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The truth about house swaps

<p>Swapping your humble home on a quiet street for a house that’s a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park in London’s prestigious north. It’s a romantic notion isn’t? As house swaps become more popular, it appears not everyone is sold on the concept. For some, the idea of house swapping has raised questions about security and safety. Over60 sat down with Nick Faud, the founder of Aussie House Swap Australia, to find out the truth about house swapping.</p> <p><strong>What are the common misconceptions about house swaps?</strong><br />Some homeowners worry about having someone in their home. The key to house swapping is that this is a mutual agreement between two parties as you are staying in each other’s homes. Swappers treat their each other’s home with care and respect, knowing that they’re in their home and this is what they would expect from them. Also some people worry about their insurance. In fact, you'll find most insurance companies prefer that there is going to be someone in the home rather than leaving it empty and vulnerable. Check with your insurance company and inform them that you have someone looking after your home while you are away.</p> <p><strong>What measures are in place to ensure the safety of the houses?</strong><br />House swap holidays are a mutual agreement based on trust. Both members are in each other’s homes and so they treat them as well as they would their own. Having someone in your home while you are in theirs ensures a level of trust and respect from house swappers. Many swappers will have a lockable cupboard in their home where they can store any valuables away while the swap partner is staying in their home. This can also include personal items or photos that you do not feel comfortable leaving out for others to look at.</p> <p>The more open communication you have before commencing the swap, the better your swap holiday will be. If there are any rooms you don’t want your swappers to go in, you can make this clear at the outset and they will respect this. Be open about any concerns at the beginning and address them so they will not come up during the swap and become an issue.</p> <p><strong>Do swappers ever maintain contact after a swap?</strong><br />Many swap members will swap again with a swap partner if they like the house and area. They can almost become each other’s holiday homes!  We have heard of many swappers who go on to find that they have a lot in common and become friends. Some even holiday together at times. The house swap community is a great group of people. To be open to the idea of letting someone stay in your home while you holiday in theirs, is an open and trusting attitude so many swappers make positive and lasting friendships in the swap community.</p> <p><strong>What are the rules around pets?</strong><br />Some swappers think they cannot swap if they have pets. This is not the case. Many house swap members love to spend some time taking care of their swap partner’s animal. As long as it’s not a big commitment then most swappers are happy to swap house with someone who has a family pet. If you have a treasured canine friend who you travel with, then this is usually also fine as many swappers are happy for you to bring your own pet with you. You just need to check at the beginning that the swap partner is happy for this, and if so, whether the animal is allowed inside or has to stay outside. Some homes are not set up for animals so in this case you cannot bring your pet with you, however, there are many pet-friendly swappers out there.</p> <p><strong>How long on average do people swap houses for?</strong><br />People swap their houses for all different lengths of time. Some will swap of a weekend, a week, a month, a few months or even a year! Swappers travelling closer to home may want to swap only for a short length of time, but those who are travelling further away may want to swap houses for a longer time.  </p> <p><em>Image: @aussiehouseswap (Instagram)</em></p>

Real Estate

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Tasmanian tower on the edge of the world finds new owner

<p>A mediaeval Tasmanian house that appears to teeter on the edge of the world now has a new owner, who must really enjoy the solitude.</p> <p>Marketed recently for $3.5 million, "The Keep" in Tasmania's far northeastern region has to be one of the world's most stunning and remote properties.</p> <p>Constructed in the image of a Scottish fortified tower, the amazing structure at 535 New England Road in Goulds Country sits atop a 650-metre pinnacle, and its lonesome presence has made it a favourite of tourists and travel photographers alike.</p> <p>From its incredible vantage point, the property takes in 360-degree Bass Strait, forest and valley views, on the very edge of Tasmania's wild coastline.</p> <p>The only neighbours are the lights of the Eddystone Lighthouse at night, and myrtle, sassafras and tree ferns in the surrounding Blue Tier Forest Reserve.</p> <p>Built in 2009, The Keep has only just allowed tourists to see inside for the past two years – and since opening, has been at 90% occupancy, according to the listing. The owners who bought the property in 2019 transformed it from a private residence to guest accomodation - adding one of the greatest attractions, an outdoor granite bath.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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How to travel minus the expense of accommodation

