Stuck in transit? 50 ways to solve a traveller's worst nightmare.

Thursday 30 May 2013
By Emily Joleski

Airport layovers are notoriously tediousness and few travellers are keen spend more than a couple of hours waiting in transit. But some of the world’s top airports are coming to the rescue with a number of ways to make time pass faster.

San Francisco Aviation Museum: The top floor is a library with over 6,000 abooks and periodicals, 

and the bottom floor houses a number of fascinating exhibits.

It’s a special year for Airbnb, in August 2013 we will be celebrating five years of connecting people to unique travel experiences across the globe. Since our birth in 2008, Airbnb has grown as the trusted marketplace for travel and adventure seekers to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world. With over 10 millions nights booked in over 30,000 cities and 192 countries worldwide, that figure amounts to a hell of a lot of time spent in transit for many Airbnb travellers. 

But who says you have to sit around at the airport? There are so many things to see and do at some of our best airports that many of us don’t even realise our holiday actually begins in our layover.

Visit a butterfly garden at Singapore’s Changi airport, ride a flight simulator at Hong Kong airport, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Munich airport, celebrate a birthday at Frankfurt, take an hour to walk the Great Wall of China in Beijing, or spend time in the Aviation Museum at San Francisco's international terminal. An abundance of activities are available at airports that you will likely have to spend some time in during your travels. If you’re anxious about flying, there’s something for you too. Pat Casey the golden retriever therapy dog at Miami airport, trained to calm tense travellers and restless children. With so many options to suit adults and children alike, airport boredom is a thing of the past.

For the full list of 50 fun things to do for adults and kids at the world's airports check out this Sunday Morning Herald article ‘Fun before you fly’. 

Still bored in transit? 

Airbnb have introduced the magnificent city of Chicago to their extensive list of popular Neighbourhoods for international travel buffs. Discover the perfect Chi-town neighbourhood for you!

And if you're an Airbnb host, we have comprised a list to help make your guest's next stay one they'll remember forever. Make your guests feel at home with these handy hints.

*Image courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

Top 10: How to make your guests feel at home

Thursday 30 May 2013
By Emily Joleski

Thinking about listing your unused space on Airbnb? Whether you have a spare bedroom, own a second property, have a treehouse or just want to rent your place and pay your own travels, you can list it on Airbnb. Making sure that your house guests are comfortable is not always easy, so to make your job a little easier Airbnb have comprised a check list of what to do to make people feel at home, and even special when they come to stay. 

10. Provide good lighting

Provide a lamp for reading and to make sure your guests won’t have to stumble around in the dark to find the light switch. If you can provide mood lighting that guests can adjust themselves, great! A lighted magnifying make up mirror is a real luxury.

It’s never good to walk into a hotel room and not have adequate lighting, 
so don’t do that to your guests. 

9. Have fresh linen and blankets on standby

Ensure bedding is crisp and clean before your guests have arrived and keep lots of extra blankets somewhere that is easily accessible, especially if it’s a cold.

8. Provide basic toiletries
There is no need to put yourself out here, simply laying out a new tube of toothpaste, travel size shampoo and conditioner bottles, and a bar of soap will make visitors feel at home instantly.

Toiletries are essential when travelling and your guests will appreciate additional supplies 

(especially if they’ve accidentally forgotten something)

7. Don't leave your guests starving

Leaving a couple bottles of water, fruit or snack is an extra special touch. This way guest don't have to leave their room for a midnight snack. Want to go the extra mile? Find out how they have their coffee and what they like for breakfast and have it ready to go in the the morning.

6. Space, space, and more space!
The more space your guests have the more comfortable they will feel and the more willing they will be to make it their own. If you have an extra chest of drawers, perfect. But if you don’t, clear out one or two drawers for your guests. Clear the clutter – less really is more. 

5. Simple basics
Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. Provide paper and pens, scissors, tape, a hair dryer, an iron if available, and tissues, to have all the bases covered. A phone in the room will be a much-appreciated bonus item. 

A candle will set an ambient mood for guests, helping them to wind down after a long flight

4. Don't underestimate the power of a bathrobe
With the limited space in suitcases, bathrobes are usually left at home. Having one ready upon arrival will make guests feel comfortable in an instant!

A clean fluffy bathrobe is the ultimate luxury.

3. Provide light entertainment

If you've read a wonderful novel, share it with your guest, or put together a stack of  magazines you think your guests might like. If your guests will be going around town without you, they'll appreciate area maps, brochures, and directions to your home.  A TV in the guest room is a real luxury. If you have DVD or CD player provide an assortment of your favourite albums and films. Many people travel with laptop computers and need to check e-mail when away from home. If your home is wired, great! Make sure to leave a note with your connection details so guests can connect in their own time. 

Reading material provides quiet-time activities for your guests 

and gives them something to do in case they're early risers or night owls. 

2. Flower power

Putting out a vase of fresh flowers in your guest room is probably one of the best way to say "we're really glad you're here".

Everybody loves fresh flowers.

1. Most importantly - Give your guests some privacy

Choose window coverings that provide privacy and light control. If you are going to be present while your guests stay, give them their own space. Leave the house for a couple of hours and give them time to settle in. 

Feeling overwhelmed? No need! There’s nothing to it – just think of what you would like to find in a fine hotel room and you'll be on your way to creating the perfect guest room for your next Airbnb visitors. 


*Images courtesy of http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/