Ladies with rooms for rent offers at train stations?
Mar 31st, 2006, 09:42 PM
#41
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Rex said: >>For all goods or services, you can construct a grid: best-worse "value" on one axis, highest-lowest price on the other. It has four quadrants, and most offerings fall on a line which runs from "southwest" to "northeast". <<
Hey that sounds like something out of my business class. It may be an interesting analysis but really, what this assumes is that what is valuable to one person is valuable to another. I don't think this is true. Just because someone could get a king size bed and complementary room service at a premier hotel for less than the average market price doesn't mean that's what everyone wants. I think "value" is subjective, I mean unless if you have a way of standardizing the meaning (like if you were doing financial analysis and need to calculated NPV of a project or something).
And who is to say that travel planning is a zero-sum game? Why are we getting all competitive here? We are here to help each other with travel plans, not to get ahead (i.e. grab all the bargains before other people can, or withold information for the purpose of getting some kind of advantange).
I'm sorry but this sounds "snobby" to me:
>>Those (like myself) who choose to seek the advantages of pre-screening and choosing ahead of time... are grateful to you who "settle" for the leftover pool that have been picked over.<<
Just my two cents.
Humbly Yours
Hey that sounds like something out of my business class. It may be an interesting analysis but really, what this assumes is that what is valuable to one person is valuable to another. I don't think this is true. Just because someone could get a king size bed and complementary room service at a premier hotel for less than the average market price doesn't mean that's what everyone wants. I think "value" is subjective, I mean unless if you have a way of standardizing the meaning (like if you were doing financial analysis and need to calculated NPV of a project or something).
And who is to say that travel planning is a zero-sum game? Why are we getting all competitive here? We are here to help each other with travel plans, not to get ahead (i.e. grab all the bargains before other people can, or withold information for the purpose of getting some kind of advantange).
I'm sorry but this sounds "snobby" to me:
>>Those (like myself) who choose to seek the advantages of pre-screening and choosing ahead of time... are grateful to you who "settle" for the leftover pool that have been picked over.<<
Just my two cents.
Humbly Yours
Mar 31st, 2006, 09:45 PM
#42
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If one considers suggesting that they are picky about where they sleep while others are not as being snobby, then yes, I guess that was a snobby statement.
It's no secret that many people say they don't care about where they sleep except for it being clean. Others of us want something much nicer than just a miniscule room with a cot for a bed. If choosing that makes us snobs, then so be it.
It's no secret that many people say they don't care about where they sleep except for it being clean. Others of us want something much nicer than just a miniscule room with a cot for a bed. If choosing that makes us snobs, then so be it.
Mar 31st, 2006, 09:50 PM
#43
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I'm very selective and careful about choosing where I stay when travelling, but I'm not going to be like, "Oh, I'm so happy that you didn't get a good deal in lodging because that leaves more people like me with the good deals." I mean, that just sucks.
OR,
"oh I'm so glad you're stupid enough not to plan ahead because that means I'll get the sweeter packages."
Get my drift?
OR,
"oh I'm so glad you're stupid enough not to plan ahead because that means I'll get the sweeter packages."
Get my drift?
Apr 1st, 2006, 03:42 AM
#44
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It's somewhere betwen snobby and tongue-in-cheek, I will concede. It's intended to illustrate that if you're willing/interested in researching a hundred (or even 3 or 4) places before you go - - and choosing the one that seems to be the best value <i>to you, you have a better chance of getting that one, and maybe at a better price, then if you leave it to the door-to-door search at the last minute.
Keep in mind that I consider the next best thing to pre-planning to be... <i><u>pre-studying</u></i>... so, that if you're not sure if you want to return from Poitou-Charentes all the way back to the Loire on a given segment of your trip... you have read up on this or that (or dozens of other) choice(s) - - say, from the Logis de France website - - so that you can can make some focused phone calls to make your "last minute" pick.
