Tips for B&B Guests: Surviving the Holidays

While the thought of snuggling before a roaring fire at your favorite B&B sounds perfect, follow some of this advice from seasoned B&B veterans to insure that your romantic respite doesn't resemble the grinch's getaway.

According to travel experts, this year more people traveled by car and airlines for Thanksgiving than in the past two years. With gas prices lower than they've been in two months, AAA Public Affairs Director, Mantill Williams says to expect the same crowds for Christmas vacation week too. While many people love to travel to a country inn or B&B for the Christmas holidays, it's important to make advance reservations, for both lodgings and your holiday meal, since many restaurants are booked well in advance, and others close for Christmas.

According to B&B industry veteran Sandra Soule, Editor for The BedandBreakfast.com Report, many B&Bs welcome guests during Christmas, but the extent to which the occasion is celebrated varies widely indeed. "We know of many inns that decorate beautifully, serve a fabulous meal, and organize all kinds of traditional holiday activities. But we've also visited others, especially in ski country, that focus more on snow reports than holiday celebrations," said Soule.

Sandra Soule offers this general advice when traveling to B&Bs this holiday season:

• " Some inns are closed December 24th and 25th, so be sure to check before assuming you will find you a room at the inn.
  
• " While B&B common rooms are generally lovely, be aware that it may not be possible to spend hours Christmas morning opening gifts in front of the tree, the way you would at home, unless you wish to share your Christmas joy with other guests.
  
• " Some inns decorate lavishly for Christmas; others just have a simple tree and possibly a Hanukkah menorah. Be sure to choose an inn that suits your personal comfort level.
  
• " If you'll be traveling by car, allow extra time for heavy traffic and winter weather. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before; drowsy driving isn't safe.
  
• " Avoid driving during peak times, such as the afternoon of Christmas Eve. You'll find empty roads if you choose to postpone your trip until Christmas day.
  
• " Take a break every two hours, especially if you're toting toddlers or children. Your cue for avoiding that "only 100 miles more" push is the change in pitch in your seven-year-old's fourth inquiry on "are we there yet?"
  
• " Airplane travelers should allow two hours for check-in and security.
  
• " If you have visions of capturing Santa on film, do not pack it in the luggage that you plan to check. The new luggage scanning machines can damage film, according to the FAA. Pack film in your carry-on for safe scanning through security x-ray machines.
  
• " If you're flying, plan to wrap gifts once you arrive. Whether you carry them on, or pack them, your beautiful wrapping may be ravaged as security personnel are mandated to unwrap all gifts.
  
• " Many B&Bs have common rooms and alcoves perfect for stealing away to wrap those gifts. To save time at the security check-points, pack metal, jewelry, and other accessories with your checked luggage, so you're not wasting time disrobing at check-in.
  
• " If you're driving to your holiday getaway with a car filled with wrapped gifts, don't leave them piled up on the back seat of your car, especially in urban areas. A pile of presents makes a tempting target for a break-in.
  
• " Another option for holiday travel is by train. Plan on increased security at all Amtrak stations too, so allow plenty of time.
  

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BedandBreakfast.com is the leading online bed & breakfast reservation network, listing over 27,000 bed & breakfasts and inns throughout the United States and internationally. A wide variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inn goers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase gift certificates accepted at nearly 2300 U.S. bed & breakfast inns, subscribe to a free newsletter, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards. Founded in 1994 by Eric Goldreyer, BedandBreakfast.com's goal is to provide the best possible experience for innkeepers and inn goers alike.