• Home

Kangaroos & Kimonos

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Stay free like me!
  • Home Exchange
  • Hospitality
  • Travel Tips
  • Destinations
    • United States
    • Europe
    • South America
  • Blog

Hospitality Exchange – Better than Hosting Family!

July 26, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Peter, a gentleman from Amsterdam, contacted me a few months back through Home Exchange.  He asked to exchange homes for a week but as usual, I was not able at that time.  I offered a hospitality exchange instead, one where he and his family would come and stay with us in our home, then sometime in the future we would visit them. We are fortunate that we have four bedrooms and an office with a futon, so we can accommodate several guests.

image

With our guests at Chesapeake Beach Water Park

image

With our Dutch guests at the Maritime Museum Concert

image

At a party with our guests

At first Peter was surprised by the concept and peppered me with questions… “will you be there?”, “will we have free reign of the common rooms in house?”, “what is the interaction between us like?”.  These were all great questions.  I say, “yes”, “yes” and “however you want to interact”.

They arrived last Thursday and right away we were pleasantly comfortable with our new friends.  We had many meals together, breakfast on weekends – one day we cooked our favorite banana-chocolate chip pancakes and the next day they made us their famous savory and sweet Dutch pancakes.  We all chipped in helping to prepare or clean up and enjoyed great company and conversation.  They loved sitting in our backyard and we introduced them to s’mores in our outdoor fireplace.  We also enjoyed some dips and conversation in the hot tub.

We took them to a fantastic party, to our favorite restaurants, to Chesapeake Beach Water Park and to many local outdoor concerts – really giving them the experience of being with locals.  We even got them out on the water for a boat ride – one of their biggest requests.  My daughter really loved the dad Peter, he has a company that does theater for children.  We really were very sad to see them go.

If you ever done a home exchange, try hospitality exchange – it really does take the whole cultural experience up about 10 notches!

Filed Under: Europe, Home Exchange, Hospitality

Renting a Home through Sites Like VRBO and airbnb

July 24, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

View from AirBnB apt in Play Blanca Panama

I know that most of the time I talk about free homestays but if you “can’t do that” there are always options like airbnb and VRBO.  I actually have used both of these sites and had good experiences as a renter myself.  I just started renting recently and have had great success in renting my entire house and sometimes just a room within my house.

As someone who has rented for USNA graduation over many years, I thought why not try renting for an occasional weekend.  I have had a lot interest during the Navy games and boat shows but there are also several summer weekends we have rented.

This weekend we rented and we are going to the Hyatt Chesapeake Bay and we will have the whole weekend paid for by renting our house.  Kinda genius if I say so.  My house is going to be vacant anyway, why not capitalize on the opportunity to pay for my weekend getaway!

I just have two examples to share with you to learn from my experiences in renting on these sites…
1)  Be very explicit in your descriptions, almost to a fault.  I had one guest, who did not read the top word that said “PRIVATE ROOM”  and she ended up running out the door like some crazy person because she thought it was a private house :-0.  Yes, her fault but I am putting more and more detail to be sure that never happens again!
2)  I rented on airbnb in Playa Blanca, Panama (my first experience).  I was unsuccessful in trying to CouchSurf so I thought I would try renting a house.  It was kind of a nightmare.  We got into the apt – it wasn’t clean, there were no towels and no hot water (and no Wi-Fi).  I should have just said I’ll clean and have them knock money off.  Instead we moved to another property they owned and that had a water leak and ants.  The first one was a beautiful place with an amazing view.  I think with a lot of these experiences (like in life) you just have to roll with the punches and make best of it.  I had my daughter and it was so stressful moving 3 times.

Lagoon and water park at AirBnB apt complex Playa Blanca

Lagoon and water park at AirBnB apt complex Playa Blanca

As I always say, staying in the apt was “nice” but so culturally unrewarding.  I really don’t know what Panamanians are like because I only met them superficially.  It’s a shame because I was there three weeks!

Filed Under: Destinations, Panama, Travel Tips

Au Revoir (Again)

July 15, 2015 by Laurie Deppa 5 Comments

 

Raphael and friend

The whole gang at the Towne Center concert

Raphael contacted me through Facebook.  He and his family – mom, dad and two siblings stayed with us two years ago.  They were a LOVELY French family from Lyon whom we met through Couchsurfing I believe.  Hard to keep track sometimes.

Raphael and his friend came to tour the area and spent the weekend with us.  We had a great weekend catching up with Raphael and hearing all the updates on family members.  We had a great time at our favorite Friday night summer hangout – dinner and concert at the Annapolis Towne Center.  Then Saturday, we had an engagement party to attend and we invited them along.  They had a wonderful time and got to meet more locals and enjoy a lovely event!

