Travel and holiday guide

When it comes to planning an overseas vacation, there are a lot of people who tend to overlook the smaller, not so talked about destinations. It's often these smaller places that offer unique appeal and an element of surprise at the same time.
London is a massive draw card for English-speaking people looking for the ideal location to base their camp and explore greater Europe. Whether it is for a 6 week visit or year long stay, the majority of holiday-makers in London will head to the likes of France, Italy, Spain and Greece - some of the most popular tourism spots in the world.
Most people overlook heading north to Scotland, Wales and Ireland in preference for a warmer climate and a non-English speaking culture. Scotland remains hugely popular for its ancient castles, however Ireland is often overlooked.
Ireland's geographical positioning doesn't do it any favours, being that it is off the beaten track, however this is certainly no reason for overlooking a stay at one of the many b and b Ireland has to offer. This little country is one place in the world that is worth getting lost in. It is blessed with amazing landscapes, unbelievably friendly and humorous local folk, ancient myths and enough exploring opportunities that are likely to take your breath away.
Unlike a lot of frenetic places in the world where driving is quite stressful and the pace of life is hectic, Ireland is very relaxing and offers an idyllic setting for a wonderful holiday. Ireland is similar to Scotland and New Zealand, in that is highly suited to renting a vehicle and slowly making your way around the beautiful countryside.
Practically all of the b and b Ireland has to offer are situated in quiet locations that provide picturesque views of the surroundings and offer you the perfect atmosphere for those wishing to completely unwind, but still be overwhelmed by scenery that is unique to that of their own town, city or country.
Ireland has around 1400km of spectacular coastline, with the Irish Sea to the east of the country and the Atlantic Ocean off to the west. Between them they offer beautiful golden sand beaches, numerous fishing villages, clear fresh waters and a plethora of water sports activities. From Dublin, Cork and Galway to Limerick, Kilkenny and Waterford, Ireland delivers a host of unforgettable activities.
Of all of the types of accommodation available, staying at one of many b and b Ireland has throughout the country, is the recommended choice. The people are ultra friendly and they'll be only too willing to give you the information you need to get the most out of your holiday.

There is a big push right now from companies that claim innkeepers can capture additional revenue through their association's website. These companies offer some form of member directory that displays availability and maybe even pricing for each bed and breakfast member. They also offer to bypass your online booking engine and capture the reservation using their booking tool.
Is this process adding to the pie or taking away from it? Are these companies bottom feeders or can you really experience a significant boost in revenue?
The biggest challenge, like most marketing and promotion ventures, is that it's so intriguing. We think in our minds that it's going to explode business. Very few marketing ventures cause a 20 or 30% increase. In addition, there will be those within every association that get very excited about this idea and it's tough not to get sucked in. Who wants to go against a friend or temper a friend's excitement?
Talking with associations that have gone this route, it hasn't been what they have expected. A few have even backed out of their contracts as fast as they can. Those that remain for the most part see very little increase and are looking for other solutions.
So let's take a moment and evaluate the challenges with trying to obtain more revenue through association websites:
1) Most association websites have very little guest oriented website traffic.
Taking a step back, association websites aren't the best medium for attracting potential guests. They are about attracting potential bed and breakfast members for that national, state or local association.
Check the status of any association you belong to. It's easy. Simply Google your state and "bed and breakfasts" for example "Alabama bed and breakfasts". What page does your association show up on? Very few association websites have solid website traffic that would benefit you. Take PAII for example which is the largest national association of innkeepers and has been around for a very long time. Google "bed and breakfasts" and PAII doesn't show up even by page 10. Even if an association claims to have good website traffic, make sure it is the traffic you need: potential guests.
One of the few associations that really has great search engine placement and promotion is Bed and Breakfast Association of Utah (BBIU). Google "utah bed and breakfasts" they are normally in the top 3! Most of their members agree they get a lot of business through the association website. As a community we need to applaud BBIU because their association website looks, acts and feels more like a travel website than an association website. We would encourage more associations to take this approach. See how membership is a secondary link almost as a "oh by the way, become a member". The Texas Bed and Breakfast Association is another stellar example. Notice how both Utah and Texas don't show availability grids or introduce price wars but just highlight their members. This is best.
