Posts by : Izy Berry

Koh Yao Noi is considered to be one of Thailand’s last unspoiled islands by The Guardian despite the millions of tourists who visit the beautiful destination each year. As one of the top quiet islands in Thailand, it’s an incredible place to relax and recharge while spending time in paradise. When you’re planning a trip to Koh Yao Noi, it’s important to follow a guide that will point you in the right direction with your accommodations.

Where to Stay

The lodging that you stay at will determine how comfortable you feel while vacationing in Koh Yao Noi. 18 thatched-roof bungalows are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy a quaint and cozy setting. The bungalows often include open-air showers and private courtyards with surrounding views of limestone stacks in the distance. Most of the bungalows are run by families and are available at an affordable price.

If you want to enjoy more luxurious accommodations, you can choose to stay in a holiday resort in Koh Yao Noi where you can book air-conditioned rooms and take a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool on the grounds by your booked private villas such as Coastal Escape.  You can enjoy an on-site four-star restaurant, zip a class-A cocktail next to the swimming pool facing the ocean views. Even if you’re not a luxury traveler, it’s worth trying this luxury, secluded, and quiet escape like this once with a reasonable price you don’t get anywhere else in other islands in Thailand.

Read Also: Why to Choose South East Asia for Your Next Luxury Holiday

Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi

When you want to stay busy while vacationing on the island, there are many types of outdoor activities that are available. You can kayak or snorkel when you want to get a close look at the different types of marine life that are available.

If you prefer to stay on the shore, badminton is a laidback and fun game to play on the lawn where you can soak up the sun.

The golden beaches in Koh Yao Noi are the highlight of the island and the main draw for tourists. The shores are often exposed and are a place to go swimming or chase a few crabs. You can take a trip to Phang Nga Bay on a boat trip or take a drive on one of the main roads while riding a motorcycle or bike, which will allow you to take in the beautiful scenery. Some of the top beaches to visit include Lom Lae Beach, Pasai Beach, Klong Jark beach, Tha Khao Beach, and Laem Sai.

Other types of activities that can be enjoyed include rock climbing and diving for thrill-seekers who want a bit of adrenaline in a natural setting.

If you’re in the mood to relax and take in the tranquility of the setting, consider participating in a yoga or Pilates class on the beach. The peaceful movements will improve your flexibility and can maintain your health during your stay. You can follow up your yoga or pilates class by booking a traditional Thai massage at a local spa, which are easy to find on the island at a resort or in the village. You’ll be served a warm cup of lemongrass tea after the massage comes to an end.

Cultural day tours are also available on the island where you can learn about the history and traditions of the setting. Many of the tours include riding bikes to get around the island. You’ll get to handpick a bike at a local shop before meeting your guide.

Dining

Both Western and Thai restaurants can be found in Koh Yao Noi if you prefer to sit down while enjoying your meal. Those who are on the go can visit roadside stalls or the village market if you don’t want to spend much money without compromising on the quality of the food that you enjoy. The main villages also have a few independent restaurants, and many bungalows have eateries that are attached with a high level of Koh Yao Noi accommodation available to tourists.

Transportation

Many people arrive on the island by taking a ferry boat after flying to Phuket. Those who haven’t reserved a spot on the ferry can also get a ride on the songthaew pick-up trucks that are at the pier. The average ride costs 100 baht per person.

Although the island doesn’t have public transportation, you can hire a taxi or rent your own car to use to get around during your trip. Taxi and tour services are also available to rent for the day, which can make it easy to feel accommodated if you have a busy itinerary. Motorbike rentals are also easy to obtain and cost an average of 250 and 350 baht each day.

I haven’t done much travel around the UK yet, but there are a few places I’ve heard great things about, and one of them is Sussex. It has definitely gone on the list as a place I need to visit before the secret gets out and it becomes overrun with tourists.

Sussex is popular with Londoners hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and for good reason. The far south of England is known for quaint little villages, which has an old-world atmosphere you won’t find in many other places. The inland hills and breathtaking coastline make it a must-visit for people of all ages, and it’s an easy trip to and from London so you can visit for a quick weekend whenever you need to get away.