<p dir="ltr">Believe it or not, according to news.com.au. there’s a happy band of holiday-makers who travel far and wide and rarely pay for their accommodation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The costs of a week-long holiday in New Zealand, even staying in an Airbnb or locally-owned house, can quickly add up. Yet one Australian couple Christopher Ojala and Andrew Redfern have done it three times, all without paying a cent for accommodation.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Aussies are house-sitters, who have travelled across New Zealand, the US, the UK and Mexico, all by way of caring for strangers’ homes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“House-sitting gives you a completely different perspective, compared to going somewhere as just a tourist,” says Mr Ojala, who also manages the 17,000-strong Facebook group ‘House sitting worldwide’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You get to see new places from a local’s perspective.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Most house sits aren't about the houses at all, rather, they're pet-sits in someone else's home. </p> <p dir="ltr">As it's a win-win situation for both parties and money rarely changes hands.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead, it's a system built on trust between strangers which is also why the house-sitting community thrives in New Zealand, in particular.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In New Zealand, people trust other people much more than in a lot of other countries,” says Mr Ojala.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It's no big deal for people to have strangers in their homes. Whereas in the US, you almost have to go through multiple police checks just to be eligible to be considered.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In addition to sharing their homes, they're also eager to introduce guests to other facets of their lives, so they're able to truly live like a local.</p> <p dir="ltr">Still, house-sitting's biggest sell might be its affordability — but it's not just an activity for the broke backpacker set.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Nick Fuad, founder of Kiwi House Sitters, roughly 25% of house-sitters on the platform are over the age of 60.</p> <p dir="ltr">It's also a budget-friendly vacation option for families, particularly during holiday periods when campgrounds are booked-out and hotels charge peak seasonal rates. </p> <p dir="ltr">Originally from Canada, Ms Mcallister met her future partner when she was house-sitting on the South Island.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since moving to Dunedin and settling down, she hasn't given up her favourite way to explore the country. Now, she takes her partner and his 6-year-old son along on her adventures.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's a beautiful way to be able to travel," Ms Mcallister says.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple regularly house sit in Queenstown and Wānaka and have even done a beachside house sit during school holidays in their home city.</p> <p dir="ltr">For her partner's son, the location doesn't matter.</p> <p dir="ltr">"He just thinks it's somewhere different. There are different toys and it makes it a fun kind of holiday," she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ultimately, caring for other people's pets is a serious commitment and house sitting isn't for everyone.</p> <p dir="ltr">But those who do it, tend to love it so much that they almost don't want anyone else to know about it.</p> <p dir="ltr">"My partner, is like, 'You shouldn't be telling anyone about this," says Ms Mcallister, laughing.</p> <p dir="ltr">It's a secret she wants to share, though: "House-sitting can open up doors for world travel that you would have never imagined."</p> <p dir="ltr">How to get started as a house-sitter in New Zealand</p> <p dir="ltr">House-sitting positions are typically advertised on platforms such as TrustedHousesitters.com, HouseCarers.com, but KiwiHouseSitters.co.nz is by far the most active house sitting site in New Zealand.</p> <p dir="ltr">Regardless of what platform you choose, expect to pay around $NZ85 to $NZ150 per year.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you're not willing to pony up the membership fee, gigs are also posted on the House Sitting New Zealand Facebook group.</p> <p dir="ltr">Once you've found a potential house, set up a virtual or in-person meeting with the homeowners and their pets.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the very minimum, speak on the phone so that both parties have the opportunity to ask any questions.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Do your homework before you just jump in," advises Mr Ojala.</p> <p dir="ltr">Don't have any experience? Don't worry.</p> <p dir="ltr">In lieu of house-sitting references, offer to supply personal or professional referees or a police clearance.</p> <p dir="ltr">Even without references, your services will be sought-after if you plan to house sit over a school holiday period.</p> <p dir="ltr">A quick scan of KiwiHouse sitters.co.nz reveals upcoming holiday sits ranging from a three-week stay in the Mackenzie region at a sprawling country home with an in-ground pool, to a little closer to home, where there's a five-day sit at an artist's house in Titirangi, complete with use of kayaks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Remember: Love of animals is a must "House sitting" is a bit of a misnomer, it should really be called "pet-sitting".</p> <p dir="ltr">Very rarely will you see a posting for homes without animals, although the level of time you'll devote to taking care of pets can vary.</p> <p dir="ltr">Be sure to ask homeowners about daily routines and responsibilities, as well as how long they're comfortable for their pets to be left alone.</p> <p dir="ltr">If you envision long days spent at the beach or in nearby art galleries, bypass the horses and dogs, and look for a cat instead.</p> <p> </p> <p>Image: Getty </p>

