The Best Gifts for Travellers!

Not trying to toot my horn, but you will not find a better list of gifts that any traveller would love to receive this Christmas. Whether they are a beach bum, a weekend jet-setter, or European explorer, you will most certainly delight the wanderlusters in your life with these giftss. Many of these sites are offering additional discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday or if you signup with your email (you can always unsubscribe later).

1. Weekender Bag ($60) | 2. Aviator Sunglasses ($129) | 3.Shatterproof Wine Glasses ($17) | 4. GoPro Camera ($150) | 5. Airbnb Gift Card ($25) | 6. Portable Speaker ($60) | 7. Bourbon Toothpicks ($8) | 8. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck ($15) | 9. Leather Tech Roll Up ($32) | 10. Best Ever Beach Chair ($55)

Holiday Gift Guide - Host & Home

With Black Friday just around the corner, it's time to buckle down on that Christmas shopping list. Get your credit card, pour a glass of wine, and let me make it easy for you. I've compiled a list of the best gifts I've given and received over the years that should cover just about everyone on your list. Forget the tiring and chaotic journey to the mall. Follow the links and buy now. Most of these sites are offering free shipping PLUS additional discounts if you sign up for emails (you can always unsubscribe later).

1. 8-Bottle Wine Fridge by Cuisinart - $159 

Need I say more? This is by far this most functional and impressive thing I own. The price may be a little steep for that $50 limit you set with you family, but go in with your brother and sister and treat mom and dad this Christmas.

2. Caldrea Linen Spray in Sea Salt Neroli - $10 

I searched long and hard for a linen spray that wasn't Fabreeze. (That smell brings back memories of college and being too lazy to do laundry).  I was nervous about buying a product I couldn't smell, but after reading tons of reviews about how great the scent was, I ordered it and have since bought five more bottles. Not only does it smell amazing on your sheets and furniture, your friends will love the same scent in candles, hand soap, lotion and more. 

3. Mark and Graham Monogramed Serving Tray - $59 + 15% off if you spend $150+ 

My sister bought this tray for me two years ago for Christmas and it is my favorite bar accessory. It keeps my liquor bottles organized on the bar, and doubles as a serving tray when I have guests over. Mine has white monogramed initials and it is gorgeous!  You can choose from several font styles and colors.

4. Hairband Bracelet - $45 + 10% off with email sign-up

Arguably the best invention for women in our time- how often are you sporting a hair band around your wrist but not wanting to seem informal at work or out on the town? This gold bracelet is actually a hairband holder! That is a black elastic hair band in the photo. You will get so many compliments on this bracelet and WOW your friends when they realize the added benefit of concealing your much needed hair accessory...wait, I mean your bestie who you buy it for will get all the compliments.

5. Crate & Barrel Wine Glasses Set of 6 - $54 + 10% off with email sign-up 

Wine glasses may seem like a 'meh' gift, but it's one of those things people don't shell out money for a nice set. My mom bought me my first set of Crate & Barrel wine glasses when I moved into my first apartment. I felt so bougie bringing them out when my friends came over (okay, I still do).  Definitely one of those gifts no one thinks to give but will most certainly be appreciated!

6. Moet Chandon Champagne - Holiday Edition - Usually $35

OMG, finding out what Moet Chandon's holiday edition champagne bottle is every year is such a thrill! My best friend still has the 2013 "I Am the After Party" graffiti bottle I gave her proudly displayed on her bar. (Secretly, I am still jealous I didn't buy one for myself). If you love glitter, you will LOVE this year's edition. Check your local wine shop and liquor store to buy.

7. Animal Head Wine Pourer and Aerator - $15

What is not to love about this? Not only does it look great, it actually aerates your wine while it pours out of the mouth of a stag. Not a hunter? No problem- they make these in pretty much any animal head your heart desires.

8. You Are a Badass at Making Money -  $10

By far, one of the best books you can read this year. If you're new to Jen Sincero, check out her first book "You Are a Badass."  Get ready to be kicked in the butt with incredible insight and inspiration. And be prepared to make powerful moves in your life.

9. Cutco Cheese Knife - $73

Not only is this the ultimate cheese cutting knife, it has quickly become my go-to for cutting everything. I loath chopping vegetables, especially hard ones like carrots and sweet potatoes. This knife makes all of that chopping suck a whole lot less.

10. Restoration Hardware Blanket - $47 ($37 for members!)

Saving the best for last- six years ago my sister gave me this blanket in cream ("natural") and it is still beautiful five apartments and a hundred washes later.  Restoration Hardware has also made it even better. It is now full fleece on both sides and almost twice as big. There are so many blankets and throws out there but this one takes the cake. I PROMISE any woman you give this to will absolutely love it. If not, I'll buy you a beer.

