Investment Opportunities for the Coming Decade

According to projections from industry analysts, three of the best investment opportunities for the next ten years may include gold, silver, and food. These projections reflect the growing economic uncertainty becoming commonplace in many areas of the world.

Food as an Investment

All three of these investment opportunities are commodities, with food being the least specific as many different kinds of food are traded in the commodity markets. This makes buying food futures as an investment strategy somewhat hard to implement. Overall food price levels may rise but if, for example, sugar happens to decline due to local factors such as a particularly favourable growing season producing a bumper crop, those who invested in sugar will be left out of the general increase in food values.

Food is also a challenging investment option because its nature makes it difficult to hold directly for long-term investing. Foodstuffs, after all, are organic products that are subject to decay. Food investors must usually purchase investment vehicles rather than the product itself.

Precious Metals as an Investment

The situation is different with precious metals such as silver or gold. The worldwide gold price is not subject to regional variations as food prices can be, and since precious metals do not decay, investors can purchase gold bullion and store it in a safe in their homes if they wish. This investment strategy also has drawbacks, of course, the chief one being the possibility of theft.

One solution to the theft problem is to buy gold online. Using this strategy, investors work with an online firm that helps them access various bullion markets around the world. Such firms provide their clients with information about the current gold price, assist them with buying and selling as needed, and even help them store their precious metals investments in secure vaults in cities such as London, New York, and Zurich. Clients who decide they would prefer to hold their gold directly usually have the option of withdrawing their bars at any time.

Buying gold online can also have other advantages. Trading in coins, for example, may require investors to purchase gold in very limited quantities such as the quarter-ounce. Investors who wish to purchase large quantities of gold may need to complete dozens of transactions, but working with an online firm enables clients to purchase any quantity of gold bullion they wish, any time they want.

With economic uncertainty increasing, investors should begin to consider which types of financial vehicles will best protect the value of their assets in the years to come.

Would You Like a Simple Way to Screen Your Coins for Authenticity? These 3 Tests Will Do That

Counterfeit coins were originally created by people wanting fool merchants and get a cheaper supply of spending money. The counterfeits had to only vaguely resemble the money they were copying to pass because merchants didn't pay much attention to the money.

Now counterfeit coins are made to fool collectors, rather than merchants. This is because the collector market has put substantial premiums on the original value of coins. The new counterfeits are much more difficult to detect, because collectors scrutinize their money more closely than merchants.

The profile of a counterfeit is like profiling a shoplifter. There isn't any. Some lower grade bullion coins are fake. Most people aren't paying close attention to their bullion material, so they are easy to escape unnoticed. The expensive coins are more profitable, but are also more closely scrutinized.

Screening a new coin purchase:

1. Visual Test: When I go to buy a coin, I first screen it by giving it a visual inspection. If I'm not familiar with the coin, I compare it to a known real example. I compare details on both sides, looking closely at the date and value denomination. Next I compare the thickness. Fake coins are almost always thicker than their authentic counterpart.

2. Ring Test: I give the coin the "ring" test by balancing it on the tip of my index finger and striking the edge with a Paper Mate stick pen. I carry that with me as the striker, because it won't harm the coin, and it is solid enough to get a good ring out of the coin when you strike it. A pencil actually doesn't work as well. I've grown to love the sustained "tingggg" I get from almost all coins I test.

The "ring" test works especially well on medium to larger coins. It is quite useful on one ounce silver and gold coins. The vast, vast majority of coins ring. Not-ringing isn't a conclusive test of being counterfeit however. I have encountered a very few genuine coins that don't ring, but I will normally pass up a specimen that doesn't ring.

3. Weight Test: If a coin is still questionable, I will weigh it. The coin in question should weigh within half a gram of a real one, although it would have to be more than a gram off, before I would use weight to convict it.

No single test is infallible when testing a coin for legitimacy. I have to feel pretty certain of my accusation, before calling a coin fake. If a coin fails two of my tests, I will usually call it "highly questionable".

