Tag: tips

8 essentials for your winter snow trip

Winter is coming! Instead of hovering over the heater all night, pack your bags and head out on a frosty adventure! Going on a snow trip is definitely different than going on your average vacation, so we’ve complied the top 10 things you must pack when you head on a snow trip!

Inner thermal clothes

You don’t need to spend a fortune when preparing for a snow vacation, but good quality inner thermal layers will make an extreme difference. Often inner thermal layers are extremely thin and go under all other layers of clothing. Look for clothing with heat tech technology as they’ll keep you warm but you won’t feel like you’re suffocating under layers and layers of clothing

Waterproof ski clothes

Make sure you’re bringing along thick outer layers to protect you from the cold and snow! Although most people remember to bring thick outer layers of clothing, not all of them are waterproof! This could be a big issue because you’ll be surrounded by snow the whole time. If you’re not careful, any dampness in your clothing in extremely cold weather can lead to some major sicknesses. Be sure to double check your outer layers are waterproof!

Headwear

You got to make sure you’re covered from head to toe in order to stay warm. Keep your noggin toasty by bringing along headwear on your snow trip. If you’re just playing around in the snow, a thick beanie should be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on doing any fast paced activity, be sure to bring along a helmet or rent one.

Sunglasses/goggles

Just because its super cold, doesn’t mean it won’t be super bright! The snow is beautiful but sometimes it can be blinding! If you’re driving there or just hanging around, be sure to pack a pair of sunglasses to help protect your eyes. If you’re speeding down and doing activities with lots of movement, be sure to grab some goggles with sun protection.

Warming accessories

Once you’ve packed your basics, you can pack some other accessories to make sure you stay extra warm on your trip. We recommend bringing an extra thick pair of socks, a scarf and gloves for keeping your body extra toasty. If you’re extra sensitive to the cold, consider getting some heat packs to place in your pockets or on your body!

Small toiletries including sun protection

Along with your normal toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, you should bring some little extras to ensure your skin doesn’t get extremely dry. Be sure your skin is SPF ready with lip balm, sunscreen and moisturizer.

Snacks and non perishable foods

When you’re embarking on your snow trip, you’ll likely be in an area where there are not many places to purchase food or snacks. With food establishments and supermarket selections being quite limited, it’d be a wise idea to bring some snacks along. Whether it’s some small granola bars for the ride or some instant noodle packets for your midnight snack, you won’t regret it.

Extra chargers

The only place you’ll be likely to charge your devices is back at your accommodation. Ski resorts or other ski parks will rarely have outlets so it’s a good idea to bring a battery pack that will last for the day! Although reception is sparse in the area, batteries are much needed for listening to music or keeping kids entertained!

Haven’t booked your accommodation yet? Head to Aabode.com now to check out our properties!

Your Sydney Winter Wonderland

Winter in Australia has started showing its magic and although it might be too cold to go for a swim in Bondi, there are still a plenty of fun things to do in Sydney at this time of the year. From pop-up ice rinks to high tea on Ferris wheels, the city is as bustling and busy in winter as it is in summer and here is a list of things that you can venture into to make the most out of your Australian winter season in Sydney.

Good Food and Wine Show

 When: June 22nd – June 24th

The Good Food and Wine show are back again, and you can spend a weekend immersed in all of the booze and yummy goodness the city has to offer. This year’s event will bring back some old favorites’ and provide an exciting line-up of features to discover, taste, share and enjoy. There will be lunches with notable chefs such as Maggie Beer, Manu and Clarissa Feidel, Miguel Maestre, Matt Morgan as well as other fun and educational events. From vegan pizza master classes to boozy brunches and more, you will want to add this event to your calendar.

Vivid Sydney

When: May 25th – June 16th

The world’s largest festival of lights, music and ideas is returning to Sydney for its 10th year in a row. Last year Vivid Sydney drew over 2.33 million visitors to the city for its massive list of events including educational talks and seminars, live music and light shows, and its 10th anniversary is shaping up to be as spectacular as ever. From the Heaps Gay Queens Ball to Vivid After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW, the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light display and so many more, you’ll definitely be wanting to get involved in Vivid Sydney this year.

Bondi Winter Magic Festival

When: June 28th – July 29th

I know what you’re thinking, going to the beach in winter? Well, why not especially when Bondi is bringing back its winter magic! You can ski along the shores as the festival brings snow to sand in the form of an ice-skating rink. There will be an educational history series, as well as daily ice skating and hockey demos and lessons.

Road and Snore at Taronga Zoo

When: April 30th – July 5th

Roar and snore is a long-running overnight experience offer by Taronga Zoo. It lets you bunker down after the zoo shuts its gates and stay in luxurious tents until morning. You’ll get to meet all the critters such as lions, tigers, snow leopards and a sun bear as well as dine at the zoo’s restaurant. The next morning you will be served a delicious brekkie before being able to feed a giraffe, pat a seal and sun bake with an echidna. From the 25th of May to the 16th of June, you can also catch Roar and Snore VIVID which will see amazing light installations on top of your furry filled experience.