Is "value" subjective? You bet it is. But that doesn't negate the advantage of choosing ahead of time. Whatever your criteria, there are places that will seem <i><u>to you</u></i> to be better values and worse values. And having studied ahead, you will have selected, or at least know to select ... by driving on, one more mile, or staying on the train for one more stop (or getting off one earlier)... that the place you would rather choose is here... on the map, rather than the closest place you see out the window.
Serendipity and exploration... independent from published or internet information will always produce lucky finds you might not otherwise have located. But the reporting is always skewed... we hear about the 2% or 15% or 40% of lucky finds - - there is no reason to recount the tales of the larger fraction of just okay, or mediocre, or genuinely crummy places that the "winger" decided was "good enough" for the night... when a far better choice was just around the corner (but just out of one's line of sight)... or just booked up, the night before.
</i>
Keep in mind that I consider the next best thing to pre-planning to be... <i><u>pre-studying</u></i>... so, that if you're not sure if you want to return from Poitou-Charentes all the way back to the Loire on a given segment of your trip... you have read up on this or that (or dozens of other) choice(s) - - say, from the Logis de France website - - so that you can can make some focused phone calls to make your "last minute" pick.
Is "value" subjective? You bet it is. But that doesn't negate the advantage of choosing ahead of time. Whatever your criteria, there are places that will seem <i><u>to you</u></i> to be better values and worse values. And having studied ahead, you will have selected, or at least know to select ... by driving on, one more mile, or staying on the train for one more stop (or getting off one earlier)... that the place you would rather choose is here... on the map, rather than the closest place you see out the window.
Serendipity and exploration... independent from published or internet information will always produce lucky finds you might not otherwise have located. But the reporting is always skewed... we hear about the 2% or 15% or 40% of lucky finds - - there is no reason to recount the tales of the larger fraction of just okay, or mediocre, or genuinely crummy places that the "winger" decided was "good enough" for the night... when a far better choice was just around the corner (but just out of one's line of sight)... or just booked up, the night before.
</i>
Apr 1st, 2006, 04:28 AM
#45
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Life in quadrants may be fulfilling for some. I strongly believe in thinking outside the box.
Rex, while you are pouring over these well developed lists, I spend those same hours studying the language, which gives me more confidence when I travel.
Using this approach, or rather putting my passion for language into action, I believe I may have "lucked" into a few awe-inspiring "goods and services" as well as favors and luxuries, that will of course never appear on rex's lists, but that's just me!
Rex, Your way of presenting your theories seems to reduce the process of travel to nothing more than a competition, and it seems to be a rather joyless approach to what can be a magical and spontaneous experience for many people. Give me a little joy anytime over a game of winning and losing!
I pray that when traveling you take time time to "stop and smell the roses" and open up to a surpise or two....... and I mean that in the friendliest way!
Rex, while you are pouring over these well developed lists, I spend those same hours studying the language, which gives me more confidence when I travel.
Using this approach, or rather putting my passion for language into action, I believe I may have "lucked" into a few awe-inspiring "goods and services" as well as favors and luxuries, that will of course never appear on rex's lists, but that's just me!
Rex, Your way of presenting your theories seems to reduce the process of travel to nothing more than a competition, and it seems to be a rather joyless approach to what can be a magical and spontaneous experience for many people. Give me a little joy anytime over a game of winning and losing!
I pray that when traveling you take time time to "stop and smell the roses" and open up to a surpise or two....... and I mean that in the friendliest way!
Apr 1st, 2006, 04:41 AM
#46
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Aarrghhh... I hate it when I fail to get one of those HTML tags turned off!
I'm glad that merritt... and maybe Clifton... got something out of my attempt to explain - - in language admittedly way too analytical - - how I go about an entirely JOYFUL process of discovery... pre-trip... of dozens of wonderful options and intuitively, NOT analytically, picking the one that seems best for me. The "analytical" part comes only in my attempt to explain how/why it believe it works for me, and it can work for anyone who will take up the <i><u>joy</u></i> of combing through materials weeks before going.