Sending it to a grading service will cost a fair amount, but you'll know for certain the heritage of your coin. Otherwise, I cull the questionable ones from my collection for further investigation. That may include cutting the suspect in half for an autopsy.

Dealing With the Precious Metal

Gold with purity of 0.999% is available in the form of bars weighing 10 ounces or more. These bars are known as bullion. The bullion are pure 24 carat gold. A Merchant who invests large amount of money and buy the bullion for resale to general public is called gold dealer. Members of the public become owners of bullion through these dealers. The dealers of gold keep bullion weighing up to 400 ounces. Gold can be purchased from these dealers against US dollars as well as Canadian dollars. The orders for gold can be placed online. The dealer will ask to make payment either by cheque or by bank transfer. On receipt of the payment, the gold will be shipped. 10 ounce bullion can be purchased directly from the dealer's office also against payment. The dealers will also buy gold bullion from the public. The price can be mutually fixed over phone. Apart from bullion, gold can be purchased or sold in the form of coins also.

When an order for bullion is placed with a dealer, the price will be calculated based on ruling gold price at that time. In most of the cases, the buyer should make payment within 7 days of placing order. The buyer is at liberty to cancel his order if the price of gold is not changed. However, if the price becomes less, it will be the buyer's responsibility and he will be charged for that. The dealers will dispatch the bullion within 3 days of receipt of payment. The firms which deal in gold will entertain feedback and quality complaints from buyers promptly.

A few among the dealers of gold deal with only gold coins. They will be having raw coins and certified coins. Certified coins will be tested and graded by professional Coin Grading Services. Prices of coins will be corresponding to the daily spot prices. Coins can be purchased directly from the dealers' website. There are business firms who will act as brokers for gold purchase. Gold can be purchased from them also. Buyers can call them over phone and fix the price on the basis of spot price of the day. If the deal is finalized, buyer will be allotted a contract number and a locked in price. Buyer can buy the gold irrespective of the market prices after finalization of their contract. When buying gold from a gold dealer, the buyer should have his own judgment regarding the price.

Avoid Fraudulent Gold Buyers: Learn How To Sell Gold Online

You've probably seen commercials or advertisements for companies that offer cash for your old gold, silver, and jewelry. It seems like a great deal, but how can you make sure it isn't a scam? Read on to learn how to avoid a scam and sell your gold, silver, and jewelry online.

Whether you are looking to sell 24k gold jewelry or want to sell scrap gold, most gold buyers are willing to take it off your hands and give you cash in return. But you want to make sure you get the best price when you sell jewelry, gold, or silver.

If you're wondering how much your gold is worth and a competitor doesn't publish their price, beware! Many gold buyers and jewelry buyers will not publish their prices or provide a straightforward answer because they don't want you to know how little they pay for your gold!

Protect yourself from unscrupulous businesses. Before you decide to transact business with any establishment you are strongly advised to research their legitimacy. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the company, and if you can, go visit their brick and mortar store in person.

If you can go see them in person, their gold buyers should take the time to evaluate and assess each of your items in front of you. (The most popular method of evaluating gold is hand-testing, which is a non-destructive test that allows us to establish the purity of your items for proper payout.)

For most gold jewelry the value is in the precious metal content of the item - generally the weight of the piece multiplied by current gold prices. However, some pieces may have a higher value if it is a signature piece (i.e. a "signed" piece by Cartier or Tiffany & Co.), contains diamonds, or is a collector's item.

If you are selling your gold online, be sure to clearly read their terms of services before sending them any of your gold, silver, or jewelry. Also ensure that they send you a package to ship your gold (you shouldn't be sending your items on your dime), and that the shipping is insured. When you receive your offer of cash for gold, you should never feel pressured to sell. Gold buyers often do this, but if they do, take your items and find someone else to sell to.

Selling your gold, silver, and jewelry can be a great way to receive extra cash. Just make sure you take your business to legitimate, honest gold buyers, and you can avoid scams and receive the most cash for your gold.

