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Musings

Thoughts on destinations, memorable trips, and the small things that make them special.

Featured

Do You Have to Leave Condiments for Airbnb Guests? A Host's Guide

You do not have to leave condiments for guests, but a few thoughtful, sealed basics can make the stay easier and nudge your reviews in the right direction. Here is what to leave, what to skip, and the cleanest way to ...

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Beaufort Low Country Travel

Best Things to Do on a 3 Day Trip to Beaufort, South Carolina

Alligators, waterfront seafood, Spanish-moss and live oaks — here's my favorites guide to the best things to do on a three-day trip to Beaufort and Port Roya...

Beaufort SC vacation rental

What Made a Small Vacation Rental Feel Magical

We stayed in a tiny two-bedroom cottage above the Beaufort marsh — and it turned out to be one of our favorite rentals ever. Here's what made a small space f...

Rental Review

Why Your Cleaning Crew Just Cost You a Repeat Booking

Getting a first booking is a marketing problem. Photos, listing copy, pricing. You know how to do this — or the resort or property manager is doing it for yo...

travel essentials

Let The People Lounge!

I can't count the number of vacation villas and condos I've rented. After 20 years of obsessing over the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the US coasts, I've d...

Airbnb hosts

5 Easy Ways to Get Better Airbnb Reviews (Hint: Start in the Kitchen)

Guest expectations have shifted — and the kitchen is where five-star reviews are won or lost. Five easy, low-cost ways to get better Airbnb reviews.

kitchen checklist

The Complete Vacation Rental Kitchen Checklist for Hosts

A great vacation rental kitchen doesn't have to be expensive — it just has to be thoughtful.