Travel Tips

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The best hotels around the world for book lovers

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Book lovers rejoice! In recent years, a number of themed hotels have popped up around the world, with book fiends relishing in the targeted accommodation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can now curl up with a good book and relax on your holiday, all while being surrounded by like-minded readers. </span></p> <p><strong>Gladstone’s Library, North Wales</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This library was built specifically to house four-time British prime minister William Ewart Gladstone’s book collection. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leaving his books as a legacy to the public, an accommodation wing was also added at the former prime minister’s request. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Travellers can enjoy enchanting rooms covered with book-themed wallpaper and everything a guest could need to start writing their own stories. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXGUVd9AYjO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXGUVd9AYjO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Gladstone's Library (@gladstoneslibrary)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Library Hotel, New York</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With each room stocked with more than 100 books, this hotel is every bibliophile’s dream accommodation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each room and its books is categorised according to the Dewey Decimal System, meaning you could be staying in a room themed by philosophy, history or the arts. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with several designated reading rooms throughout the hotel, it’s easy for a book lover to get lost in the endless stories within the thousands of bookcases. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSNMOEwAxZi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSNMOEwAxZi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Library Hotel (@libraryhotel)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Hazlitt’s Hotel, London</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Georgian hotel in London’s famous Soho Square dates back to 1718, and reflects the intellect and poetry of the era. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All bedrooms and common areas are filled to the brim with historic books, as well as boasting an impressive library. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The hotel also has an Honesty Bar, where patrons can drink with each other and indulge in stories from the past. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVFOIa3IZrq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVFOIa3IZrq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Hazlitt's Hotel (@hazlittshotel)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Book and Bed, Tokyo</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the style of a typical Japanese capsule hotel, Book and Bed is the perfect place to meet like-minded book lovers. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beds are built into the walls among the bookshelves, with thousands of books at the fingertips of each guest. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Branded as “the bookstore where you can stay the night”, the hostel boasts special quiet reading corners for travellers to immerse themselves within the pages of over 4,000 books. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9giYeHJhP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9giYeHJhP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by BOOKANDBEDTOKYO®︎ (@bookandbedtokyo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Travel Tips

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What not to ask hotel staff when checking in

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A former hotel receptionist has shared the annoying question she would constantly get asked by demanding guests. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Janessa Richard acted out the scenario to her TikTok followers, showing how unreasonable some customers can be, and why hotel staff get so fed up. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Janessa plays both the role of the receptionist and the rude customer in the reenactment, as she begins to demand a price reduction. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I was actually just online, and I saw a rate for $89 and I'm pretty sure we are paying $129, so you're gonna need to match that price if you want to keep us as your guests," Janessa, as the customer, begins.</span></p> <p dir="ltr">Obliging with the customer’s request, she asks the next logical, and very reasonable, request: if she can see the competing price on the customer’s phone.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, the simple question causes the customer to snap back.</p> <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2F7003760114041670918&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40janessarichard%2Fvideo%2F7003760114041670918%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26lang%3Den&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" scrolling="no" title="tiktok embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">"Well, that's not gonna work because I don't have it on my phone anymore. That was like an hour ago," she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">The receptionist tries to offer a number of different solutions, but the entitled guest refuses to cooperate.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"Oh my gosh. Why do you have to make this so complicated? I don't remember what the website was. I just need you to match that rate, or else we're gonna go elsewhere".</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The video concludes with Janessa explaining that they require proof of the cheaper pricing, as she continues to stay calm in conversation. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">She captioned the video, "When people don't understand how price matching works".</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The video has racked up over 200,000 views, with many people in the comments empathising with her tolerance of the service industry. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Others who also work in the hotel industry commented their own experiences of dealing with difficult customers with price matching debacles. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While many hotels do offer price matching discounts, as shown by Janessa’s clip, the guest has to show proof of the cheaper rate on a competing website. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credit: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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5 Signs you're about to fall for a bad Airbnb listing

