live for it to make a difference. Depending on the area you might not have as big a selection of B&B's in the off -season. Some may close for a time while owners take their own break. Others may have different booking rules and regulations on off -season weekends, such as bed and breakfast reservations on weekends are required to be for both Friday and Saturday night and must include 2 rooms. The first is likely not an issue but the second might be more of a challenge. Perhaps, to solve the accommodation fulfillment you could consider inviting another couple to go along with you. The cost would be no greater, all requirements would be fulfilled and you might have a fabulous time hanging out with friends.
Determine what you can afford to spend. This isn't supposed to put you under financial stress. It should be a fun time together you can plan and look forward to and have fond memories of...a time you will want to repeat.
Where in your area do you want to go and how far are you willing to travel for a weekend trip. Is there somewhere you have always wanted to stay in a bed and breakfast inn? Perhaps an area full of vineyards, a great hiking or biking mecca, the host city or town of an event you have always wanted to attend. Check out the bed and breakfast association for that area. Some B&B's might specialize in just the weekend you are planning.
What do you want to do on your B&B getaway? Maybe you love to shop, or hike or read, or try new restaurants. Maybe you just want to stay at a bed and breakfast where you can park the car and head out the door after your morning meal to explore the area. That could mean exploring a lake or river in a canoe, kayaks or a paddle-boat if it's a waterfront guest house. Or it could mean walking to local shops and browsing. It might mean going to a museum you've always wanted to check out. Perhaps you are a hiker and the B&B is adjacent to the trail you have always wanted to spend a day on. Maybe you can do a bicycle tour of local vineyards. Decide what it is you both, or all if you are now two couples, want to do and then do your search through the area B&B directory. Often one or two contacts is all it takes to find out if they can make your getaway the one you have imagined. Start your search and tell them about your plan/dream. They may very well delight in helping you make it all come true and can put you in touch with any businesses you might be interested in making reservations with.
Talk, plan, research, book it and then count the sleeps until your B&B getaway.
Elaine Robbins is an owner/operator of Robbins Tuktawayin Bed and Breakfast. This is a waterfront guest house located on Gull Lake in Gravenhurst, Muskoka, Ontario, one of North America's top three summer vacation destination. After many years of talking about opening a B & B she finally decided to actually do it in the summer of 2011 and have no regrets. After being a host and making the acquaintance of many other B&B hosts Elaine felt compelled to write about all things B&B. Check out their website at http://www.robbinstuktawayin.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_D_Robbins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6548851
By Elaine D Robbins
Where to Find Budget Accommodation
Most people are on a budget these days and this applies whether at home or whether they are on holidays. When travelling for fun or any other reason you can usually find budget accommodation to suit. Of course, the cheapest kind of accommodation is to pitch a tent in a caravan park site, but this does not suit everyone. Some people need a little more comfort and convenience than a tent provides.
Staying in a cabin at a caravan park is another budget accommodation choice. Cabins these days are relatively comfortable and you can cook your own meals, thus saving again on dining out. There are barbeque facilities in the park as well as a stove and microwave oven in the cabin - and most parks feature swimming pools which will keep the kids happy.
Of course you can have your own caravan and book into a caravan park for a very affordable rate, but there is the initial cost of buying the van, the added fuel to tow it and finding somewhere to store it when not in use. And some people prefer not to have to tow a van wherever they go. Other than that, it can provide an extra guest room at home, and you don't always have to book accommodation. You are free to stay at a great many more places such as national parks that have camping sites.
Some people prefer to stay at a cottage. Booking a cottage is a wonderful option when there is a larger group of people requiring beds. If the cost is shared between all it becomes very affordable. There is much more room in a holiday cottage than in a cabin at a caravan park. It is more private as there is only your group on the premises. The facilities include everything you would have in your own home such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. There may even be lock-up parking.
Bed and breakfast accommodation is ideal for many people. When there are many tourist activities to participate in, or if you are only staying for one night, bed and breakfast offers an affordable and comfortable choice. You get to stay in a real home with a comfy bed and breakfast is included. You would not be there for other meals anyway if you are intent on exploring the region. The best thing about bed and breakfast is that you get to chat with a local and they can often direct you to some of the hidden delights in their region that you would otherwise miss out on.
Renting a flat also works out to be quite affordable if there are two families or couples to share the cost. Many flats have enough beds or fold-down sofas to accommodate five or six people. You could also take a blow-up mattress or two for extras. Of course you would have to account for them with the manager, but adding extra people is usually a small extra cost when you book a flat.
Having once previously owned his own bed and breakfast Alf writes articles which provide those looking to run, and currently running tips and advice. He also critiques other Perth accommodation and holiday accommodation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alf_Stewart
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6561834
By Alf Stewart
Staying in a cabin at a caravan park is another budget accommodation choice. Cabins these days are relatively comfortable and you can cook your own meals, thus saving again on dining out. There are barbeque facilities in the park as well as a stove and microwave oven in the cabin - and most parks feature swimming pools which will keep the kids happy.
Of course you can have your own caravan and book into a caravan park for a very affordable rate, but there is the initial cost of buying the van, the added fuel to tow it and finding somewhere to store it when not in use. And some people prefer not to have to tow a van wherever they go. Other than that, it can provide an extra guest room at home, and you don't always have to book accommodation. You are free to stay at a great many more places such as national parks that have camping sites.
Some people prefer to stay at a cottage. Booking a cottage is a wonderful option when there is a larger group of people requiring beds. If the cost is shared between all it becomes very affordable. There is much more room in a holiday cottage than in a cabin at a caravan park. It is more private as there is only your group on the premises. The facilities include everything you would have in your own home such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. There may even be lock-up parking.
Bed and breakfast accommodation is ideal for many people. When there are many tourist activities to participate in, or if you are only staying for one night, bed and breakfast offers an affordable and comfortable choice. You get to stay in a real home with a comfy bed and breakfast is included. You would not be there for other meals anyway if you are intent on exploring the region. The best thing about bed and breakfast is that you get to chat with a local and they can often direct you to some of the hidden delights in their region that you would otherwise miss out on.
Renting a flat also works out to be quite affordable if there are two families or couples to share the cost. Many flats have enough beds or fold-down sofas to accommodate five or six people. You could also take a blow-up mattress or two for extras. Of course you would have to account for them with the manager, but adding extra people is usually a small extra cost when you book a flat.
Having once previously owned his own bed and breakfast Alf writes articles which provide those looking to run, and currently running tips and advice. He also critiques other Perth accommodation and holiday accommodation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alf_Stewart
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6561834
By Alf Stewart
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