"Aren't you afraid someone will steal something?"

This is by far the most frequent question I get asked when people find out I list my personal apartment on Airbnb. 

And my response? No. I’m not worried, at all.

It’s a reasonable question, and I get people’s concern—sort of. But let’s take a reasonable approach to the question.  What are you worried someone might steal? A knick knack, a drinking glass, a book or maybe a candle from your coffee table? How bad would you feel about that? Would you feel victimized? You might, but more likely you'd probably just be miffed and think, "Huh, what an odd thing for them to take."  

But what about something really valuable—like jewelry or your TV?  Think about it.  Do you really believe someone is going to steal my 55” off the wall without my noticing and reporting them to the police and to Airbnb?  As for jewelry and other valuables, Airbnb suggests having a small locked area for stowing things like that, and that’s a solution that makes sense. 

Good advice, but I think there’s a larger question here: what level of trust do you have in others? How much faith do you have in humanity? Generally speaking, do you assume the worst in people or do you give them the benefit of the doubt? I personally put a lot of faith in people—I always have and I always will. Trust a total stranger to stay in my apartment, not steal anything, and leave it in good condition when they’re done? Yes, I have. Yes, I do. Yes, I will.

But you don’t have to go on faith, or subscribe to my philosophy. Airbnb publishes guest profiles and reviews. That gives you some good information to go on. And you can rely on your own instincts, starting with your first interactions with a potential guest. For my more skeptical readers there's this: Airbnb provides every single host with a $1,000,000 Host Guarantee at no cost. Whether something is damaged or stolen, they've got your back for up to a million dollars in coverage. One. Million. Dollars. 

So while I'm not personally afraid of someone stealing or damaging something of mine, it is great having the peace of mind knowing I am covered if something ever happened.  Which brings me to the final question you're probably asking, "Have you ever had anything stolen?"

After two years of hosting over sixty different groups of guests, ranging from the sole traveler to six best friends having a girls’ weekend, I have never had one thing stolen—not one.  But I have met some pretty amazing people. 

5 Airbnb Host Tips to Earn 5-Stars Every Time

One of the great things about Airbnb is the variety of hosts and accommodations guests can choose from when booking a stay.  Every host is different in how they communicate with guests, the amenities they offer, and the experience they provide. While there are many ways hosts can delight guests and earn a great review, these are my tried-and-true methods  that work every time:

1. Respond to every new guest within one hour.

Great communication with guests is key. Send a quick response to their first message. It is always appreciated (and often times expected). Even if they don't ask any questions, ask if they have any and answer them promptly. After your initial exchange with the guest, be sure to provide them with all the important details they need for their stay including how to access the home or apartment, where to find keys, parking, local coffee spot, etc. 

2. Leave a handwritten note

Say 'hi' and welcome your guests. Let them know you're happy they are there and to make themselves at home. This is also a great place to leave wifi and emergency contact info. If you want to go the extra mile, provide a map or list of your favorite local spots.

3. PYOB - provide your own booze

Whether it's a bottle of wine or local craft beer, provide your guests with a welcome drink. It doesn't cost much, and goes a long way. You don't have to offer a full bar (unless you want to!); figure $10 per reservation. Leave the wine out in the open or a note to indicate the "Welcome Pack" of beer you've left them in the fridge.

4. Pay attention to dust

It sounds like common sense, but if you're renting out your own place, sometimes you don't realize how dusty your ceiling fans or entertainment center shelves have gotten. Even if the rest of your place is tidy and spotless, guests will notice dust in even the most benign places. Pay extra special attention to the nooks and crannies behind doors, around picture frames, in closets, on the fireplace mantel, even on top of your fridge. 

5. Have treats

A bowl of peanut M&Ms, yogurt covered pretzels, Halloween or Easter candy- whatever you choose, leave a simple sweet treat that's easily accessible in your living room. It provides an extra welcoming touch and guests will appreciate it.

*Bonus Tip*

If you really want to delight your guests and guarantee a fantastic review, the trick is in the towels! While it will cost you a few bucks more, opt to purchase bath sheets instead of towels. Bath sheets are the extra large and long towels you expect to find in luxury hotels. Guests LOVE these towels and they really aren't that much more expensive. So grab your 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupons or head on over to Amazon to get some. 

Lastly, while we're on the topic of towels, here's a *bonus* bonus tip: always buy white. I know it's tempting to get the beautiful colored towels to match your shower curtain, but you can't bleach them. Depending on how often your guests leave the towels on the floor, if they ever take on a mildew smell, you can't get that out without the power of bleach. If you must have color, get a few decorative hand towels.