<p><span>When looking for accommodation for a next holiday, many people turn to the rentals listed on Airbnb. Although many are amazing, some are not so great. We talk to experts who shed light on some of the key indicators that a rental may not be all it’s cracked up to be, or worse, that you’re about to fall for an Airbnb scam.</span></p> <p><strong>1. Photos that leave you with more questions than answers </strong></p> <p>The best listings will provide a virtual photo tour of the space you will temporarily call home. On the other end of the spectrum, a questionable listing will have photos of the outside area, the neighbourhood, and the street … but not what you care about the most: the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen, says chief digital officer Nerissa Marbury, who has booked everything from entire homes to private rooms in 12 cities across five countries. “If the listing has limited photos, it doesn’t hurt to ask the host for more photos. And if the host offers a lame excuse as to why this isn’t possible, be wary,” she says.</p> <p><strong>2. You can't find any reviews.....</strong></p> <p><span>When you’re shopping for anything from a mattress to a blender, what information is most valuable to you? Reviews from internet strangers, your friends, your neighbour – anyone who will provide insight about their experience. The same goes for an Airbnb listing. If there are little to no reviews, you should proceed with caution, says Sara Mosadegh, an Airbnb host and property manager. While, sure, every new listing will start from square one, if you are considering booking a listing with no feedback and a host who isn’t responding, run away!</span></p> <p><strong>3. ......or you are only finding negative reviews </strong></p> <p>You might find a property with tons of reviews – but are any of them peachy? The only thing worse than no feedback is negative criticisms of a listing, says Mosadegh. “Reviews that say negative things about wifi, neighbours, or neighbourhood safety are important to sort through. That’s why you should take the time to read all reviews and dig deep,” she explains. She also recommends following up on reviews that mention construction, since that could change or improve over time. “Review comments may not be a deal breaker but are always something you should weigh up,” she adds.</p> <p><strong>4. You aren't finding photos that match the description</strong></p> <p><span>Use your investigative skills to see if the description matches the pictures provided, urges Jessica Norak, a travel writer and Airbnb frequent traveller. “If the text says ‘luxury apartment’ and you see chipped paint, uneven concrete floors, and little furniture pictured, it probably is not a luxury apartment,” she explains. “Be sure to check the photos that have been verified or taken by Airbnb, and use those to inform what you think the apartment will be like, rather than the description, if the two do not match.”</span></p> <p><strong>5. You can't believe the price </strong></p> <p>Finding a good deal is often a double-edged sword: saving money is always a bonus, but it’s important to understand why a place is far below market value compared with other listings, says digital nomad and frequent Airbnb guest Veronica Silva. As she puts it, there’s often a reason, so don’t just believe you scored a budget-friendly option right off the bat. “Maybe the neighbourhood is not great, or the place itself is lacking something and the host is just trying to make up for it,” she explains. When in doubt, you should ask your potential host to provide further insight on how he or she arrived at the rate.\</p> <div class="body-container"> <div> <p><em>This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/10-signs-youre-about-to-fall-for-a-bad-airbnb-listing">Reader’s Digest.</a> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></em></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> <div class="footer-container"></div>

Accommodation

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Keith Richards sells luxury New York penthouse at a loss for $14 million

<p>Rock legend Keith Richards has finally sold his Greenwich Village penthouse in New York for <span>US$9.95 million (NZ$14.2 million)</span>, four years after he bought the luxury home with model wife Patti Hansen<span>.</span></p> <p>The Rolling Stones guitarist, who purchased the Fifth Avenue home for US$10.5 million <span>(NZ$15.1 million)</span> in 2014, had listed the home at a lower price after it failed to sell in 2016 at the asking price of US$12.23 million.</p> <p>The penthouse features a 47-foot-long living, dining and entertainment space. There are four bedrooms, two on each floor, and each boast en suite bathrooms.</p> <p>The master suite also features two walk-in wardrobes, whilst the home has access to three private terraces with views of New York City and Washington Square Park.</p> <p>Take a peek inside the lavish home in the gallery above. </p>

Music

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Keith Richards sells luxury New York penthouse at a loss for $13 million