Unlike many other parts of the UK, Sussex has most of its attractions open throughout the year. This means that finding the right time to go will depend on your tolerance for crowds and the type of weather you’re looking for. Obviously, the colder it is in Sussex, the fewer crowds you’ll seek. In school holidays and the peak of summer (July and August) the sun will be out all day, making it easy to forget you’re in Britain. However parents and kids also know that this is the place to be, so it can be packed with people.

If you want to combine decent weather with a little quiet, visiting in June or September is the way to go. Although May can also be a great time to visit since days are slowly warming up and Brighton begins to warm up with an annual festival of parades, fireworks, comedy, and concerts.

There’s a wide variety of accommodation in Sussex, which is another reason I definitely want to visit. Sometimes I like to stay in cheaper accommodation, while other times I prefer to splash out and stay somewhere really nice. I think I would like to stay in holiday cottage in Sussex, as this is a good way to feel like a local while having all of the comforts of home.

Brighton is a favourite place to visit for those looking to party, but you can also spend some time strolling along the famous pier. You’ll also find that the Seven Sisters is a great place to take a picnic and a camera for views of the English Channel.

Don’t miss Bodiam Castle, which is from the 14th century. You can even climb the towers and be transported back in time.

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, Arundel is the place to go. Check out the castle and cathedral.

Rye is a medieval town on the river, and the streets are perfect for wandering. Don’t forget to visit Chichester Cathedral as well.

Have you been to Sussex? Give me some tips for my visit in the comments below.

When you visit our nation’s capital, you expect to see the Washington Monument, the Capitol building, the White House, and other D.C. landmarks. While the District of Columbia is known for its history and collection of unique architecture, many don’t realize that the city continues to evolve. In fact, D.C. has changed in the just the past decade with new development projects and some rejuvenation efforts.

Change often invites controversy, and those inside the beltway are no stranger to debate. Whether the issue is modern vs. classic, residential vs. commercial, or building height, there is much to decide. Here is how Washington D.C.’s skyline has evolved over the past decade and a look at the most glaring D.C. development controversy.

U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration

The iconic dome that sits atop our nation’s capital building was constructed 150 years ago. The building and its dome have survived a civil war, a major earthquake, as well as over a hundred years’ worth of sun, snow, and wind.

This National Historic Landmark became threatened by water leaks, rust, and just general deterioration in recent years, which prompted an extensive restoration project that began in 2013. The restoration project on the Capitol dome was completed, ahead of schedule, in October 2016. This recent renovation is expected to leave the dome in good shape for the next 75 years.

Washington D.C.’s Height Act

If you’ve visited Washington D.C., you may have noticed that the city doesn’t have a skyline riddled with skyscrapers like some other major U.S. cities. This is both by design and according to some controversial legislation. The D.C. Height Act was passed in 1899 and limits the height of buildings in the city to just 110 feet.  The original intent of the law was to keep D.C. residents safe since fire crews were still advancing their methods in the late 1800’s and the skyscraper was a new phenomenon in cities.

While some appreciate the aesthetic effect of the rule, the economic consequences have brought forth many opponents to the act. Obviously, the nation’s capital is a center for government as well as some businesses. The height restrictions have lessened available office and living space in Washington D.C., which has boosted commercial and residential rents.  As it is today, the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument remain the tallest buildings in the city.

While there are many historic neighborhoods in D.C. worth saving and preserving, there are also areas that could be developed on a grand scale. With the Height Act regulations still in place, developers are limited in their project scopes. For example, between 2005-2015, the city only granted 25,00 building permits, which is a small number for a city of over 650,000 residents.

Transformative Projects Inside the Beltway

There are building and development taking place inside the beltway, despite the constraints of the Height Act. For example, Square 54 is a new complex located at 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue. This three-building complex consists of a residential building for George Washington University as well as commercial space.

Just one block from the White House at the corner of H and 17th Streets sits the new Lafayette Tower building. This new energy-efficient building was the first in D.C. to receive the LEED CD Platinum certification.

There are several new hotels as well. The Marriot Courtyard Washington is located in NoMa (North of Massachusetts). This “stubby” skyscraper provides views of the Capitol as well as world-class amenities. The Marriott Marquis is closer to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Penn Quarter. This new hotel has 1,175 guest rooms as well as over 100,000 square feet of meeting space.

Even though D.C.’s height restrictions are preventing some areas from urbanizing and pushing rents to some of the highest rates in the nation, progress continues. There remain “dead zones” in the city that seem to await changes to the antiquated building height rules, but other areas are squeezing in progress and rejuvenation wherever they are able.