Ferris Wheel High Tea

When: May 5th – 22nd September

The Deck in Sydney has brought back its quirky Ferris wheel high tea, so you can snack on scones and sip prosecco while taking in the best view in town. Served on board the iconic Luna Park Ferris Wheel, this next level experience is unlike any other tea party the city has to offer. After your one hour ride, you’re invited to sit back and warm up with a cuppa in the deck lounge.

Sydney Film Festival

When: June 6th – June 17th

Are you ready for 12 massive days of film, fun, talks, parties and of course all the movie snacks? Sydney film Festival kicks off in June and is bringing Sydneysiders over 120 flicks. With several of last year’s titles such as Call Me by Your Name, On Body and Soul and A Fantastic Woman scoring Oscar nominations or wins, you’ll certainly be wanting to take a sneak peak at this year’s lineup. From You Were Never Really Here starring Joaquin Phoenix, Kiwi flick, The Breaker Upperers and a hoard of other indie titles and docos, the program is packed to the brim. The State Theatre will be hosting most of the screenings, but there will also be films showing around the city in Newtown, Cremorne, Randwick and Western Sydney.

Whether you are planning your winter in Sydney or in another city, go to Aabode.com now to check out some cozy properties!

How to get great reviews for your property!

A property review can often make or break your property. They’re hard to get and can really impact future bookings! We’ve complied some tips so you can get those good reviews and new bookings rolling in!

Have a tidy home

First impressions always count! Many negative complaints and reviews always touch on the cleanliness of the property. A good way to avoid this is to have a cleaning checklist! Although it’s not necessary to have one, it’s a great way to ensure you never forget to clean anything for your next booking! Be sure to check areas such as the bathroom or the kitchen, as this is where a lot of mould and excess dirt can build up.

Ensure your property listing is accurate

A common mistake that hosts make is not providing an accurate description of their property. Guests are often unsatisfied if you have not listed having certain amenities! Be honest when writing out your description and clearly label the amenities you do and do not have. It’s also important to be clear on the location of your property. If guests are visiting your area, they might not have a car, so they want be nearby certain attractions or locations.

Ask guests to leave a review after their stay

Often when guests leave their accommodation, they’re most likely going to forget to leave a review, so just send them a friendly reminder! Some guests just honestly forget because they’re busy travelling home or to their next destination. If you politely ask for a review and your guests have enjoyed their stay, they’ll generally be happy to give one! If they don’t have the time for a long review, just ask them to give you a star rating or a follow on social media!

Communicate and respond quickly

Communication is key when you get a booking. Guests often have questions about the check in process, the amenities or location. As a general rule of thumb, you should always voluntarily communicate with your guests three times during the booking process. The first time should be when they make the booking or check in. This message should explain the check in process and any information about the property. The second time is when the guests have already checked in. This is called a checkup message and here you just ask if the guests are settling into your property or if they have any questions. The last message you need to send is the check out message! This message is for you to thank them on their stay and this is where you should ask for a review!

Go the extra mile

Providing a little something to make the guest’s lives easier! Whether it’s a little complimentary pack of chocolate or a small bottle of wine, these little gestures will make sure your guests know they are welcome! Most of the time these small things won’t cost much but the guests will remember the little things that made their stay special!

Have modern amenities

Although the most important thing about a rental property is having somewhere for your head to rest, the small and modern touches will go a long way for your guests. Having something like a smart TV or Netflix will be a nice little touch for guests that are looking to relax in the home or unwind after a long day of travel. Other small luxuries you include in your house could be things like board games, a coffee machine or a mini barbecue. These small amenities will go a long way with guests but if you can’t get any of these, you should at least have Wi-Fi available!

With these tips, the reviews will be rolling in no time! Haven’t listed your property on Aabode.com yet? What are you waiting for? We charge ZERO commission.

How to spruce up your accommodation for less than $10

Improving and sprucing up your accommodation doesn’t always come cheap. From repairs to paint, the bill of home improvement can add up! We’ve just jotted down some simple purchases you can make to make your guest’s stay a little more homely.

Plants and greenery

Getting some plants will give your property a fresh and lively feel. Some simple and inexpensive ways to do this is to purchase some small succulents or mini plants in the middle of the coffee table or on the bedside table. If you want to take it a step even further, you could even purchase some mini herb pots for your kitchen you your guests can garnish any of the creations that they whip up in your kitchen!

Cutlery and Crockery

Cutlery sets and small kitchenware go a long way for guests! You can often find cutlery for two dollars or under per piece or find a whole set for an affordable price. This is great for when your guests want to cook up a simple meal or brew a cup of coffee in the morning. At a minimum, you should at least have a set of drinking glasses in case your guests get thirsty!