<p>Rock legend Keith Richards has finally sold his Greenwich Village penthouse in New York for <span>US$9.95 million (AU$13.1 million)</span>, four years after he bought the luxury home with model wife Patti Hansen<span>.</span></p> <p>The Rolling Stones guitarist, who purchased the Fifth Avenue home for US$10.5 million <span>(AU$13.9 million)</span> in 2014, had listed the home at a lower price after it failed to sell in 2016 at the asking price of US$12.23 million.</p> <p>The penthouse features a 47-foot-long living, dining and entertainment space. There are four bedrooms, two on each floor, and each boast en suite bathrooms.</p> <p>The master suite also features two walk-in wardrobes, whilst the home has access to three private terraces with views of New York City and Washington Square Park.</p> <p>Take a peek inside the lavish home in the gallery above. </p>

Music

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Orient Express-style vintage railway carriages

<p>We’ve all seen the gorgeous <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/04/train-carriage-transformed-into-luxury-airbnb/?gallery=4"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">100-year-old Victorian train carriage that’s been transformed into a luxury cottage</span></strong></a>, but you have to wonder, what did it look like in its heyday? If you’re a fan of heritage sites and plush, period design, this is sure to tickle all of your fancies.</p> <p>This secluded mountain-top retreat is home to meticulously restored heritage railway carriages, perched high on the Great Dividing Range in Cooks Gap, Australia. The once dilapidated railyard faced a fate in the scrap heap. However, <em>Better Homes and Gardens</em> TV host and renovator extraordinaire Scott Mcgregor rescued the gem, turning it into something quite special. </p> <p>The property features opulent accommodation in orient express style railway carts. The carriages are surrounded by extensive gardens, museum pieces, a generous fire pit and outdoor dining sets to rival the vintage charm of properties interiors.</p> <p>Complete with a dining car, two luxury sleeping cars and even a "Ruwenzori Station" games room, be whisked away by the sumptuous splendour as you indulge in a piece of history.</p> <p>Scroll the through the gallery above to see the vintage carriages in all their glory. </p>

International Travel

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Peter Helliar’s Melbourne mansion sells for $3.6 million

<p>The Project host Peter Helliar is one of Australia’s most easily-recognisable television personalities and with all the exposure comes the ability to afford a nice place.</p> <p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Realestate.com.au reports</strong></em></span></a> the former residence of The Project co-host was recently purchased by a family from the area for a figure between $3.3million and $3.63million.</p> <p>Helliar reportedly was a fan of the property, but wanted to move because the family wanted a change and they thought it’d be a good idea to be closer to their son’s school.</p> <p>To take a peek inside <strong>scroll through the gallery above</strong>.</p> <p>What do you think? Was Peter Helliar mad to sell it?</p>

Home & Garden

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Inside Carrie Bickmore's new $3 million Byron Bay holiday home

<p>The Project host Carrie Bickmore has snapped up a holiday home in New South Wales’ Byron Bay for $3 million.</p> <p>Located in Byron Bay’s much sought after old town district, the four-bedroom 1920s original cottage was sold for $1.55 million two years ago after it was renovated.</p> <p>The Melbourne-based TV presenter sent Christmas break in Byron with her husband and two children.</p> <p>She shared on Instagram at the time of her break, saying "couldn't pick my fav holiday memory." </p> <p>"Love watching the kids play at the beach. They never get bored. Best playground ever,” she added.</p> <p>The holiday home, a short walk to Clarke's Beach, is frequently in media and magazine shoots, according to the listing.</p> <p>Have a peek inside the house in the gallery above. </p> <p><em>Image credit: First National</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Inside Prince Harry and Meghan's lavish Sydney rental property

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem like they’re the most talked about couple on planet earth right now, and with the Invictus Games in Sydney just around the corner everyone’s asking one thing – where is the royal couple going to stay?</p> <p>Well, it looks as though the royal couple isn’t leaving anything, as <em>Yahoo 7</em> reveals, with a lavish property already lined up for Harry and Meghan when they get into town.</p> <p>To see, <strong>scroll through the gallery above</strong>.</p> <p>What do you think? Reckon it will do the trick?</p>

Accommodation

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Commonwealth Bank's shocking advice revealed