There are many custom made door types to choose.  Below are six of the most popular types of custom doors in the market today.

1. Custom Pivot Doors

Pivot doors have gained popularity because of their wide access and its simple, yet modern appearance that blends in with most contemporary buildings.  These pivot hinges are installed at the top and bottom of the door and they are used to transfer the weight to the floor.

It’s cost can be 20% to 30%n more expensive than a single door.  However, it can add several more inches of openable access.  If compared to a double door creation, it prices out similarly, but you may be giving up approximately 60% of that access over those two stock doors.

2. Custom Classic Doors

These traditional doors have been a staple in the door industry for centuries.  They can range from established features such as the typical two panel door with creative raised moldings, all the way to custom doors with beautiful inlaid leaded glass with creative artwork that certainly has a lot of curb appeal. They help any building give the impression that it might last forever.

It is in these classic designs where the beauty and the elegance of the wood is best on display.  When using high-end wood, which is typically used in this style of door, the wood grains in combination with top quality stains, truly capture the attention of the eye.  Sometimes the classic design just can’t be beat.

3. Custom Vintage Doors

As ornate as these doors appear, they can be made to custom specifications and delivered as well as installed as a pre-hung unit.  Typically, they are built with galvanized iron along with solid iron for that vintage ornate appearance that may be desired for that home or office.  Some of these doors sport solid steel bolting mechanisms that produce a secure lock.  Step back in time while living safely in the modern world.

4. Custom Modern Doors

While wood doors with all of their intrinsic beauty and utility have been around since the first trees were harvested, the modern world has honed its excellence and creativity through the use of aluminum door systems.

Aluminum’s unique characteristics are the reason that more people are turning to it as the high-value entrance of choice.  Why?

• It’s about 1/3 the density of steel and just as much lighter.
• Just because its lighter doesn’t mean that it is weaker.  Most aluminum products are an alloy which can be created to different strengths and it doesn’t turn brittle in very cold temperatures like steel.
• It can be formed much easier than steel.  This has the advantage of giving the marketplace a tremendous amount of variety when shopping for custom made doors.
• Aluminum is corrosion-resistant.  It doesn’t rust like its steel and iron counterparts.

For the environment’s sake, aluminum doors can be recycled using just 5% of the energy of producing new ones from scratch.   Since aluminum can be used over and over again, this makes it a high quality choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

5. Custom French Doors

Custom-made French doors are designed to provide the maximum amount of patio space by opening into the interior of the home or office.  Typically, there are two doors that open and close together, which gives a feeling of openness as one either enters or exits the building.  Often, the doors will be made with solid or checkered multi-pane glass windows that continue to breath an air of openness while maintaining energy efficiency when closed.

The wood itself is usually protected by a vinyl exterior extending the life of the door while preserving its beauty.  These doors are highly durable and have become time-tested so the consumer may be assured of their investment.

6. Custom-Designed Barn Doors

Used inside or out, barn doors aren’t just for the holding of the horses inside the barn.  They have become a serious contender in the purchases made for home design and functionality.  Often, they are used in homes where space is at a premium such as rehabbing an older home with smaller room designs.  Sometimes they are simply used to divide off rooms in an effective contrast scheme.  At other times, an old horse barn may be renovated into a beautiful home while retaining its original theme.

In homes where the open-air layout is in play, these barn doors can have window inserts along the top while sliding on parallel tracks to the adjacent walls.  This eliminates the swinging door style which can seem to reduce usable space or at least create the appearance of such.  The options are as endless as the imagination for these nostalgic additions to the home.

7. Custom-Made High Impact Doors

In regions that are prone to the high velocity winds of tornadoes and hurricanes, high impact exterior are an excellent investment for any home.  The materials used are designed to withstand more than the standard winds we are accustomed to braving.  These doors have reinforced hinges and door frames that add to its stoutness.  Just because these doors are extra sturdy doesn’t mean that craft and design have to be sacrificed.  These doors can be custom-made to appear as beautiful as any other door on the market today.

Custom-made doors are available in any style, design or application.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been interested in taking a river cruise. Unlike normal cruises, you’re taken directly to some of the best spots in the world- since so many great towns and cities were originally built on rivers.