The Greatest Wealth Transfer and Opportunity In History - Fast Approaching

What is currently being done today to the US dollar greatly impacts it negatively. Which in-turn is negatively impacting every fiat currency in the world. Sadly today there is no culture, country or currency that is safe from the negative effects of the dollar. Basically stated, if the world's reserve currency is sick and catches a cold it will become contagious. At that point all the rest of the currencies on the planet will become sick. The truth be told however, at this point the dollar is not just sick, it does not simply have a cold, it's got terminal cancer.

The demise of our world-wide monetary system

At some point the dollar will finally implode after all attempts to stop the process have failed. It is the way governments and central banks have addressed and tried to fix the problem, that's making the problem terminal. As more deficit spending occurs, money printing continues. By masking the ill effects of debt, more and more potential energy is created and stored upon the dollar.

Once the potential energy is finally released, the resulting implosion will be so severe that a majority of people will be in serious duress and financial turmoil. The only few survivors left will be those people who have pre-positioned themselves ahead of time by holding physical precious metals namely gold and silver.

For Every Crisis that Occurs, Opportunity Follows

Many indicators today are telling us that this event is going to be the greatest opportunity in the history of civilization. The timing of this event of course cannot be pegged to any specific timeline. However it is safe to say it will happen in full force, before the current decade runs out. This decade will not be like anything of the past, nor anything that anyone alive today has ever seen or known. There will be major changes taking place throughout the world's financial system.

Problems that were speaking about have already occurred throughout the world on a small-scale. We have seen pockets of these economic calamities occurring within our current lifetimes. Examples for the older generations, look at the hyperinflation of 1923 in Weimar Germany. For the younger generations, we can look to the massive hyperinflation within Zimbabwe that occurred, where in-fact there still trying to recover.

During these times people have always had the option to hold their wealth in US dollars to keep from losing all their assets. But now, today, if all the currencies in the world are sick at the same time, suffering from the same huge inflationary forces, or worse a lack of confidence in currencies, then at that point there is no place else to seek safety other than by holding physical gold and silver.

There has never been a world-wide demand simultaneously, what is happening in the world today is actually a brand new phenomenon that will be absolutely huge. We will all be witnessing the greatest wealth transfer in the history of mankind take place. Therefore we will see the greatest opportunity of mankind taking place. The good news is for those people who act now. Acting now will enable you to take part in this great wealth transfer as it un-folds.

Tom Genot -

Do You Own Mint Packaged or Graded Coins? China Is Producing Knock-Offs of These Too

The cleverest knock-off coins come from China packaged in PCGS holders. This not only authenticates them, but makes it more difficult to closely examine the coin and apply the screening tests outlined in other articles.

Some modern counterfeits are so good, they look even better than the original. I've encountered counterfeits, I would pick as the genuine coin because they look better. I have some counterfeit pandas that I'd swear were made at one of the China mints after hours.

The pandas are mint wrapped, so they discourage further investigation. I removed the wrap and capsule only to find the coin didn't pass the "ring" test and was too thick, compared to another I had. Had I left the coins in the mint wrap, I would have been completely fooled. Their look and weight was right on. The thickness gave them away.

If you buy a graded coin from an unknown source, compare it to a known coin of a similar type. Oftentimes the holder won't look exactly like the original. Some details will be missing or slightly different from the original holder. The holder should fit directly into another holder from the same grading company. They are meant to stack on each other.

If you do encounter a suspicious looking PCGS slabbed coin, return the coin to the grading company. PCGS will check its authenticity. There is a $25 charge for this service plus S&H. Fill out a submission form and check "guaranteed resubmission" on the form.

NGC has a simple, much cheaper and faster way of verifying their coins. You just go the NGC website to "verify NGC certification" on the home page. Enter the number printed above the bar code on the front of your slab and a picture comes up showing the very holder they certified with that number. If yours doesn't match, you know it's fake.

You can be certain of a coins authenticity when the raw coin returns from a major grading company like NGC or PCGS and it is given their approval. Use diligence when buying your coins and scrutinize them closely.

Avoid buying anything that looks suspicious to you. The price may cause suspicion because it is being offered too low. No one will sell precious metal much below bullion costs, so be very leery of someone who is.