Definitely going to Lyon sometime, been to France many times – but never Lyon!

🙂 Au revoir amis

Filed Under: France, Hospitality

Costa Rica

July 13, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Julie Paul Costa Rica

Laurie, Paul, Julie, Brian & Laurie at Towne Center concert

We had a great visit with some guests from Home Exchange – Paul, Julie and their daughter Laurie.  They spent a couple of days and it was a very enjoyable visit.

We had a great night out with dinner at Paladar, one of our favorite happy hour spots.  Our favorite summer Friday tradition is enjoying the free concert series at Parole Towne Center.  Afterward, we headed back to our house to roast marshmallows in the outdoor fireplace and soak in the hot tub. We really had a great time enjoying our favorite activities with our new friends.

Filed Under: Central America, Hospitality

12 Places to Swim Before You Die

July 7, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Found a great article in the Huffington Post, “12 Places to Swim Before You Die“.  Some very cool places.  I had planned on going to Turkey in September but changed my plans.  Definitely putting Pamukkale Hot Springs in Turkey on my list.  The mineral deposits from the hot springs create beautiful crystal like formations on the rocks where the water runs.

Anyone ever been??

 

Filed Under: Destinations, Travel Tips

Sister Cities, Counties and States

June 25, 2015 by Laurie Deppa 1 Comment

Have you ever heard of sister cities, counties or states?  Sister Cities is an international organization started by President Eisenhower in 1956.  Eisenhower wanted to create a network that would foster international peace and cultural understanding.  This network has continued to grow and now includes 545 cities counties and states, with 2121 partnerships in 145 countries.

My city Annapolis has official relationships with  Wexford, Ireland; Rochefort City, France; Nithsdale, Scotland; Changsha, China; Newport, Wales; Banjul, Gambia; Tallinn, Estonia; and Marsala, Italy.

I was once the Sister Cities Program Manager for both Columbia, Maryland and Annapolis, Maryland.  I took a large group from Annapolis to visit 2 of our cities in 2001.  I placed an article asking who from the community would like to go with our group.  I organized everything myself and the 2 week trip was $1500 all inclusive.  It was amazing if I say so myself.  We had one night hotel at the beginning and the end, but otherwise we were all placed with locals for accommodation.  Some were “given” rooms in bed and breakfasts, some in homes and I myself was in an apartment at the back of a pub (cool). Too bad I don’t drink!!!

Needless to say we were given the royal treatment, tours, parties, performances, etc. – all free thanks to our relationship with the city.  I became good friends with two of the travelers on my trip and to this day, we still talk about that trip.

I tell you about this because it’s ONE MORE WAY to stay like a local and stay FREE.  Navy Football played Notre Dame in Ireland a couple of years ago.  Well they were charging a fortune for the “charter trip” so I worked my magic.  I organized a 2-week trip to Dublin, Belfast and Scotland and for my three-person family it was maybe $2500 at the very most.  We could have done it even cheaper but splurged a little on dinners and a last minute trip to Edinburgh.

Exactly how did I do it?

I contacted several people on my usual networks of home and hospitality exchange.  I found an amazing couple in Dublin (through couchsurfing) and we hit if off immediately – communicating regularly before the trip.  I set up a one-week stay in our sister city of Dumfries, Scotland.  When I was Director, I hosted the entire Dumfries Male Voice Choir here in Annapolis, organized homestays and hosted a party for all at my home.  I contacted the family who stayed with us and asked if we could come stay with them.  Of course.

With the Dumfries Male Voice Choir in Scotland

With the Dumfries Male Voice Choir in Scotland

We ended up scrambling a couple of weeks prior because our “friends” in Dublin lost jobs and had to move to Belfast.  I got back online, and found a woman through www.homeforexchange.com who was willing to just “give us” her appt.  She couldn’t come to US and I said to let me know if she ever made it this way.  It was a great apartment on the River Liffey, walking distance to all sites and to the football stadium!  We bought groceries, ate breakfast at home and carried snacks.  Because we were saving so much we splurged on eating out while we were sightseeing.  We could have packed lunches and eaten dinner upon return for the evening if wanted to save more on the trip.

Laurie, Brian and Ellie at Navy football game in Dublin

Laurie, Brian and Ellie at Navy football game in Dublin

After Dublin, we took the train (very reasonable and close to the apt) to Belfast.  We were greeted by our host Carolyn who immediately took us on a tour and her husband had dinner ready when we arrived!  We had a beautiful room with a view of the Irish Sea. We had great conversations over breakfasts and dinner and ate lunch in town while seeing Belfast (walking distance).  It was perfect!