I recently read this infographic about some of the world’s rivers, and it made me even more excited to spend some time on a river or two!

Did you know that the Nile river is 4100 miles long? It runs through Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and of course, Egypt.

The ancient Egyptian calendar was based on the 3 Nile River cycles. Each season was made up of 4 months, and each month was 30 days- similar to the way our calendar works today.

Along the Nile, you’ll see the Temple of Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Temple of Luxor. You’ll also see lots of wildlife, so keep an eye out for black rhino, hippopotamus, Nile monitor, wildebeest, gazelle, and crocodile.

The Amazon River is another super long river, and travels through Peru, Columbia, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Guyana. This massive river discharges an average of 200 million litres per second. That’s a lot of water. Not to mention that along this 4000 mile river, you won’t find a single bridge.

If you love animals, the Amazon River is an amazing trip> Have you heard of the pink dolphins? You’re also likely to spot anacondas, black caiman, giant river otter, piranhas, and Amazonian manatee.

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, running for 3900 miles. You’ll find it in china, and the drainage basin of this river covers 20% of the country. Expect to see Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu Ghost City, Goddess Stream, and plenty of Giant panda. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a snow leopard.

The Mekong is also in China, although it flows through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar as well. 75% of the annual flow of the Mekong is between July and October (with the monsoon). Be sure to keep an eye out for Mekong freshwater stingray, siamese giant carp, giant river carp, giant pangasius, and Mekong giant catfish.

Heading over to Europe, you’ll find the Danube, which is 1777 miles long. This river is one of the most important shipping routes in Europe, and connects with the Black Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It flows through Serbia, Germany, Croatia, Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Austria.

If you travel down the Danube, you’ll see incredible cities like Melk, Bratislava, Passau, Budapest, and Vienna. You’ll also be travelling near 200 species of fish, pond turtles, great white pelicans, and beavers.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll find even more interesting information in this excellent infographic. Take a look to learn more about the rivers of the world.

A trip to a Southern African safari lodge is a trip of a lifetime and planning it can become a little overwhelming at times. Packing for any trip remains one of the most stressful aspects of an adventure. Being prepared often can often make a good trip a great one. Therefore taking the right clothes, accessories and gear is of vital importance. Here are 5 tips to help reduce the inevitable packing stress.

Tip 1: Travel Light

Comfort will be your priority out in the African wilderness. Don’t pack more than you need. Your first instincts might tell you to pack your best, but looking flawless becomes inconsequential once you’ve immersed yourself in the African wild. I found that it is truly all about embracing nature.

Tip 2: Bring the right clothing

The right clothing makes a huge difference to your safari experience. The sun can be relentless so choose light clothing and, if you’re like me, bring something with sleeves because the Africa sun can get the best of us. Bring colors that blend into the savannah since you will most likely be going on walks and avoid wearing any loud colors or prints. The weather can change pretty quickly out there so be sure to bring a light jacket that’s easy to store once it heats up a bit. Six pure cotton shirts (a mix of short and long sleeved shirts is advised), two pairs of pants, two pairs of shorts and a jacket should be perfect for a 4-day trip. Bring a pair of walking or hiking shoes, a pair of trainers. I also find that flip-flops are ideal for your post hike relaxation session.

Tip 3: Who needs makeup?

Don’t bother packing your makeup. All I brought was some blush and foundation, which took all of two minutes to apply. If you know you’ll feel like dressing up a bit in the evening, then bring a small kit, but I quickly found that once you’re here there is no time or need for it.

Tip 4: Miscellaneous things you should pack

Pack sunscreen, it is probably one of the most important things on the list. Bring mosquito repellent and a little first aid kit (most tour companies and lodges have one, but I find its always best to bring your own). Don’t forget to bring any allergy or prescription medication you might need. You will be out in the wilderness, unable to run to the nearest pharmacy. Bring a nice small bag to carry everything for the day. You will definitely need some sunglasses. It’s a good idea to get a couple of cheap ones, since they tend to drop and break. Nothing hurts like losing your favorite sunglasses. Don’t forget you need to get all your vaccinations 2 weeks before leaving.

Tip 5: Hats

Bring a couple of hats. I brought a lovely floppy sun hat and a cap. I found that the floppy hat was nice for lazing in the sun, but a cap does a wonderful job of keeping your hair in check on a windy game drive.