Study the language? the culture? what's going on? well, of course I do. I don't see how one separates the logistics from all the fun reasons one is going to visit a place, and learning about one just goes hand in hand with the other.
Or you can just get off the plane, and rely on the kindness of strangers to get you to some place. That will work, too... when it does...
I'm glad that merritt... and maybe Clifton... got something out of my attempt to explain - - in language admittedly way too analytical - - how I go about an entirely JOYFUL process of discovery... pre-trip... of dozens of wonderful options and intuitively, NOT analytically, picking the one that seems best for me. The "analytical" part comes only in my attempt to explain how/why it believe it works for me, and it can work for anyone who will take up the <i><u>joy</u></i> of combing through materials weeks before going.
Study the language? the culture? what's going on? well, of course I do. I don't see how one separates the logistics from all the fun reasons one is going to visit a place, and learning about one just goes hand in hand with the other.
Or you can just get off the plane, and rely on the kindness of strangers to get you to some place. That will work, too... when it does...
Apr 1st, 2006, 05:00 AM
#47
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Hey Rex... yep, I guess we well-earned the overly pedantic title on this one, didn't we?
Ah well. It happens.
Thanks merrittm. I hadn't ever really thought of the why at all until I saw the responses on here.
Our approach is usually not that well thought out. Get off bus, ask around... hey, cute little place there, let's ask to see a room and get a price. Nothing really so highly analyzed on a case by case basis. The thought that there was an even cuter B&B around the corner for $5 less hasn't ever been a point I'd have worried over. An average night spent, an average meal, just lets you appreciate the better ones all the more. There IS, I think, an intangible value in this approach as well, a value that can't show up on a grid. A return on investment that can't be found on a value lists of bed size, extra pillows and room service.
Personally, after even more of my rambling on, I really prefer the way bellastar put things. I value roses too.
Apr 1st, 2006, 05:10 AM
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Rex, please calm down, I did not accuse you of NOT studying the language or the culture, or of being joyless yourself, I simply am saying that I think the way you presented your ideas seems to be a put down of others who use different methods, and also assumes that their experiences are somehow lesser than your own, as if the whole thing is some sort of competition.
If analysing things brings you joy, that's fine. But there's no need to devalue the experiences of others who don't use your same methods, that's my only point!
If analysing things brings you joy, that's fine. But there's no need to devalue the experiences of others who don't use your same methods, that's my only point!
Apr 1st, 2006, 05:34 AM
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I tried "ladies with a room to rent" three times (in Croatia, Bosnia,Portugal. I didn't suspect it could be possible in Italy). Two rooms were sub-par (in one case, the couple renting the other room had to cross our room to get to their), one just great (large room, with a wonderful view on the beach). It's kind of a lottery.
Apr 1st, 2006, 09:54 AM
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yeah, I agree with bellastarr. Actually that's what I was trying to say in my last message without being directly offensive.
I mean, it just sucks when someone posts a good find (ladies with rooms at train stations, premier hotels for less, whatever the situation is) and wants to share with others, and gets his/her idea put down. I'm sorry but this isn't a zero-sum game.
I mean, it just sucks when someone posts a good find (ladies with rooms at train stations, premier hotels for less, whatever the situation is) and wants to share with others, and gets his/her idea put down. I'm sorry but this isn't a zero-sum game.
Apr 1st, 2006, 10:51 AM
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Once upon a time, there was an organized version of "the ladies with rooms for rent at train stations" shtick. It was called VVV and was found throughout Europe. You approached a modest portable desk in the station, staffed by (generally youthful) volunteers who asked how much you could spend and then matched you with a landlady/landlord and phoned ahead with your estimated arrival time. Through this method you might find yourself in anything from a basic hostel unit, to a B&B or a small inn (yes, with charm, and ranking high in Rex's quantititative analysis scale).
Does this service still exist? I admit I have not looked for it for years as my travelling companion for the past 25 would NEVER arrive without reservations.If it doesn't in Italy, has anyone come across it in Eastern European countries, the paths (that were) less travelled?
