Five tips for your next road trip

Just when it was seeming like the never ending winter, I peered out the window this morning and saw the first bloom of my spring bulbs out.  That means summer is on the way and it will soon be the perfect opportunity for a road trip.

Some of the most precious memories I have are of new sights, discovering hidden gems and endless laughs in the car while on trips taken on whim.  To make your road trip even better than you thought possible use these tips to help you on you way.

Make a plan ... but keep it flexible

Plan where you are going to end up at the end of each day but be ready to stop along the way, poke into places that aren't on the tourist map and spend longer in places that take your fancy.  A plan can be great, but a rigid one doesn't allow for any freedoms.

Pack to a minimum, it gives you room to collect

We always take so much more than what we need anyway, so this time, try something different, only take half of what you think you will need and you will have more room to bring back the discoveries in tiny antique shops and crafts from the local markets that you otherwise may not have had room for.  You may need to hire a storage unit when you get back, but those are the breaks!

Do pack the 'just in case' bottle of wine

For that unexpected sunset on the little beach you stayed too long at or the mountain range that would be perfect if only you had remembered the picnic, be good scout and be prepared.

Take loads of pictures

One of my favourite road trip albums is not from where we stopped but a long trip in the car on the back roads of Sri Lanka where to alleviate the boredom I began taking photos to amuse myself and the kids (the driver thought I was mad) of the oncoming trucks and cars of Sri Lanka that always swerved at the last minute.  Not only did it keep the kids and I amused but the album created lasting memories.

On-board Entertainment

If you have packed really light, you may need to let your inner child loose in the car and make some games up.  If not have pre-loaded music playlists ready, books, magnetic board games and create trip trivia games with kids in the car.

Above all, have fun, explore new places and try new things.

Airbnb, bookabach, Holiday Houses, getting your place ready to rent

With thousands of bach owners caught up in a property investor crackdown (Stuff.co.nz), it is a great time to think about how best to make more money out of your bach, crib or holiday home to cover those additional taxes so you don't lose out.  Great places to start advertising if you are new to the game are Airbnb, bookabach and holiday houses.

Staging Your Living Space for Holiday Rentals

To make the most out of your rental, stage it just like your would for an open home and create a space that is attractive to renters, easy to clean and a space that they would be likely to recommend to other holiday goers.  

Photographing the space

• First do a huge spring clean and schedule a big clean on a six monthly basis, be aware that everything shows up on photos, especially when taking shots on a sunny day.
• De-clutter, remove all personal items and anything that that may clutter the shot such as paperwork and excess items in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Then stage your furniture to make the best possible use of the space and to make the rooms look as large and inviting as possible.  If you are unsure, enlist the help of a professional or a friend or family member whose house you admire.
• When taking the shots, be very aware of lighting,the time of day and the position of the shot.  Avoid photos with direct sunlight behind images and play around with camera angles to properly show off the dimensions of the room.
• Take outside shots and just like the inside, clean and tidy first and make the areas look attractive to potential renters.  Include photographs of key amenities such as pools, BBQ areas and outside showers.
• Remember, the more photos the better, renters want to see the space they are going to be paying you top dollar for and the more photos you have the more they will trust you as a landlord.

Your first holiday guest is about to turn up - now what?

• Staging - do your photographs reflect your property.  You staged for your photos, now stage for your guest.
• Make sure the areas are spotlessly clean, the majority of guests will leave online reviews and you want to ensure your rental is as clean as promised.
• Does the space feel like it is theirs for the time they are there, or did you go and put everything back after staging for the photos and they are walking into someones space?  If the latter is the case, hire a STORAGE UNIT or have a locked garage set aside to store all personal and unnecessary items while your property is up for rental. Doing this also minimises damage.
• Remember the basics - clean sheets, properly made beds, fresh towels, kitchen basics and a manual of how things work, recommended eateries and cool things to do in the area.

Follow these basics and the money will flow, leaving you more time to holiday yourself!