When you hear about people traveling to India, they usually are going for the cultural and spiritual riches that can be found there. There’s nothing wrong with that. India is, indeed, a culturally rich country. However, that does not mean it cannot offer other kinds of unforgettable experiences. If you do a little research, you can find a lot of fun and challenging opportunities as well. So if you decide to go to India, don’t forget to put them down on your itinerary.

Raj Mandir Cinema (Jaipur)

If you are a cinema enthusiast, then you are going to love that movie theater. It’s spacious enough to accommodate a lot of people. It gets so chaotic at times that you can say there is a huge movie premiere. The seats are comfortable; the interior design is pastel-colored, and the atmosphere is lively. It’s more fun than your usual movie night. It’s the ideal place to watch one of those Bollywood movies Indians cherish so much. It’s ok if you don’t like the movie, not everybody does, but you don’t go there for the movie. You go there for the experience.

Quick tip: just two minutes away you can get to MI Road, and you’ll find several lassi shops there. You’ll have the most delicious sweet lassi you have ever tasted in your life.

Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)

It is also called the ‘loop,’ and it’s only meant for people who like adventure more than anything else. Some people train for months, just because the route is worth it. It starts in Shimla and ends in Manali, but it’s what’s in between that matters. You’ll end up in places that you wouldn’t believe existed. You’ll be surrounded by mountains with their tops covered in snow; you’ll reach villages like Kalpa, Nako, Dhankar, Kaza, and many others. As a bonus, you’ll also reach one of the oldest Tibetan temples. I can honestly say that the loop resembles some sort of hidden location in the middle of the mountains. You should take your time and spend about 12-14 days to finish the loop. It will provide the best memories you’ll have from India. Nothing will ever top that experience.

Paragliding in Goa

Paragliding hasn’t been popular in India until Himachal Pradesh hosted the very first world cup of paragliding. Since then, you can do this wherever it’s possible. Goa is not the only paragliding attraction, but it’s among the warmest. If you feel up to it, you can paraglide in Bir. You can fly over the deep blue sea and watch the golden beaches. It’s a fantastic view. No need to worry about safety, though. You’ll have instructors and professional pilots to keep you safe.

These three are just a glimpse of all the fun you can have in India. I don’t know why some people avoid this destination. It has a lot to offer, a vacation there is quite affordable, applying for an India e-visa is a piece of cake so getting there is not an issue, and the experiences are simply unforgettable.

It’s almost April. How are those New Year’s resolutions going? Have you kept them all? Probably not, right? But don’t worry, you still have plenty of opportunities to make 2007 the best year you’ve had yet.

Here’s how you do it:

Get in shape

Yeah, sorry, but round is not a shape. If you’re serious about getting in shape, consider this your wakeup call. There are a few things you can do to make the weight come off quickly. Try intermittent fasting, which is about eating your calories at certain times so your body has longer to burn those calories off when you’re not in your “fed” state. Be sure to take up lifting, since the more muscle you have, the more fat you’re burning- even when you’re just lying on the couch.

For people who have been wondering why they can’t seem to lose weight. IIFYM could be the way to go. This stands for If It Fits Your Macros, and it’s about tracking your food. You can then see exactly how much calories you’re eating, and understand how many you need to eat to lose weight. For people who find it hard to be social while “on a diet” IIFYM is a good option since you can just cut some carbs and calories a day or two before a big event or just work out your food to fit in a treat every now and again.

Get saving

If your savings account is sadder than it has ever been, it’s time to do something about it. You just can’t be your best self if you’re continually worrying about whether you’ll have enough money to cover basic necessities. Not to mention, we’re all living longer than ever which means a long retirement that you’ll need money for.

Instead of going out to the casino or clubs, stay in and play online casino games. Instead of buying lunch every day for work, do some meal prep and take in a healthy lunch from home. Instead of paying for that expensive gym subscription, use the local park for running and body weight exercises. Small changes can make a huge difference. Just don’t forget to treat yourself occasionally and set smart goals.

Make friends

I get it, it can be super hard to make new friends when you’re an adult. But people get busy and it’s not uncommon to find that your bestie is suddenly all wrapped up in her kids or your favourite girlfriend has been travelling the world for years. It is possible to make new friends, you just have to go out of your way to do it. Try a new activity, learn a new language at the local night school, or join Couchsurfing meetups. You’ll find that there are plenty of other adults who are also looking for new friends.