Study your coins of interest, using the many available references to see what they should look like, so you can spot a fake easier. Get a second opinion on your proposed purchase if necessary, and purchase only from reputable dealers.

Choosing the Best Life Insurance Option for You

Life insurance in the UK is becoming more and more popular with many people now realizing the importance and the benefits of a good life insurance policy. There are two main types of popular life insurance, both of which offer a range of invaluable benefits to UK consumers.

Level Term Life Insurance

Level term life insurance is the most popular type of life insurance policy with UK consumers, and this may be because it is also the cheapest form of insurance. With level term insurance, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind at an affordable price. If you die during the term of this insurance policy, your family will receive a lump sum payment, which can help to cover a number of costs as well as provide some degree of financial security at what will inevitably be a difficult time. The money could assist with costs such as:

Mortgage repayments Funeral costs Education costs for the children Day-to-day living

One of the reasons that level term life insurance is a fair bit cheaper than other life insurance is because the insurer only has to make a payment if the insured party passes away, and even then the insured party has to die during the term of the policy for the next of kin (or the named beneficiary) to be eligible for a payout. One of the great things about levels term insurance is that you can benefit from cover for just a few pounds each week, and because the payments remain the same throughout the term of the policy, you'll never have to worry about rising payments.

The reason why a level term insurance policy is so called is because the repayment remain level throughout the term of the policy, so you will never have to worry about the cost of your policy rising. The policy is also taken over a fixed term, which is where the 'term' part of the policy comes in. This means that you can enjoy easy budgeting and low cost repayments, and you'll know exactly how long you will be making payment for. On the downside, once the policy expires you will not be able to reclaim any money and the policy will be cancelled, so you will then need to look at taking out alternative life insurance cover.

The average term of a level term life insurance policy - unless otherwise specified - is fifteen years. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the cost of the policy such as whether you go for the most basic package or whether you include a bolt-on such as critical illness cover, whether you are a smoker, your general health, and the term over which you take the policy out.

Whole Life Insurance

Unlike level term life insurance, whole life cover offers a guaranteed payout, which to many people makes it better value for money in the long run. Although the repayments on this type of cover are more expensive than level term insurance, the insurer will make pay out whenever the insured party passes away, so the higher monthly payments will guarantee a payout at some point.

There are a number of different types of whole life insurance policies, and consumers can select the one that best fits their needs and their budget. As with other insurance policies, you can tailor-make your whole life insurance cover to include additional cover such as critical illness insurance. The variations on whole life insurance cover include:

Non-profit UK whole life insurance policies: This is the simplest form of whole life cover, and enables you to enjoy the convenience of level payments through the term of the policy until you die. Upon death, your family received a payout and the policy becomes null and void. If you want to pay a little extra, you can take out a policy that is fixed over a specified term, which means that you will only be making payments for a certain amount of time, but your family will still receive a payout when you die.

With-profit UK whole life insurance: This is a cover and investment type scheme, where your monthly payments are split between your cover premiums and the investment side of your policy. You will enjoy a guaranteed assured sum, and you may find that your insurer adds discretionary bonuses.

Low cost UK whole life insurance: One of the cheapest forms of whole life cover, this type of policy features a decreasing term plan, and the policy is combined with a profits fund. As bonuses are added to the profit side of the policy, the policy term decreases. This provides a cost effective solution for those that want to enjoy the benefits of whole life insurance cover without having to make high monthly payments.

Unitised UK whole life insurance policy: When you purchase this type of whole life cover, you will also be investing in with-profit units. This means that when the insurer makes a payout, the sum awarded will be dependent upon the value of the units in comparison to the value of the death benefit (the payout will be based upon whichever is the highest in value). Each month units are cancelled in order to increase levels of death benefit cover, with reviews carried out from time to time to ensure adequate levels of death benefit cover.

Summary

Both level term insurance policies and whole life policies offer valuable peace of mind to policyholders. The cost of this type of life cover is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with being protected, and you can increase this peace of mind by adding extras such as critical illness to your policy for just a small extra fee.