Candles

Candles are a simple way to add a luxurious touch to your property. This will help set the ambiance of your property and create a relaxing atmosphere. Scattering a few candles around your place will make your home cozy and inviting. After a long day of travelling or exploring, your guests will appreciate this small touch and will be able to be soothed after a long day

Wall Hooks

Hooks can make a plain and unloved wall go a long way. You can use them to hang up some simple frames for décor or your guests can use them to hang their coats! Whether you drill some into the wall or purchase some adhesive hooks, these will have multiple uses in your home.

Toiletries

Whether you grab some fresh smelling hand soap or a mini set of shampoo and conditioner, your guest will appreciate the small gesture when they visit your home! These sets are also inexpensive and you can often find a mini set of toiletries for just a couple of bucks.

A small portable light

Having a small light besides the bedside table or in the bathroom is useful for when your guest is wandering around at night. Some guests like to read before bed or sleep with the light on so this will be extremely useful for them! This might prevent guests running into furniture or tripping on their bathroom trip in the middle of the night

Towels and linen

Guests forget towels from time to time so this is a small way to make the guest’s stay extraordinary. After a long day, all they want to do is hop into the shower and go to bed. Having some spare fluffy towels and soft bed sheets for a good night’s rest is often all a traveler needs for a great stay!

A mirror

Whether they are getting dressed or applying their makeup, there must be at least one mirror in your home! Whether your guests are adjusting their makeup or checking themselves out on the way out the door, a mirror is a simple inexpensive way to add value to your accommodation. Preferably, guests love to have a full length mirror, but any mirror will do!

Are you a property owner? Host on Aabode.com! (Don’t worry, we don’t charge ANY commission!)

24 Hours in Canberra

Whether it’s your first time in Canberra or your first time since your year 5 excursion, we’ve got a jam packed 24 hour itinerary for you! Forget about Parliament House, Cockington Green and Questacon, because we’ve got a day of luxury and relaxation planned. Scroll down and check it out!

7am – The cupping room

Start your day off with a hearty start and a quality cup of Joe! There’s no better place to satisfy your needs than at The Cupping Room. Having one of the best baristas in the world manning the machines, you’ll be well looked after. With the menus continually changing with the seasons, there will always be a good variety of fresh bites to choose from. If you’re stomachs grumbling for a feed grab their grilled fish with koji and leek cream of their beetroot cured salmon with a kataifi egg! Whatever you get, you sure won’t be disappointed!

10am -Unwind at the Botanical Gardens

Begin your morning relaxing and strolling through the serene landscapes of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Boasting a wide variety of native plants, walking paths and lush greenery, it’s a great place to have a stroll or read a book. Want to take relaxing to the next level? Within the botanical gardens lies Jindii Eco Spa, a relaxing oasis for you to get a massage or a simple soak. Whether you want to bathe in minerals and detox or get a hot stone massage, there will be something for you!

1pm Visit the Canberra truffle festival

If you’re visiting Canberra in the winter months, you must head to the Canberra Truffle festival! Celebrating one of the most decadent foods in the world, this festival elevates the luxurious truffle by integrating it into many dishes and products. You’ll find products here such as truffle crème brulee, truffle pizza and even truffle beer! Expand your taste buds and sample some of the best truffle you’ve ever had presented by Canberra’s top bars, cafes, restaurant and wineries! If you head there around lunch time, they might even be conducting some truffle hunts so get in there quick!

3pm – Have an afternoon nibble or sip at Pialligo Estate

Located on the banks of the Molonglo River, Pialligo Estate is the perfect place to watch the sunset, enjoy good company and have a sip! Their vineyard produces some of the best wine in the area and is highly recommended by locals. They also have an olive grove, fruit orchard and market garden in case you wanted to try any of the local nibbles! Don’t worry, if you don’t have any room for their local preserves or oils, you can purchase a small sample to bring home!

7pm – Grab dinner on Lonsdale Street

After a day of relaxing, it’s time to dine like kings! If you head over to Lonsdale Street, you’ll be spoilt for choices as it is a notorious hub for activity and good bites. Wherever you go, you won’t be disappointed, however, we definitely recommend Lazy Su. It is a Japanese, Korean and American fusion eating house which packs a punch! The food is loud and will definitely tantalize your taste buds! Dishes include tea smoked duck breast, buttermilk fried chicken ramen and wagyu cheese steak spring rolls.

9pm – Wind down for drinks at The Highball Express

End your night at the hip and Cuban late night joint, The Highball Express! Thing Cuban themed tropical styled bar is famous for their cocktails in highball glasses and it is the perfect way to settle down for the night. Enter through the custom built spiral staircase and take you last sips for the night! With over 500 varieties of rum and some spectacular cocktails, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Whether you spend a day or a week in Canberra, there’s always something to do! But don’t worry, we’ve sorted out where you can stat at Aabode.com!