2) Will this add to our pie or take away from it?
What will this company do to push more visitors to the association's website? If you do go with them use Google Analytics to track this boost in promotion. If they are not pushing more quality visits to your association's website, they are taking from the pie, not adding to it.
Most of these companies are reintroducing commissions to the bed and breakfast industry by taking up to 30% per reservation. Ouch! Often they share a little with the association. Skimming money away from the member inns and giving it to the association isn't a good long term idea.
Some offer a "free" online booking engine but those rarely compete with the industry leaders that have special and packages, gift shops, retail items, minimum night enhancements and more. It's not free if they take a commission per reservation. That's actually the most expensive online booking engine on the market. Even GDS reservations are fee based, not commission based. Look for a low monthly fixed cost not commission based. You need online bookings for your inn's website anyway. Directories that push business to your website and booking engine trump those that try to skim for themselves.
3) Price wars have come close to destroying the hotel and airline industries.
Some associations want to compare association members side by side pricing wise. That is a terrible idea since the bed and breakfast industry is all about the experience guests enjoy, not who is cheapest. If you want cheap go to a motel.
Look at the industries that have done price wars: the airline and chain hotel industries. Airlines have been doing so amazing (not!) they wanted a bailout a few years back. Southwest Airlines never did GDS or travel websites and is one of the few airlines to thrive and not rip off their clients with silly fees. They can offer low rates because they don't have to pay a middle man.
Hotels really struggle from time to time beating each other up on Hotels.com, Priceline, Expedia, Travelocity, etc. Marriot Hotels is pulling out from travel websites (GDS) and promoting their own website and booking system because the commissions are killing them. Others will follow.
Associations should highlight their members, not introduce a price war. Don't be shocked if members start leaving to get out of devaluing their rooms.
4) Is displaying association availability a good thing?
What about showing who has vacancy? Studies by Reservation Nexus have shown that displaying an availability grid can often do more harm than good. For bed and breakfasts that are not full (80% of bed and breakfasts) it sends the message: "since they are so vacant, it might not be the best place to stay". A simple "vacancy" or "no vacancy" is better than a full grid in most scenarios.
Most of the time the big push for showing detailed availability is for members that want to share with other members when they are full. This is a valid request, but that doesn't mean you share that information with the public. Availability grids normally help the full get fuller and everyone else remains the same.
5) A member list and/or availability grid should be just the start.
Showing members and availability is just part of the toolset an association needs to more easily run their operations and better communicate and coordinate with its members. Member management, member dues, conference management, forums, newsletters, articles & education, vendor management, etc. need to be a part of any association system put into place.
6) Contracts are a bad thing.
It is kind of baffling that most of these companies approaching associations are forcing them into two or three year contracts to skim revenue. Their cost for setting up the operation is trivial so why the long term contracts? Long term contracts are good if an initial investment needs to be covered, for items such as equipment or payroll. Be wary of long term contracts where there is very little risk or initial investment involved.
Recommendation: Convert your association website to be more of a travel website.
Like the Utah and Texas state associations, reinvent your association website to be focused on attracting potential guests. Associations by their nature have great search engine potential. Doing so will increase revenue to your members and increase membership. The key is to push business to your association members, not take profits away from them. You are associating to build everyone up, not getting them to compete in a price war.
Summary
There are several new products circulating in the industry for associations. Look for a product that will improve the association and doesn't just work for a profit. You want to add to your pie with better communication among members as well as other associations. Weigh the options before signing up for a new association product or joining in an association that maybe hasn't done all their homework.

St. David's is situated on the far western coast of Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is part of the magnificent National Park coastal scenery with all its abundance of wild life.
It has all the charm of a small attractive village, with narrow streets filled with cafe's, restaurants, art galleries and hotels, but also has the grand status of being a city due to its Cathedral (full city status was granted to St. David's by HM the Queen by Royal Charter on the 1st June 1995).
The Cathedral nestles in a grassy hollow beneath the city adding to its special atmosphere and visitors still flock to St. David's today just as they did in the Middle Ages when it was a place of pilgrimage.