Want to make sure 2017 is your best year ever? Check out some of our great posts over at the Flybyblog.com 

Landscape photography can be very rewarding – you get to travel to exciting and unique locations, bear witness to some of the most breathtaking phenomenons of Mother Nature, and, if it is your job, be paid. Landscape photographers always have his or her own bucket list of locations they lust after, while others simply every single destination for what it is. From sprawling landscapes to culture and wildlife, some locations will make even the most seasoned landscape photographer weak in the knees.

Iceland

The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland looks like a country that has come right off the pages of a G.R.R Martin novel. From dramatic landscapes to volcanoes, glaciers and the legendary Blue Lagoon, Iceland truly offers once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

Patagonia

Landscape photographers will be blown away by the rugged terrain and awe-inspiring panoramas of the mountainous region Patagonia. One of the most iconic sights has to be the snow-capped peaks rising above the lakes of Torres del Paine National Park, which is a good place to start. But let’s not forget about the picturesque lakes, pristine waterfalls, sand dunes and frosty lagoons just waiting to be snapped.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of the most breathtaking regions in the world. It is located in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and holds the honour of being the world’s largest inland delta. The Okavango Delta is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and you will be able to capture a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Think buffalo, giraffe, lion, elephant, hippo and zebra. Botswana is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, so expect some incredible photographic opportunities, and don’t forget about that famous African sunset!

The American Southwest

The American Southwest is home to majestic regions like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Sedona, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. This in itself will make any landscape photographer excited. The incredible weather, jaw-dropping vistas, landscapes, and natural wonders make this area one of the most loved locations in the world for landscape photography.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls is one of those ‘must photograph’ locations. Capturing the beauty and magnificence of the Vic Falls, as it is affectionately known, is possible from almost any angle, although those in search of the most unique shots should jump at the opportunity to book a helicopter flight for an up-close-and-personal experience.

Antarctica

While not your typical tourist destination, Antarctica has become more popular over the years for photographer and adventure seekers. The remoteness, tranquillity and immense beauty of the region will take your breath away, while the wildlife and landscapes of the area provide some of the most incredible photo opportunities imaginable. Every photographer should strive to capture the beauty of Antarctica at least once in your lifetime.

When was the last time you heard of someone staying in a B&B? It’s become as uncool as it was to be seen with your mum in public when you were 13. This is a sad state of affairs though, since B&Bs are a great option and in my opinion, will ensure a better stay than the usual boring hotel every time.

As someone who does a lot of travel by myself, one of the things I really like about staying in a bed and breakfast is the fact that I can meet new friends. Because there are usually far fewer rooms in an AirBnb and more communal areas plus an intimate environment, you really can meet people from all over the place- which is great if you’re on the tourist trail since you can share advice and stories. There are few things lonelier than checking into a hotel by yourself after a long flight, eating that sad meal alone, and watching everyone else hanging out together before you go back to your room.

That doesn’t mean that B&Bs have no privacy though- in fact the opposite is true. I somehow always seem to end up at the hotels that are fully booked that weekend for a wedding or just have non-stop conferences the whole time. That means there’s always a baby crying, people are everywhere, the lobby is packed with people trying to get online, and it’s the worst of both worlds- you’re often lonely while giving up all your privacy at the same time.

Speaking of getting online in the lobby, I think it’s ridiculous when hotels don’t offer free wifi. This is something you never have to deal with at B&Bs, and they’re for sure a more inclusive option, usually including snacks, wifi, and parking. Hotels are the opposite and I’m continually surprised by how much extra I have to spend once I’ve already paid for a hotel- resort fees are especially annoying.

While there are definitely friendly people everywhere, I’ve noticed that you’re much more likely to have great customer service at a bed and breakfast compared to when you stay in a hotel. Often the front desk staff have been working all day, and they just don’t care about your problems. The opposite is true at B&Bs, and you’re often being served by the owner who will usually go out of their way to ensure that you have the best possible stay.

Since these owners are also locals, they can also give you the best advice about where to go and what to see. They usually take the time to ask where you’ve been already and find out what you like to do before they point you in the right direction, and they’re also more likely to help you get away from the tourist hotspots so you can eat where the locals are eating and hang out where they’re hanging out as well.