Post by carolyn on Nov 6, 2015 4:54:41 GMT
I’m finishing my plans for my solo California road trip next March, funded by my Airbnb earnings and aided by hosts along the way. My own Airbnb rental is only half booked for November and December – I may have to trim my budget somewhere – but my California sojourn is shaping up and I've figured out how to get to Mendocino.
Just this July, President Obama declared Berryessa Snow Mountain, in northern central California, a national monument. That’s a big deal! I should see this mountain…which, by the way, I’ve never heard of. Have you?
Berryessa lies inland from Mendocino, the third stop on my California trek. There are problems, however. The landmark’s website begins its description of the hike to the mountain’s peak this way: “This is a hard one!” And, to reach Berryessa, you drive five hours through winding roads. The Google Map directions show a meandering circle, with spikes here and there that resemble Richter Scale printouts. It’s a distance that could be traveled in an hour and a half, if it weren’t mountainous. Darn, that’s the whole point! It’s beautiful, secluded, full of rare creatures and amazing vistas. But I need to skip it. I’m not that hardy.
Besides, Mendocino is so rustic and lovely. I can breathe the cool sea air and wander through the charming little main-street shops.
From Mendocino, I’ll head straight for the Northern California redwoods, which in themselves are half the reason I’m taking this trip. I zeroed in on the town of Klamath, forty minutes from the Oregon border. Exactly two Airbnb listings appear here: an RV and a $385-per-night lodge. I could stay in the RV, or perhaps, as the host suggests, negotiate a price for a room in the expansive lodge, but neither option appeals. I’m distracted by another place: Ravenwood Motel. The name sounds like something from a horror movie, and the setting is all craggy shores and mammoth trees. Beautiful, and a bit scary, but the Ravenwood is affordable and I can enjoy all the Northern coast has to offer from the relative comfort of a twin-bed motel room. I’m sorry, Airbnb! I tried! I figure I’ll show support for a lot of Airbnb hosts while on my little journey.
Two nights in Klamath will give me time to explore the grand redwoods and rocky coastline. I’ll have plenty of notes and maps with me; apparently the area has minimal Internet and cell phone service.
What to do with my listing back home when I have no Internet service? I do have someone who can meet guests checking in when I’m away, but I’d like to go one better when it comes to fielding inquiries and reservation requests. How about a Host Exchange? I know an excellent host in my area. She could respond to my incoming Airbnb messages, and I could return the favor when she finds herself off the grid at some point in her future travels. I would give her my Airbnb password. Ultimately, though, she would have to pose as me. I know that Airbnb would frown on that. I'll probably have to de-list my Airbnb when I'm out of Internet range.
After Klamath, I’ll plan on a serious Driving Day to get to Folsom, California. I always think of Interstate 5 as the quickest way to traverse California, but it’s still a six and a half hour drive. Where to stop along the way, if just to catch my breath?
I don’t know the small towns that dot Central California, so I turned to Airbnb again for ideas. Not for places to stay; instead, I had what seemed like a brilliant idea. Why not check out the Guidebooks on listings near my route? This could give tips on where to eat, shop, take in scenery – right?
Wrong. I guess most hosts don’t provide a Guidebook, or maybe it’s the lack of places worth visiting in these central-state hamlets. I looked closer at the listings. And I found Colusa. What a charming little town! Inspired by a host’s description, I decide to stop in Colusa, where stands a courthouse from the 1860s, the one at which the trial scenes in To Kill A Mockingbird were filmed. Here’s a 1908 photo, long before Hollywood came along:
Photo: Wikipedia
Despite that movie title, the area is also known as a bird-watcher’s paradise, close to the Sacramento River and wildlife preserves. Thank you, Colusa Host! I’m sorry that I won’t be staying with you, but your listing description has helped me find an inspirational place for my break from all-day driving.
Then, it’s on to Folsom, which draws me because if my musical roots and my family. We’d listen to Johnny Cash, and my father often reminded us kids of the importance of giving back. “He’s singing to prisoners; they may have done bad things, but they’re still human beings.” It’s a strange thing, planning a trip in part around a visit to a state prison. Yet, that’s what traveling is all about: seeking out the places to which you have a personal connection, in addition to visiting the big trees and wild beaches.
I also found a great Airbnb deal: $40 for private bedroom and bath, and the host has 10 positive reviews. However, it won’t work out. I’m trying to be the good guest before even contacting hosts, and that means I should READ THE ENTIRE LISTING. At the bottom of this listing: 7 nights minimum stay. I won’t need that long to drive by Folsom Prison. Here’s a good option:
www.airbnb.com/rooms/4388190?s=CUfS_5db
One night in Folsom would suffice, and then I’d head down toward beautiful Yosemite. It’s only a three-hour drive, but I’ll make a stop or two along the way.
I browsed a few more towns, tracing the Airbnb map down the center of my state. Lodi, San Andreas, and even Amsterdam, California. Using the map was slow going, compared to a full-screen Google Maps experience, but I liked seeing the little red nightly-rate squares pop up. I still didn’t find many guide books, but one prince of a listing caught my eye, among the $32 private rooms near Los Banos:
www.airbnb.com/rooms/929427?s=Bm3a
Wow! A $1500 per night Airbnb in central California! A glass palace! I’m taking a side trip to see this place! A proper mansion, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The pink marble master bath is larger than my living room. People really live like that, apparently, and they really do need Airbnb to make the mortgage.
My next stops: Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. Could I really fit in all that spectacular scenery? And, will the Airbnbs in these lovely spots break my budget?
I had better start saving a bit more per month. Maybe the first step is to offer a discount for November and December. Otherwise, I’ll be stuck in Los Banos with no way home.