St David is the patron saint of Wales and was reputedly said to have been born on a cliff top on the South-West Wales coast during a very fierce storm. The site of his birth is marked by the tiny ancient chapel close to a holy well. There is also an 18th century chapel dedicated to his mother 'Non' which can still be seen near St David's Cathedral.
St. David died around 589/601 having founded a monastery at the current site of the Cathedral. It was a strict monastic order as he was the most influential clergyman in all Wales. Pilgrims would come by sea, mooring there boats at the chapels and shrines along the way to give thanks for their safe journey.
Between 645 and 1097, St David's (Menevia) was attacked and destroyed many times and it wasn't until 1181 that the present Cathedral was begun. However, in 1648 it was destroyed again, this time by Parliamentary soldiers.
Since then the Cathedral has been rebuilt and restored yet again but is now in outstanding condition. Adjacent to the Cathedral stands the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace which dates from the 14th century and displays the marvels of medieval architecture.
The highlight of the year is the St. David's Cathedral festival held in May. This is an annual celebration of classical music and offers many the chance to see one the most beautiful and historic buildings in Wales
There are a number of other attractions in the area. Boat trips to Ramsey and Skomer islands to see the Puffin's, Razorbill's and Guillemots are just a few. There are also adventure sea trips where you might be lucky to see dolphins, seal's or even whales. There are boat trips to suit all ages they are well worth the visit.
If you don't like boats then there is the marine life centre and a sea aquarium to see. For the golfer there is a 9-hole links golf course and for those that like the beach, just along the coast is Whitesands bay which holds a European Blue Flag award.
If you are looking for accommodation, then B&B Pembrokeshire has all the facilities you need and is centrally located to explore all that is on offer in Pembrokeshire.

Vacation time should equate to time for relaxation, no matter where you choose to go. Luxurious hotels and rustic cabins are the choices of many people looking for a weekend getaway or even a long vacation. Consider an historic Victorian bed and breakfast for your next getaway.
The Victorian era is often seen as very romantic and relaxing. Homes consisted of grand rooms decorated with a variety of rich colors and designs. Victorian style decorating has made a big comeback in previous years. Some bed and breakfast inns have chosen to add the grace and beauty of Victorian decor to their inn.
Victorian style decor takes us back in time to a time of wealth and excessive living. We may not consider wearing dated clothing, but simply being in an historic Victorian bed and breakfast takes our imagination to a time of plenty. Relaxation seems to come naturally in luxurious parlors and libraries with real working fireplaces.
Fireplaces in authentic Victorian bed and breakfast inns aren't usually gas; they're real fireplaces that use wood or coal to feed the flame. Dark wooden accents trim staircases and crown molding adorns the space where the tall ceilings meet delicately papered walls. Rich and vibrant colors of the period bring a sense of total relaxation to visitors.
Things to Look for in a Bed and Breakfast
The appeal may seem obvious, but for people who are planning their first trip to an historic bed and breakfast may need a little help. Certain things must never be overlooked whereas others are considered niceties instead of necessities. Here is our list of recommendations when choosing the best bed and breakfast.
Outward Appearance: No one wants to spend their vacation in a rundown mess of a house. The outward appearance must be one of elegance and grace. Full, lush flower gardens in full bloom add a gorgeous touch; providing you're not allergic.
Furnishings: Period pieces are best. Rich colors, plush settees, and vibrant accessories are a requirement. Antiques are preferred decor in most historic mansions or inns. Vases of gorgeous fresh flowers are a wonderful finishing touch to any Victorian decor.
Parlors and Libraries: These rooms should be extravagantly furnished and cozy. Clutter is not acceptable, but graciously furnished is perfect. Colors should coordinate beautifully, if not match. Window coverings should be light and airy and compliment the furnishings.
Niceties: Many niceties include Egyptian cotton sheets on modern, comfortable mattresses. Romantically decorated bedrooms with private baths are very nice. Historic reenactments of important historical events are a great way to spend the afternoon. Authentic balls held in the ballroom add a very romantic touch for couples looking to rekindle the fires of romance.
Before You Travel
Don't book your romantic getaway with just any Victorian bed and breakfast. Locate one that has everything you want or need. Call in advance and visit the websites of those you consider. Ask a lot of questions and request photos if possible.