Ellie with our fabulous hosts in Belfast

Ellie with our fabulous hosts in Belfast

From there we took the P&O ferry to CairnRyan, Scotland.  Our sister city friends John and Nina drove about 75 minutes to pick us up and drove us to Dumfries. It was a great time to catch up on our lives over the past ten years. We spent several nights in the rural town seeing the beautiful countryside, walking the cute little town and enjoying great hospitality and company.  One night our host took my husband to the pub for boys night out :-).   It really was a spectacular stay.  Cost nothing.

Nina and John hosts extraordinaire

I am trying to show you that you can have remarkable travel memories for much less than you ever imagined.  Isn’t that what traveling should be about?

Filed Under: Destinations, Europe, Home Exchange, Hospitality, Ireland, Scotland

Travel Tips – Make a Local Friend

June 20, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Make a local friend in the area you will be staying.  Use sites like Couchsurfing.org to find local residents who enjoy playing tour guide in their hometown or just meeting a new friend for coffee.  I once met a young lady (Cristina) from Italy through Couchsurfing.  She was staying in Annapolis for a month or two as her husband was working and she joined him on the trip.  She couldn’t work, had no car and had all day, everyday, to herself.

Cristina trying her first cheesesteak in Philly

Cristina trying her first cheesesteak in Philly

She contacted me and asked if I wanted to meet for coffee.  I was fairly flexible with my schedule at the time and we ended up spending LOTS of time together.  She was just like me, a world traveler who loves meeting people and experiencing cultures.  I gave her the personal tour, had them for meals, taught her how to make apple pie, took her to Philly for an overnight, etc.  We really had the best time together!

She invited me to come to her town in the Piemonte region and so we did!  See my blog “Red, Red, Wine” for more about our trip to “surf” with her.

Filed Under: Hospitality, Italy, Travel Tips

Red, Red, Wine

June 19, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

If you read my blog “Travel Tips – Make a Local Friend”, you know that I met a lady from Italy (Cristina).  Her husband was working on the Naval Academy for more than a month and she knew no one.  We met online and spent many great days together, becoming good friends.

Alba trip 1

Laurie & Cristina in Alba

She invited me to come to her town in the Piemonte region and so we did!  My husband and I flew into Torino, Italy (Turin) and Cristina picked us up.  She actually lives in a tiny village called Diano d’Alba. The next 3 weeks were like a movie.  My husband and I stayed in her 300-year old family wine-making house, overlooking the vineyards of Nebbiolo wines.  We met the parents and brothers, went to parties, learned how to make gnocchi and tiramisu.  The dad had a salumeria (meat store) and everyday we had fresh prosciutto.  Oh my!  They offered us the master bedroom – where we threw open the shutters to amazing views of the countryside.

Alba 2

Cristina & a friend teaching us how to make gnocchi in Italy

Cristina is a wine writer so she gave us tours of all the local vineyards – Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, etc.  She even took us to a private vintage party with a famous chef.  We brought home lots of good wine that trip.  (Another good reason to pack light.)

Alba 4

Laurie & Cristina in Torino

It really is the greatest trip we have ever had (and I have been on many).   It cost us very little because we stayed with friends, we mostly ate at home with them, we borrowed their car, and had priceless experiences we never would have had being in a hotel.

My farewell dinner with the family in Alba

My farewell dinner with the family in Alba

We stay in touch on Facebook and Skype.  I really miss them and hope to go back soon with Ellie.

Grazie 🙂 Cristina y Lorenzo!

Filed Under: Italy

“SURFIN” at the Beach

June 16, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

Brian, Laurie & Ellie in Va Beach

Brian, Laurie & Ellie in Va Beach

 

I LOVE the beach.  About a month ago I decided to plan a trip to Virginia Beach – one of my favorites.  I did my “magic” – looking through my various sites and found a wonderful family on CouchSurfing.  I emailed Nancy and asked if we could come this past weekend and she agreed.  I was very excited for a family trip – yes my husband would be joining us!

We headed down Thursday to get a little extra time and avoid traffic.  It’s a really nice drive – we take 50 East then 13 South, that’s about it.  There was a little traffic on 50 but it really opened up after Easton.  Route 13 is just so easy, never any traffic and really nice drive through farm country and the Eastern Shore.  Lots of great places to stop for local seafood as well.  Last time we picked up some soft shell crabs and packed them in a cooler for a delicious dinner back home.

