Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ted and DIY-style vacation rental properties listed with
Airbnb
(
www.airbnb.com
) and
Vaca-
tion Rentals By Owner
(
www.vrbo.com
).
Most B&Bs require advance reservations; only a few will accommodate drop-in guests.
Smoking is generally prohibited and children are usually not welcome. Multiple-night minim-
um stays may be required, especially on weekends and during high season.
Camping
In California, camping is much more than just a cheap way to spend the night. The best
campsites will have you bedding down with ocean views by the beach, underneath pine
trees next to an alpine lake or beside sand dunes in the desert. For all about camping in
California, see (
Click here
).
Hostels
California has 19 hostels affiliated with
Hostelling International USA
(HI-USA;
888-464-4872;
www.hiusa.org
)
. Dorms in HI hostels are typically gender-segregated and alco-
hol and smoking are prohibited. HI membership cards (adult/senior $28/18 per year, free for
under-18s) get you $3 off per night.
California also has dozens of independent hostels, particularly in coastal cities. They
generally have more relaxed rules, with frequent guest parties and activities. Some hostels
include a light breakfast in their rates, arrange local tours or offer pick-ups at transportation
hubs. No two hostels are alike, but facilities typically include mixed dorms, semi-private
rooms with shared bathrooms, communal kitchens, lockers, internet access, coin-op laun-
dry and TV lounges.
Some hostels say they accept only international visitors (basically to keep out homeless
locals), but Americans who look like travelers (eg you're in possession of an international
plane ticket) may be admitted, especially during slow periods.
Dorm-bed rates range from $25 to $55 per night, including tax. Reservations are always
a good idea, especially in high season. Most hostels take reservations online or by phone.
Booking services like
www.hostels.com
,
www.hostelz.com
and
www.hostelworld.com
sometimes offer lower rates than the hostels directly.
Hotels & Motels
Rooms are often priced by the size and number of beds, rather than the number of occu-
pants. A room with one double or queen-size bed usually costs the same for one or two
people, while a room with a king-size bed or two double beds costs more.
There is often a small surcharge for the third and fourth person, but children under a cer-
tain age (this varies) may stay free. Cribs or rollaway cots usually incur an additional fee.