<p>Commonwealth Bank has been accused of giving struggling first home buyers shocking advice, through the major banks controversial online chat function.</p> <p><a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a> reports economist Lindsay David set the big four bank up for a sting, posing as a would-be first home buyer while chatting to a CommBank sales agent, and asking if he could borrow $800,000 to buy an $800,000 house.</p> <p>“I haven’t really saved before but my parents said they would provide a parental guarantee by using equity in their home,” he wrote. “Do you provide loans like this?”</p> <p>The CommBank agent replied, “Yes, we definitely lend using guarantors, this is a great option. It’s difficult to save a deposit with the price of houses in Sydney isn’t it! :)”</p> <p>David said this sort of behaviour occurs with all banks.</p> <p>“The reality is it’s possible in Sydney to eat your smashed avo and still get into the housing market because you don’t need to save,” he said.</p> <p>“When people wonder why there are so many first home buyers out there who can afford to buy a property in Sydney, look no further. People are just using equity instead of cash. No one appears to have the cash to buy these places, they’re using equity because everyone’s house prices keep going up.”</p> <p>CommBank were quick to hit back, with a spokesman telling <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a>, ““In line with our responsible lending standards, we only provide loans to customers who meet our stringent lending criteria and who are able to service the loan on an ongoing basis.</p> <p>“While guarantors can help with a deposit, all customers who apply for a guarantor loan are assessed against these high standards, and are able to afford their repayments. Customers with a guarantor loan are less likely than average customers to default on their repayments.”</p> <p>But David is not convinced.</p> <p>“Sydney is one of the most expensive housing markets in the world and still hands down one of the easiest places in the world to get a loan to buy a house,” he said.  </p> <p>“You’d probably say a lot of the loans being issued today are not going to be repaid.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Have you had an issue with a big bank?</p> <p> </p>

Accommodation

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Family of seven lose $16,000 in Airbnb scam

<p><span>A family who paid $16,000 for an Airbnb rental are the latest victims of a fake listing.</span></p> <p><span>Police are investigating the scam but say their hands are tied as the family paid via an international bank transfer to a third party.</span></p> <p><span>The </span><em><span>New Zealand Herald</span></em><span> reported that the Spanish family is one of several victims who have lost large amounts of money through a scam which asks customers to stray from the usual Airbnb payment system.</span></p> <p><span>Amaia Ros, 19,  and her family are calling on Airbnb to improve host vetting after they realised they were scammed by a fake listing in Auckland.</span></p> <p><span>The family, who live in Barcelona, arrived in New Zealand in August for a short time to prepare for a long-term move.</span></p> <p><span>The family of seven had stayed in two rentals through Airbnb before finding out the third property was a scam.</span></p> <p><span>They had paid to stay in the fake listing from September 6 until the end of November – which amassed to a fee of $15,600.</span></p> <p><span>Her parents were “sad and worried” after the realisation of the scam set in, spending years of savings to visit New Zealand.</span></p> <p><span>“Thankfully we have enough money to stay ... but imagine if this happens to a family that doesn’t have the money. We were thinking of going back to Spain because of this, but then we met very lovely people and the community that helped us,” Ros said.</span></p> <p><span>Quickly, a group of community members rallied to donate a discounted rental home with furniture organised by Harcourts agent Rachael Bridger.</span></p> <p><span>Various dinners were dropped off to the grateful family who have since returned to Spain.</span></p> <p><strong>How to avoid an Airbnb scam</strong></p> <p><span>Airbnb users pay for their stays up front through the website. If guests pay directly to third parties rather than through Airbnb, they violate the policy and are no longer eligible for refunds. Hosts and tenants both receive endorsements through reviews.</span></p> <p><span>A spokesman for Airbnb stood by the website’s security and said hosts had to provide their name, date of birth, photos, phone numbers and email addresses. The platform also uses predictive analytics to evaluate and stop suspicious activity.</span></p> <p><span>“When we detect potentially concerning behaviour our team takes a range of actions including removing a user from the platform entirely,” the spokesman said. “Building a safe, trusted community is our priority.”</span></p> <p><span>New Zealand’s Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s Consumer Protection manager Mark Hollingsworth said accommodation scams are becoming more sophisticated.</span></p> <p><span>“If a consumer communicates directly with an accommodation host or makes any payments outside of the Airbnb online payment platform, they are no longer protected by the site’s terms and conditions. If a consumer is encouraged to do this, it could be a scam.”</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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Inside The Block judge Shaynna Blaze’s $1.29 million Melbourne home