As a nation, we like to insure just about everything we can...our cars, our homes, our belongings, our pets, and even our credit repayments. It therefore makes sense that we should insure the most important thing of all - our lives.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

There are two different types of life insurance, term life insurance and permanent life insurance. Term life insurance is the easier of the two plans. This plan supplies you with death protection for a pre-determined amount of time, anywhere from one to 30 years. If you happen to die while paying on this type of policy your beneficiary will be paid the amount of money you specified when purchasing the policy. If at the end of the term you are still living your death protection coverage will cease unless of course you renew the policy. You can purchase this policy on a minimum budget and it is particularly perfect for providing coverage while your children are still in the home or while paying off a mortgage or other large loans.

This plan is merely a "quick fix." It is similar to leasing a vehicle. You pay a lower cost for the privilege of driving the car knowing you will return it after a short period of time. However, just like when leasing a vehicle there is an option to buy. If you are purchasing term life insurance because you need protection now but can't afford the higher payments of permanent protection in most cases you can switch your plan over to permanent protection when your situation changes (be sure to verify this before purchasing any policy). You can also look at term life insurance as an efficient means of protecting your family while using your remaining finances for savings or other investments.

Although this type of coverage is less expensive than permanent life insurance your premiums will increase at renewal periods as you grow older. Normally at renewal periods you will also be required to obtain a physical in order to qualify for the lowest rates.

There are four different types of term life insurance policies one of which is renewable term insurance. This policy will delete your need to submit to a physical when renewing your policy. The company agrees to renew your policy even if your health has declined however, be prepared to pay higher premiums with each renewal when purchasing this plan.

Convertible term insurance will allow you to switch from term to permanent life insurance without succumbing to a health exam first. Of course this convenience will more often than not come with the expense of higher premiums. On the bright side once you convert to permanent your premiums will not increase as with the renewal of the term plan.

Level term insurance presents a permanent premium for a pre-determined number of years, usually 10 or 20, and the death benefit remains the same. With this policy you will lock in a particular price for the duration of the policy. The down side to this plan is that the rate will rise significantly if you decide to renew with subsequent level policies.

The remaining plan is the decreasing term insurance policy. Throughout the term of this policy the death benefit will decrease. You may start out with $250,000 worth of coverage however for the first 10 years each year your benefit will be reduced by $10,000. The premiums on this policy will also vary over the term of the policy, it is for these reasons that this policy is not highly recommended nor sold very often.

Inns and Bed and Breakfasts - Are They For Everybody?

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.

Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here's the answers to some basic questions to determine if it's the type of accommodation that'll work for you...

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that... expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.

Remember... the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.

WHAT'S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?

Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you'll be told when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you arrivals outside those hours.

But you need to let them know if you'll be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It's one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel - they're staffed round the clock - but it's entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?

You bet you can!

Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the last room then don't be offended if it's no dice on a price reduction. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.

Most inns can book their weekend's months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.

I love staying in inns. They've a lot going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. You'll find web sites devoted to inn and bed and breakfast listings now - so crank up Yahoo or Google and get searching... and saving!

How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

So you've decided to shun the neon-flashing motel chains and marble-foyered monsters and venture into the world of cozy, intimate bed and breakfasts? After all, you've heard how much more personal and romantic the b&b experience is, right? Well....usually that's the gospel truth. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself (and prospective innkeepers) before you make your final decision and turn over your credit card number.

The first thing to consider is the area of the country you will be visiting. Many towns across America offer the b&b experience but only have a handful of options for you to consider. On the other hand, if you visit our hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas (population 9,000) there are literally hundreds of b&b's, reportedly the largest number of b&b's per capita in the nation. Unfortunately for the unwary traveller, not all are created equal! When visiting such a popular bed and breakfast town, the research you do beforehand will greatly impact the quality of your stay.

