Air BnB

During our trip away from home for my husband's treatment we have decided to have a minibreak away from our "holiday" as we have a stretch between treatments over the weekend. We've booked a night on a nearby island called Waiheke and found an Air BnB at short notice that we are delighted with. 

We caught the ferry over to the island and only had a 10 minute walk to our accommodation. It is always interesting to arrive somewhere you have only seen in pictures online and even better when it turns out to be just like the pictures. We arrived to find this place small and cosy, comfortable and well appointed and we felt it was well worth the money spent to provide us with a home away from home for a night. It is handy to the local township where we were able to go for a meal and it is private with a balcony and a view across garden.

I'm quite happy spending the money we have saved in other areas on our holiday on a night's accommodation that makes us feel a bit pampered and also allows us time to be able to see other places. I have been using the Air BnB app for a while now and find it really easy. If you haven't tried it then I recommend you do. We've stayed in several places that end up being far more personal and interesting than a generic hotel/motel room and always for good prices. We've met friendly hosts and enjoyed the extra touches they often provide - see my post from June 8 with the delicious chocolates I enjoyed at the last place we stayed at.

I often think about how I would enjoy being a host and making a place that people feel welcome. we have our holiday house that we will aim to do this with once it is renovated. I can see it being a possible income stream to help towards the plan to work less hours long term. Staying on other people's places gives me ideas about what to do to make a place great. We will have to keep up the "research"!