Photos kindly provided by Nat Baddour (http://nbaddour.smugmug.com/Travel-2008/Australia-2008/The-Whitsundays).

Our focus for Travel Tuesday this week is, once again, the Land Down Under!

While I have never been south of the equator, a few of my friends have had the luxury of doing so. Luckily, I managed to catch a couple of them in their busy schedules to share their experiences with you, for this week’s blog entry.

Danielle J., a keen photographer currently residing in the Great White North (also known as Canada), shares an account of her time in the state of Victoria.

So, Danielle, what inspired you to go to Australia?

“The initial inspiration to go to Australia started a long time ago, for both my husband and myself. Last year, we finally had the opportunity to go, so we jumped at the chance.

The only part of Australia that I really saw, though, was southern Victoria. We were mostly in Melbourne. It’s a fantastic city. One that, if I had the chance and an unlimited budget to work with, I wouldn’t mind living in permanently. The city is alive with cafes, sports fans, and really great food.”

I guess this is a bit of a no brainer, but if there was one part of Australia you would suggest to other travelers, where would it be?

“Wow, Oz is big! My suggestion would be to go to Melbourne, of course. The Great Ocean Road is a must do. I would highly recommend a trip to see Uluru. Once you are in that neck of the woods, you may as well see some Coral Reefs while you’re at it. Places like Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach are sure to please all beach goers. Just be aware of the seasons, so I would advise you all to do your research.

If you’re into 4×4′ing, I suggest a camping trip to Fraser Island. You can rent a jeep or some type of 4WD to get yourself on and around the island itself, as regular cars are not going to cut it. If you’re in the Sydney area, you must take a trip out to see the Blue Mountains. I would not dismiss the west coast either. I have not been to Perth, but I hear it’s beautiful.

Oh, and don’t forget the Whitsunday Islands!”

[See photos above - apparently sailing is amongst one of the best things to do in that area. Our photographer, Nat Baddour, spent 3 days on a sailboat out at the Whitsundays.]

That sounds like such an adventure! How long would you suggest going for?

“I would say as long as you can, provided your budget allows you to do so. 3-6 weeks is quite nice. If you can afford to stay longer, do so!”

[Check out our available listings, which start from as low as $35 per night]

Now, I must ask: what was your favorite moment of being in Australia?

“Wow, I am not sure if I have a favorite moment per se. I think driving along Great Ocean Road is probably the closest to being the most memorable part of my time in Oz.

We stayed in Apollo Bay and eventually made it to see the 12 Apostles – or at least what’s left of them. The rainforest, the wild animals and the thrill of driving on the other side of the road made it quite the experience.”

Sounds like you had a great time. Would you go back and do it all over again?

“Yes I would!”

Thanks for sharing that with us, Danielle.

Reported by AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

Apologies, first of all, for the severe lack of quality photography. Perhaps we should get a competition going to get you traveling photographers to submit your work and get something featured or posted on our blog… what say you? I should probably pass the idea by our co-founders first, but I will inevitably get back to you on that one.

Meanwhile, this week I suggest a visit to Seattle. We have 70 affordable listings for you to choose from, some with a substantial number of reviews for you to peruse through, too, so you know what you're getting for your dollars worth.

And what's great in Seattle this time of year? Well, apart from Pike Place Market being open pretty much all year round, the weather is just cooling off from summer and rainy season hasn't quite started yet. It's a nice transition stage that's perfect for walking around.

More ideas next week!

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

Photo kindly provided by Nat Baddour (http://nbaddour.smugmug.com/Travel-2009/Key-West)

September has arrived; fall is approaching. As the summer heat and annoying mosquitoes slowly fade away, we are greeted with cooler breezes and… slightly shorter days?

We are now approaching a season in Miami that is supposed to be fantastic for walking tours. While high-season to Miami is from December through May – because of the milder weather – we thought this would be a great opportunity for you to discover what Miami has to offer without fighting with the crowd. And since temperatures are still very beach-friendly, you can extend the summertime feeling by booking with one of Airbnb’s 65 listings in the area.

Oh, and in case you were worried, the end of September sees the end of hurricane season too. So get booking!

Happy September, everyone.

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

Photos kindly provided by Nat Baddour (http://nbaddour.smugmug.com/Travel-2008/Australia-2008).

As we slowly approach the end of our summer here in the northern hemisphere, this week we look to our friends down under.

I’ve personally never been, but I’ve heard some fantastic things about their beaches. So if you get booking now, chances are you’ll probably get to enjoy yet another summer in the months to come! Who said only birds migrate for the winter?

With 35 listings in Australia, Airbnb can provide you with beach houses for only $60 per night. Now that’s a steal.

Race you there?

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

While there are no listing yet available near the Wye Valley, there are certainly plenty of places to choose from that would only be a few hours drive away.

Wye Valley is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the western part of the United Kingdom, tucked neatly away in Wales. With plenty of places to hike, and relic after relic to visit, there is absolutely no doubt that the adventurous you would find something to do.

While the country is notorious for stirring up sheep jokes with its neighbors, the Welsh offer some of the finest cuisine you will ever imagine. From mussels to Welsh Cakes, Snowdonian cheese (The Little Black Bomber is so tasty!) to fine local ciders and ales, and furthermore to honey and of course to lamb, even a short weekend trip away from London will be worth it to wake up your senses and get a breath of nature for a change.

Believe me. I’ve been there. It will take your breath away.

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

Ever been to Hong Kong? Ever had a chance to check out the hotel prices of The Peninsula? Well, at AirBnB you can stay in the same district, with the owner of Cafe de Fontaine! Want to find out what to do during your stay? Just ask him!

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

Traveling to Spain this time of year is pretty awesome, if you can cope with the heat. We have a few listings in Barcelona that might take your fancy, should you decide to include this adorable little city in your list of places to visit during your European trip.

I’m a personal fan of Barca. Not just for Gaudi and the beautiful beaches, but because of Old Town and the delicious Spanish dishes hidden in local restaurants embedded deep within the narrow streets, away from the tourist crowds. Be sure to ask your AirBnB hosts where to find such local pleasures in the city. But here’s a tip from me: find the restaurant La Fonda on Carrer dels Escudellers and order their paella. You can’t miss it. Spaniards line up outside for a whole hour before dinner-time opening hours, just to get in.

Oh, and then of course there is the the gigantic structure of La Sagrada Familia that you should visit. It’s breath-taking. And that’s an understatement.

All for today, folks.

AirBnB Girl aka. elfie C.

I’ve missed a good few weeks of Travel Tuesday entries – please do accept my apologies. I’ve been taking Travel Tuesday a little too literally and have developed a fondness for actually traveling on Tuesdays. Oops!