Does this service still exist? I admit I have not looked for it for years as my travelling companion for the past 25 would NEVER arrive without reservations.If it doesn't in Italy, has anyone come across it in Eastern European countries, the paths (that were) less travelled?
Apr 5th, 2006, 03:48 PM
#53
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WOW! I'm very surprised by all the responses to my question. Made interesting reading. Thank you for all suggestions and encouragement.
In our previous trips, we have had some very memorable experiences. On one Greek Island, we arrived by ferry and were approached by a young couple who were in the town square playing cards. He was Greek and she was American. Had a cute room with balcony with view of the ocean in the distance in their home. When I had an exacerbation of my sinuses, he drove me to the hosspital, served as translator, drove me to pharmacy for RX and would not acccept any payment.
We have had many such experiences and have also had some rather comical, but all of them have provided a rich repertoir of memories.
So we are looking forward to all Italy has to offer, including maybe renting a room from a lady we meet in the station.
Happy travelling to all,
Joanne
In our previous trips, we have had some very memorable experiences. On one Greek Island, we arrived by ferry and were approached by a young couple who were in the town square playing cards. He was Greek and she was American. Had a cute room with balcony with view of the ocean in the distance in their home. When I had an exacerbation of my sinuses, he drove me to the hosspital, served as translator, drove me to pharmacy for RX and would not acccept any payment.
We have had many such experiences and have also had some rather comical, but all of them have provided a rich repertoir of memories.
So we are looking forward to all Italy has to offer, including maybe renting a room from a lady we meet in the station.
Happy travelling to all,
Joanne
Apr 5th, 2006, 04:50 PM
#54
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LJ, if you mean the accomodations services run by local tourist boards, yes they still exist in many places, though many places that used to book for you will now just give you a list. But I've never heard VVV applied to anything but the tourist info offices in the Netherlands, so maybe you're talking about something other than what I'm familiar with.
In Britain, at least, the tourist info centers (TICs) will also "book a bed ahead" for you in your next destination. I've had some great luck with TICs, ending up, for example, in lovely old farmhouses with homemade bread and preserves, peaceful grounds, and friendly host families. But no choice of pillows, designer curtains, or envious comments from others about how lucky I was to snag a room at a sought-after place. Guess I'm just a loser.
FWIW, I agree with Bellastarr. Talk about a zero-sum game: I'm pretty amused by the people who panic because there's "no place to stay" in a city when the three or four hotels most commonly recommended in a city are sold out. Some of us who are more willing to go with the flow and/or value different things in our accomodations could make some pretty snarky comments if we wanted to. But frankly, as long as other people aren't asking me to pay for their vacations, they can stay where they like and I don't need to demonstrate the "superiority" of my way of doing things.
In Britain, at least, the tourist info centers (TICs) will also "book a bed ahead" for you in your next destination. I've had some great luck with TICs, ending up, for example, in lovely old farmhouses with homemade bread and preserves, peaceful grounds, and friendly host families. But no choice of pillows, designer curtains, or envious comments from others about how lucky I was to snag a room at a sought-after place. Guess I'm just a loser.
FWIW, I agree with Bellastarr. Talk about a zero-sum game: I'm pretty amused by the people who panic because there's "no place to stay" in a city when the three or four hotels most commonly recommended in a city are sold out. Some of us who are more willing to go with the flow and/or value different things in our accomodations could make some pretty snarky comments if we wanted to. But frankly, as long as other people aren't asking me to pay for their vacations, they can stay where they like and I don't need to demonstrate the "superiority" of my way of doing things.
Apr 5th, 2006, 05:04 PM
#55
I'm with Bellestar. We never travel with booked places all over. we like to travel half the time with surprises. and that's how we met friends we have there in France. Fodors has alot of posters who think only their way is right and where to eat and so on. And even those who live there part time(they rent it out) often aren't as hip as some of the posters who are able to travel there several times a year.
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