These days it seems almost everyone makes their travel decisions and arrangements through the internet. In fact you are probably one of those individuals or you wouldn't be reading this article. You can always begin your search by typing in your destination city or town and "bed and breakfast" into your search engine to get an idea of the options you'll have. As you begin to view the properties, you should consider whether the b&b has the following amenities (assuming these are important to you): private bath, temperature control, full or continental breakfast, off-street parking, daily housekeeping and the ever-important factor....location.

Let's begin with location. Proximity to the "center of action" is often a plus for many travelers; however, it sometimes comes with a drawback...noise. In our town, many visitors want to be "on Main Street," and to be sure it is a boon at the end of the day when carrying heavy shopping bags back to your room. However, guests are sometimes surprised at the street noise which lasts throughout the night (Main Street is, after all, Highway 290)! Some visitors prefer to be a few blocks off Main with a bit more privacy yet good access to Main Street. Still others prefer a place in the country.

Making this first decision will cut the number of properties you consider by as much as 2/3. A note of caution however; if location is a prime concern of yours be very detailed in your quest. For example, many Fredericksburg bed and breakfasts advertise "Located on Main Street," but what they don't tell you is they are a mile and a half from the shopping district on the west end of town. In our town, the 100-300 blocks of East Main are considered the true shopping district. So if proximity to shopping is your goal, you would be better off with a cottage 3 blocks off of Main but within the 100-300 blocks than at the property a mile and a half from shopping that sounds so convenient. Remember the old addage, "Buyer Beware."

Question number two could be whether to stay at an Inn or an individual cottage. Fredericksburg is unique in offering literally hundreds of one-couple, individual Sunday Houses or cottages in addition to numerous true multi-unit inns. One big distinction here other than the obvious over-all privacy issue is usually breakfast. In a private cottage you almost always receive a continental breakfast, left before you arrive. At a traditional "Inn" or bed and breakfast, you are often served a full gourmet breakfast at a pre-arranged time...along with other guests. So for many guests the choice comes down to continental with privacy or full-breakast served in a dining room. Either option offers lots of possibilities. But with so many different properties, there are no set rules; so check their website or ask!

One more common pitfall is something that sounds so basic but can really impact your experience: decor. Word on the street in b&b circles is that guests are increasingly looking for a "magazine spread" when they walk in the door. Nothing pleases me more than to open our guestbook and read, "When we opened the door the beautiful room just took my breath away!" Few people go to a bed and breakfast looking for the type decor they have at home...or worse, their granny's decor! However, many b&b owners are under the false impression that they can take an empty rent-house and hang out their shingle. They may stumble upon a few unsuspecting guests...but you don't want it to be you. Be sure and check the pictures on the website. I would never book a room that didn't at least show photos of the exterior of the cottage or inn and the bed. Webmasters tell me that these are the two photo's potential guests are most interested in. I would be very wary of a facility that wasn't proud to show its exterior and at least one photo of the inside of each room. Jacuzzi tubs, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, it's all out there for the taking...for those who do their homework. Spend a little extra time asking the right questions and you can have the most wonderful, relaxing getaway experience yet.

Inns and Bed and Breakfasts - Are They For Everybody?

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.

Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here's the answers to some basic questions to determine if it's the type of accommodation that'll work for you...

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that... expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.

Remember... the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.

WHAT'S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?

Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you'll be told when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you arrivals outside those hours.

But you need to let them know if you'll be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It's one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel - they're staffed round the clock - but it's entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?

You bet you can!

Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the last room then don't be offended if it's no dice on a price reduction. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.

Most inns can book their weekend's months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.

I love staying in inns. They've a lot going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. You'll find web sites devoted to inn and bed and breakfast listings now - so crank up Yahoo or Google and get searching... and saving!

Inns and Bed and Breakfasts - Are They For Everybody?

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.

Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here's the answers to some basic questions to determine if it's the type of accommodation that'll work for you...

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that... expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.

Remember... the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.

WHAT'S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?

Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you'll be told when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you arrivals outside those hours.

But you need to let them know if you'll be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It's one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel - they're staffed round the clock - but it's entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?

You bet you can!

Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the last room then don't be offended if it's no dice on a price reduction. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.