Nancy VA B

Brian & Ellie swimming in our host’s pool

At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, we stopped to enjoy the views and watch the people fishing and crabbing.  They have decent restrooms, a nice gift shop and a restaurant with water views.  It was nice to have a little break after a long drive.   We arrived at the house in the Great Neck area and were immediately greeted by a lovely woman (Nancy).  She has a very sweet dog and my daughter was immediately stricken by the four-legged creature.  They have a lovely, large home with an in-ground swimming pool on a beautiful golf course.  We had two bedrooms and a bathroom all to ourselves.

Ellie and Brian at 31st Street Va Beach

Ellie and Brian at 31st Street Va Beach

We quickly headed to the beach and parked in the Hilton garage on 31st.  There are nice bathrooms, a rinsing station and a fun restaurant right there.  Of course having driven 4+ hours with a 3- year old, we headed right for the playground in the sand.  There are several of them scattered up and down the beachfront and they even have an all access one called Grommet Island at 2nd and the beachfront.  It is a very family friendly beach.

va beach 2

Laurie & Ellie on a bike stop at Grommet Island Playground Va Beach

There are several live music venues along the beachfront with live music every night.  There was even a classic rock festival that weekend.  We sat at Catch 31 one night and had a decent dinner around fire pits – one of my favorite places to eat.  We splurged on a meal since we can eat most of them at “our home”.

My other favorite thing to do is ride bikes along the beachfront 3-mile long bike path.  It’s a very safe and fun ride – you can stop anytime to play or grab a quick snack.  We stopped to check out the two museums along the path – the Old Coast Guard Station – a neat museum that preserves maritime history with interesting events and displays.  All the years I have been going to Va Beach I never gave it a thought.  You know how it is – for years you go by the same places but you never stop in.  Next time you do, try a new place.  There is also the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum – that one is free and they even have live carving demonstrations.

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

Old Coast Guard Station

Old Coast Guard Station

We had great days on the beach – the water was perfect, the surf was pretty calm (BUT the sand was very hot – I REALLY recommend wearing some heavy socks – I had flip flops and still burnt my feet).  We made a friend who was staying at the Ocean Club and they invited us to join them in the pool.  Ellie had a blast in the 3 pools (one really cool “indoor” with lots of fountains) and I had a nice soak in the adult only area hot tub.

Brian & Ellie at Ocean Club

Brian & Ellie at Ocean Club

va beach 8

One of Ocean Club Pools

We joined them again the next day and had a GREAT meal at Tortuga’s – the restaurant and bar on site.  They have poolside service and pretty good size menu, not terribly expensive.  The other days we packed the cooler and ate sandwiches and salads on the beach.   Our last night we were joined by Nancy’s husband and we had a really nice dinner together at their home.  I scrounged up some of our food and foraged through hers and made a nice meal for all.  We swam together in their outdoor pool and had great conversations about the military, travel and kids.  It really was like staying with old friends.

Laurie and Nancy (with Jade)

Ellie and Nancy (with Jade)

At Taste - A local favorite place for sandwiches and gelato

At Taste – A local favorite place for sandwiches and gelato

Another local place - Nini's for yogurt

Another local place – Nini’s for yogurt

 

 

Filed Under: Hospitality, United States

Iceland is only a 5-Hour Flight

June 6, 2015 by Laurie Deppa Leave a Comment

We had a lovely time with our guests this week from Iceland.  Helga and Anna hail from Reykjavik, Iceland and came for a 3-month tour of the US.  They found us through Couchsurfing and happened to overlap with our guest Alice from France.

Coco Joes

We all had a wonderful time at Coconut Joe’s, one of our favorite places to go with the whole family.  It has a large playground for kids, great scenery, food and drink – a little something for everyone.  Our guests greatly enjoyed themselves and delighted in trying local fare such as crab cakes and crab dip.

Iceland

We had lovely conversations and had a great time hanging out in the hot tub.  I have only been to Iceland once on a layover – next time it will be to visit our friends Helga and Anna.

 

Filed Under: Europe, Hospitality, Uncategorized

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • Next Page »

Recent Blog Entries

  • Fly Cheap to Argentina
  • Free Travel to NYC on Amtrak
  • Planning a Trip is Easy with Tripit
  • Stay Free Around the World with Trusted Housesitters
  • “Travel FREE Like Me” Seminar on March 14th

Join our Mailing List

Submitting this form will add you to our mailing list and entitle you to members-only information from Kangaroos and Kimonos.

There is no charge for this, and we promise to never share your information with other companies.

Copyright © 2022 · Kangaroos and Kimonos · Site layout and theme customizations by Fischer IT Solutions

Copyright © 2022 · Metro Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in