<p>She’s the award-winning interior designer who’s doled out critiques on Australia's much-loved renovation series, The Block, for the past nine years.</p> <p>And now fans can see how judge Shaynna Blaze styles and decorates her own home, as she puts her Melbourne family house on the market.</p> <p>According to Realestate.com.au, Blaze is selling her Ringwood North home of 15 years and hoping to get $1.29 million.</p> <p>The 54-year-old interior expert raised her family, including daughter Carly and son Jesse, in the two-level property, but now lives in Hawthorn with partner Steve Vaughan since the kids moved out.</p> <p>“The kids moved out years ago, we lost our family dog and we haven’t really lived there since we have our property in Hawthorn, so it isn’t a family home to us anymore. It’s time for another family to love it and create their own memories,” Blaze told Property Confidential.</p> <p>The four-bedroom house on 700sqm has three open-plan living areas which feature timber floors, new carpets and stylish tiles throughout.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to peek inside Blaze’s family home.</p>

Accommodation

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's next big step

<p>Royal family experts have <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/10/prince-harrys-connection-to-kates-engagement-ring/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>predicted a huge announcement</strong></span></a> from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the coming days, as the couple look to take the next big step.</p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/10/is-meghan-markles-future-role-causing-conflict-in-the-palace/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Engagement rumours have gone into overdrive</strong></span></a> in recent days after confirming that Markle wouldn’t be signing on for another series of suits, with many royal pundits suggesting the actress is looking move in with Prince Harry sooner rather than later.  </p> <p>Royal expert Katie Nicholl cites unnamed sources which have confirmed that Markle has plans and was “likely to be moving to London as soon as November”.</p> <p>“She’s not signing up for another series of Suits. She’s planning to leave Canada and make London her new, permanent home,” Nicholl told <a href="http://www.etonline.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-likely-moving-together-soon-june-wedding-best-bet-sources-say-exclusive" target="_blank"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>ET Online</strong></span></em></a>.</p> <p>Focus has now turned to <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2017/10/prince-harry-takes-meghan-markle-to-meet-the-queen/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>where the couple will live</strong></span></a>. Harry currently resides at Nottingham Cottage, a small three-bedroom cottage in the Kensington Palace grounds, although Nicholls suggests would be willing to upsize should the two become engaged.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I am told she will be moving into Kensington Palace — in fact, she already keeps a wardrobe of clothes at Harry’s house over in Kensington Palace and she’s going to be spending all of her time over here from now on," says Nicholl.</p> <p>While Nicholl was coy on suggesting a date for the engagement, she said it was “all about the timing” and could be announced as soon as the new year.</p> <p>“You have to remember there are other engagements and events coming up in the royal calendar that an engagement simply couldn't clash with. I think that the new year is probably a more realistic prospect for an engagement announcement.”</p> <p>Nicholl expects the couple would wed in June, so as not to clash with the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy.</p> <p>“The duchess will have to get her figure back in time for a wedding and Prince William, who we are all assuming will be best man, will need to be available and not thinking about rushing off to a hospital,” Nicholl says.</p> <p>“So, I think there will need to be a bit of space between the royal baby being born mid-April and Meghan and Harry tying the knot. This summer is probably going to be the best bet for a royal wedding.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts?</p>

Accommodation

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Why you should never make coffee in your hotel room

<p>Before you pour yourself a cup of coffee from the hotel room coffee maker, you might want to read this.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep17163" title="www.nature.com">A study by the University of Valencia</a></strong> tested nine different Nespresso machines in hotel rooms that had been in use for at least one year.</p> <p>The report found: “All the machines revealed a significant bacterial diversity, with the total number of identified genera ranging from 35 to 67,” meaning a “moderately to highly abundant” quantity.</p> <p>South Nassau Communities Hospital’s Department of Medicine chairman Aaron Glatt said all food-related appliances carried health risks.</p> <p>“Any food-related item could potentially be a source of contamination, but as the coffee is brewed or boiled, this is less likely to be a common source of infection transmission. In any event, these items should be regularly cleaned as per the manufacturer’s recommendations,” Dr Glatt said.</p> <p>But where the in-room coffee makers are failing is the “regular cleaning part”.</p> <p>In order to prevent mould and bacteria from growing inside of coffee makers, they need to be cleaned every few months with vinegar.</p> <p>Hot water alone won’t kill the mould, so that quick rinse in the sink isn’t cleaning the coffee maker as much as you think it is.</p> <p>Think the coffee pot in the hotel lobby might be a better choice? Dr Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona, has studied communal coffee machines in office break rooms.</p> <p>“In studying the spread of a tracer virus, we found that the coffee pot handle in the break room was one of the first contaminated articles with the virus,” he says.</p> <p>“So, my suggestion is to always get your coffee first in the morning.”</p> <p> </p>