I wonder if the Glass Palace host will allow me to rent just the pink marble bathroom? I can sleep in the tub.
Just this July, President Obama declared Berryessa Snow Mountain, in northern central California, a national monument. That’s a big deal! I should see this mountain…which, by the way, I’ve never heard of. Have you?
Berryessa lies inland from Mendocino, the third stop on my California trek. There are problems, however. The landmark’s website begins its description of the hike to the mountain’s peak this way: “This is a hard one!” And, to reach Berryessa, you drive five hours through winding roads. The Google Map directions show a meandering circle, with spikes here and there that resemble Richter Scale printouts. It’s a distance that could be traveled in an hour and a half, if it weren’t mountainous. Darn, that’s the whole point! It’s beautiful, secluded, full of rare creatures and amazing vistas. But I need to skip it. I’m not that hardy.
Besides, Mendocino is so rustic and lovely. I can breathe the cool sea air and wander through the charming little main-street shops.
From Mendocino, I’ll head straight for the Northern California redwoods, which in themselves are half the reason I’m taking this trip. I zeroed in on the town of Klamath, forty minutes from the Oregon border. Exactly two Airbnb listings appear here: an RV and a $385-per-night lodge. I could stay in the RV, or perhaps, as the host suggests, negotiate a price for a room in the expansive lodge, but neither option appeals. I’m distracted by another place: Ravenwood Motel. The name sounds like something from a horror movie, and the setting is all craggy shores and mammoth trees. Beautiful, and a bit scary, but the Ravenwood is affordable and I can enjoy all the Northern coast has to offer from the relative comfort of a twin-bed motel room. I’m sorry, Airbnb! I tried! I figure I’ll show support for a lot of Airbnb hosts while on my little journey.
Two nights in Klamath will give me time to explore the grand redwoods and rocky coastline. I’ll have plenty of notes and maps with me; apparently the area has minimal Internet and cell phone service.
What to do with my listing back home when I have no Internet service? I do have someone who can meet guests checking in when I’m away, but I’d like to go one better when it comes to fielding inquiries and reservation requests. How about a Host Exchange? I know an excellent host in my area. She could respond to my incoming Airbnb messages, and I could return the favor when she finds herself off the grid at some point in her future travels. I would give her my Airbnb password. Ultimately, though, she would have to pose as me. I know that Airbnb would frown on that. I'll probably have to de-list my Airbnb when I'm out of Internet range.
After Klamath, I’ll plan on a serious Driving Day to get to Folsom, California. I always think of Interstate 5 as the quickest way to traverse California, but it’s still a six and a half hour drive. Where to stop along the way, if just to catch my breath?
I don’t know the small towns that dot Central California, so I turned to Airbnb again for ideas. Not for places to stay; instead, I had what seemed like a brilliant idea. Why not check out the Guidebooks on listings near my route? This could give tips on where to eat, shop, take in scenery – right?
Wrong. I guess most hosts don’t provide a Guidebook, or maybe it’s the lack of places worth visiting in these central-state hamlets. I looked closer at the listings. And I found Colusa. What a charming little town! Inspired by a host’s description, I decide to stop in Colusa, where stands a courthouse from the 1860s, the one at which the trial scenes in To Kill A Mockingbird were filmed. Here’s a 1908 photo, long before Hollywood came along:
Photo: Wikipedia
Despite that movie title, the area is also known as a bird-watcher’s paradise, close to the Sacramento River and wildlife preserves. Thank you, Colusa Host! I’m sorry that I won’t be staying with you, but your listing description has helped me find an inspirational place for my break from all-day driving.
Then, it’s on to Folsom, which draws me because if my musical roots and my family. We’d listen to Johnny Cash, and my father often reminded us kids of the importance of giving back. “He’s singing to prisoners; they may have done bad things, but they’re still human beings.” It’s a strange thing, planning a trip in part around a visit to a state prison. Yet, that’s what traveling is all about: seeking out the places to which you have a personal connection, in addition to visiting the big trees and wild beaches.
I also found a great Airbnb deal: $40 for private bedroom and bath, and the host has 10 positive reviews. However, it won’t work out. I’m trying to be the good guest before even contacting hosts, and that means I should READ THE ENTIRE LISTING. At the bottom of this listing: 7 nights minimum stay. I won’t need that long to drive by Folsom Prison. Here’s a good option:
www.airbnb.com/rooms/4388190?s=CUfS_5db
One night in Folsom would suffice, and then I’d head down toward beautiful Yosemite. It’s only a three-hour drive, but I’ll make a stop or two along the way.
I browsed a few more towns, tracing the Airbnb map down the center of my state. Lodi, San Andreas, and even Amsterdam, California. Using the map was slow going, compared to a full-screen Google Maps experience, but I liked seeing the little red nightly-rate squares pop up. I still didn’t find many guide books, but one prince of a listing caught my eye, among the $32 private rooms near Los Banos:
www.airbnb.com/rooms/929427?s=Bm3a
Wow! A $1500 per night Airbnb in central California! A glass palace! I’m taking a side trip to see this place! A proper mansion, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The pink marble master bath is larger than my living room. People really live like that, apparently, and they really do need Airbnb to make the mortgage.
My next stops: Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree. Could I really fit in all that spectacular scenery? And, will the Airbnbs in these lovely spots break my budget?
I had better start saving a bit more per month. Maybe the first step is to offer a discount for November and December. Otherwise, I’ll be stuck in Los Banos with no way home.
I wonder if the Glass Palace host will allow me to rent just the pink marble bathroom? I can sleep in the tub.
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