Most inns can book their weekend's months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.

I love staying in inns. They've a lot going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. You'll find web sites devoted to inn and bed and breakfast listings now - so crank up Yahoo or Google and get searching... and saving!

Choose a Bed and Breakfast Over a Hotel Chain and Enjoy Your Vacation

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in common; you need a place to stay. Unfortunately, many individuals choose large hotel chains which have no personality and do nothing more than provide a place to sleep for their guests. However, when business and vacation travelers choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast they are able to enjoy their trip even more simply because Bed and Breakfast inns focus on each individual guest. In fact, there are several benefits a Bed and Breakfast has over regular hotels.

Benefit #1 Feel at Home

Most Bed and Breakfast Inns are typically small and have a limited number of rooms to rent out. However, each room has a lot of personality and is generally decorated around a theme and focuses on the comfort of guests. Each room is decorated in an elegant at-home way that is easily enjoyed by guests who want comfortable and beautiful surroundings to enjoy while on their trip. You certainly won't encounter the generic rooms of common hotels. All in all, when you stay at a Bed and Breakfast you will feel at home.

Benefit #2 Great Food

As the name suggests the daily rate of a Bed and Breakfast stay will certainly include the first meal of the day. While a Continental breakfast is frequently included in chain hotel rates the breakfast at a Bed and Breakfast is always of a significantly higher quality. This is because innkeepers take pride in serving well balanced and tasty meals allowing guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay. Although every Bed and Breakfast is different you can generally expect a full breakfast of meat and eggs with fresh baked muffins, fresh squeezed juice and fruit. Usually breakfast is served on fine china with silver cutlery, much higher class than disposable plates and cutlery at low priced hotel chains.

Benefit #3 More Economical

You are probably thinking, "yeah, right!" But the truth is Bed and Breakfast Inns really are more economical when you consider the entire price of the stay. For example, a Bed and Breakfast may charge what seems like expensive nightly fees, but everything is basically included from local phone calls to movies, and concierge services to parking. Just these extras at a hotel can add $100 or more to your daily bill. So, in the overall scheme of things a Bed and Breakfast will probably save you money and you will be more comfortable and relaxed at the same time.

How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast

So you've decided to shun the neon-flashing motel chains and marble-foyered monsters and venture into the world of cozy, intimate bed and breakfasts? After all, you've heard how much more personal and romantic the b&b experience is, right? Well....usually that's the gospel truth. However, there are certain things to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself (and prospective innkeepers) before you make your final decision and turn over your credit card number.

The first thing to consider is the area of the country you will be visiting. Many towns across America offer the b&b experience but only have a handful of options for you to consider. On the other hand, if you visit our hometown of Fredericksburg, Texas (population 9,000) there are literally hundreds of b&b's, reportedly the largest number of b&b's per capita in the nation. Unfortunately for the unwary traveller, not all are created equal! When visiting such a popular bed and breakfast town, the research you do beforehand will greatly impact the quality of your stay.

These days it seems almost everyone makes their travel decisions and arrangements through the internet. In fact you are probably one of those individuals or you wouldn't be reading this article. You can always begin your search by typing in your destination city or town and "bed and breakfast" into your search engine to get an idea of the options you'll have. As you begin to view the properties, you should consider whether the b&b has the following amenities (assuming these are important to you): private bath, temperature control, full or continental breakfast, off-street parking, daily housekeeping and the ever-important factor....location.

Let's begin with location. Proximity to the "center of action" is often a plus for many travelers; however, it sometimes comes with a drawback...noise. In our town, many visitors want to be "on Main Street," and to be sure it is a boon at the end of the day when carrying heavy shopping bags back to your room. However, guests are sometimes surprised at the street noise which lasts throughout the night (Main Street is, after all, Highway 290)! Some visitors prefer to be a few blocks off Main with a bit more privacy yet good access to Main Street. Still others prefer a place in the country.