Travel Tips

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Couple's shock as they discover hidden camera in holiday home

<p>A couple has found a hidden camera in their holiday home, disguised as a smoke detector in the master bedroom of the Airbnb they were renting in Florida.</p> <p>Derek Starnes, who was holidaying in Longboat Key with his wife, told local news station <em><a href="http://www.wfla.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WFTS</strong></span> </a></em>that his suspicions were raised when he noticed a small black hole on the side of the smoke detector. When Starnes, who works in technology, took it down to get a better look at the device, he realised it was a hidden camera.</p> <p>Starnes immediately called the police, who would later arrest the 56-year-old homeowner Wayne Natt, who has been since charged with one count of video voyeurism.</p> <p>“We did have the opportunity to analyse what was on the SD card and there are a couple of different people on them,” Longboat Key Police Lt. Robert Bourque told <em>WFLA</em>.</p> <p>Airbnb spokesman Ben Breit said the company was “outraged at the reports of what happened.”</p> <p> “As soon as we were made aware, we permanently banned this individual from our community and fully supported the affected guests. Our team has reached out to local law enforcement to aid them with their investigation of the egregious offence and we hope justice is served. We take privacy issues extremely seriously and have a zero-tolerance policy against this behaviour.”</p> <p>Prior to his arrest, Natt had more than 40 reviews on the home sharing site and had reportedly been opening his house to Airbnb guests for two years.</p> <p>What are your thoughts? </p> <p><em><strong>Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=content&amp;utm_content=link1&amp;utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a></span> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.</strong></em></p>

Accommodation

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Keith Richards lists luxury NYC penthouse for $12 million

<p>Rock legend Keith Richards is selling his Greenwich Village penthouse in New York for $11.995 million, three years after he bought the luxury home with model wife Patti Hansen.</p> <p>The Rolling Stones guitarist, who purchased the Fifth Avenue home for $10.5 million in 2014, has listed the home at a lower price after it failed to sell last year at the asking price of $12.23 million.</p> <p>The penthouse features a 47-foot-long living, dining and entertainment space. There’s four bedrooms, two on each floor, which each boast en suite bathrooms.</p> <p>The master suite also features two walk-in wardrobes, whilst the home has access to three private terraces with views of the city and Washington Square Park.</p> <p>Take a peek inside the lavish home by flicking through the gallery above. </p>

Accommodation

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Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s future home

<p>They’re living together in Prince Harry’s two-bedroom cottage in Kensington Palace but lovebirds Harry and Meghan Markle can expect a grand upgrade when it comes time for Prince Charles to ascend the throne.</p> <p>Prince Charles and his wife Camilla currently reside at Clarence House, a four-storey mansion that was refurbished in 2003.</p> <p><img width="496" height="315" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43045/1_496x315.jpg" alt="1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Although there have been long-standing rumours the Prince of Wales and Camilla are planning to stay at Clarence House, royal officials this week confirmed Prince Charles would have to follow tradition and move to Buckingham Palace when he became king.</p> <p><img width="500" height="603" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43046/2_500x603.jpg" alt="2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>“Buckingham Palace will remain the official London residence of the monarch,” a royal spokesperson confirmed.</p> <p>Prince William and Kate are unlikely to occupy Clarence House after Charles' departure, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge insisting they will remain in Kensington Palace until he becomes monarch.</p> <p>This means Clarence House will be free for Harry and girlfriend Meghan, who have been in a relationship for over a year.</p> <p><img width="500" height="603" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43047/3_500x603.jpg" alt="3" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Until then, Prince Harry and the Suits actress are happy to happy to play home in Nottingham Cottage, which is the smallest residences on palace grounds.</p> <p>“They are incredibly happy there,” a source told the Express.</p>

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