Making this first decision will cut the number of properties you consider by as much as 2/3. A note of caution however; if location is a prime concern of yours be very detailed in your quest. For example, many Fredericksburg bed and breakfasts advertise "Located on Main Street," but what they don't tell you is they are a mile and a half from the shopping district on the west end of town. In our town, the 100-300 blocks of East Main are considered the true shopping district. So if proximity to shopping is your goal, you would be better off with a cottage 3 blocks off of Main but within the 100-300 blocks than at the property a mile and a half from shopping that sounds so convenient. Remember the old addage, "Buyer Beware."

Question number two could be whether to stay at an Inn or an individual cottage. Fredericksburg is unique in offering literally hundreds of one-couple, individual Sunday Houses or cottages in addition to numerous true multi-unit inns. One big distinction here other than the obvious over-all privacy issue is usually breakfast. In a private cottage you almost always receive a continental breakfast, left before you arrive. At a traditional "Inn" or bed and breakfast, you are often served a full gourmet breakfast at a pre-arranged time...along with other guests. So for many guests the choice comes down to continental with privacy or full-breakast served in a dining room. Either option offers lots of possibilities. But with so many different properties, there are no set rules; so check their website or ask!

One more common pitfall is something that sounds so basic but can really impact your experience: decor. Word on the street in b&b circles is that guests are increasingly looking for a "magazine spread" when they walk in the door. Nothing pleases me more than to open our guestbook and read, "When we opened the door the beautiful room just took my breath away!" Few people go to a bed and breakfast looking for the type decor they have at home...or worse, their granny's decor! However, many b&b owners are under the false impression that they can take an empty rent-house and hang out their shingle. They may stumble upon a few unsuspecting guests...but you don't want it to be you. Be sure and check the pictures on the website. I would never book a room that didn't at least show photos of the exterior of the cottage or inn and the bed. Webmasters tell me that these are the two photo's potential guests are most interested in. I would be very wary of a facility that wasn't proud to show its exterior and at least one photo of the inside of each room. Jacuzzi tubs, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, it's all out there for the taking...for those who do their homework. Spend a little extra time asking the right questions and you can have the most wonderful, relaxing getaway experience yet.

Choose a Bed and Breakfast Over a Hotel Chain and Enjoy Your Vacation

Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in common; you need a place to stay. Unfortunately, many individuals choose large hotel chains which have no personality and do nothing more than provide a place to sleep for their guests. However, when business and vacation travelers choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast they are able to enjoy their trip even more simply because Bed and Breakfast inns focus on each individual guest. In fact, there are several benefits a Bed and Breakfast has over regular hotels.

Benefit #1 Feel at Home

Most Bed and Breakfast Inns are typically small and have a limited number of rooms to rent out. However, each room has a lot of personality and is generally decorated around a theme and focuses on the comfort of guests. Each room is decorated in an elegant at-home way that is easily enjoyed by guests who want comfortable and beautiful surroundings to enjoy while on their trip. You certainly won't encounter the generic rooms of common hotels. All in all, when you stay at a Bed and Breakfast you will feel at home.

Benefit #2 Great Food

As the name suggests the daily rate of a Bed and Breakfast stay will certainly include the first meal of the day. While a Continental breakfast is frequently included in chain hotel rates the breakfast at a Bed and Breakfast is always of a significantly higher quality. This is because innkeepers take pride in serving well balanced and tasty meals allowing guests to enjoy every aspect of their stay. Although every Bed and Breakfast is different you can generally expect a full breakfast of meat and eggs with fresh baked muffins, fresh squeezed juice and fruit. Usually breakfast is served on fine china with silver cutlery, much higher class than disposable plates and cutlery at low priced hotel chains.

Benefit #3 More Economical

You are probably thinking, "yeah, right!" But the truth is Bed and Breakfast Inns really are more economical when you consider the entire price of the stay. For example, a Bed and Breakfast may charge what seems like expensive nightly fees, but everything is basically included from local phone calls to movies, and concierge services to parking. Just these extras at a hotel can add $100 or more to your daily bill. So, in the overall scheme of things a Bed and Breakfast will probably save you money and you will be more comfortable and relaxed at the same time.